The bittersweet return to Manhattan, Kansas, marks the beginning of the end for the beloved series "Somebody Somewhere." As we delve into the third and final season with the premiere episode "Margarini," we are reminded of the show's core themes: embracing change and facing one's fears. Sam Miller, the heart of the series, has always been a character caught between the desire for stability and the necessity of growth. This episode encapsulates her struggle with change as she watches those around her evolve, leaving her to confront her own stagnation.
The episode opens with a sense of finality, as we are reminded that this season will be the last. It's a sentiment that resonates with Sam, who has always had a complicated relationship with change. Her journey over the first two seasons has been one of baby steps towards personal growth, as she grapples with her fears of abandonment and rejection. These fears have kept her from fully embracing the changes that could enrich her life, a pattern that continues into the third season.
Sam's sister Tricia, freshly divorced and thriving in her newfound independence, represents a stark contrast to Sam's hesitance. Tricia's decision to leave her husband and dive headfirst into the dating scene is a bold move that Sam both admires and envies. When Tricia cancels their plans to go on a date, leaving Sam to face a night alone with enchiladas, the sting of being left behind is palpable.
This sense of isolation extends to Sam's friendships as well. Her visit to Brad and Joel's church bake sale reveals that everyone is moving on with their lives. Newlyweds Fred and Susan are off to a couples fantasy football league, and Joel is busy with his new life with Brad. The news that Joel has sold his house and is moving in with Brad is a double blow to Sam, as it signifies the end of their rental business and the loss of a close friend's daily presence in her life.
The episode's title, "Margarini," is a metaphor for Sam's desire to escape the reality of her situation. The idea of drinking margarinis and sinking into denial is a tempting one for Sam, but it's also a clear indication of her fear of change. This fear is further highlighted when Sam visits an animal shelter and forms a connection with a dog named Pepper. Despite her obvious love for the dog, Sam hesitates to adopt her, fearing the commitment and change that comes with such a decision. When she finally decides to take the plunge, Pepper has already been adopted by someone else, a heartbreaking moment that mirrors Sam's inability to embrace change in other areas of her life.
However, the episode also offers a glimmer of hope for Sam. When she is forced to face her fear of returning to her parents' house, now rented to a man known as Iceland, she takes a step out of her comfort zone. The interaction with Iceland, though awkward, is a significant moment for Sam. It's a small step, but it's a step nonetheless, and it suggests that Sam is capable of change, even if it's at a glacial pace.
The episode is filled with tender moments that highlight the show's focus on adult friendships and the complexities of relationships. From Susan's attempt to control Fred's social life to Fred's compromise of starting a "Catch Club," these moments add depth to the characters and their dynamics. The music choices, as always, are impeccable, with Sam's singing along to "Smalltown Boy" being a particular highlight.
In conclusion, "Margarini" sets the stage for the final season of "Somebody Somewhere" by placing Sam's fear of change under a microscope. As she watches those around her thrive while she stands still, the episode forces her to confront the cost of her hesitance. It's a poignant start to the final season, one that promises to explore the depths of Sam's character as she navigates the unfamiliar territory of personal growth and change.