'Somebody Somewhere' Series Finale: So Glad We Got On the Ride

HBO’s Somebody Somewhere delivered a series finale that left me tender and tearful but with a tremendous smile. Leave it to this wonderful, heartful show to embrace viewers with tremendous warmth and love as it ends. Somebody Somewhere never pulled its emotional punches and always reminded its viewers and characters that they were humans who deserved grace, love, and community. Somebody Somewhere did “normal” like no other series out there. The emotions of life, the pains and joys, the stutters and frustrations, the second beginnings and the thirds, they were all treated so organically that it felt like we were seeing actual living and breathing people as opposed to fictional characters.

I got misty-eyed throughout the beautiful resolutions to the show’s storylines. Let’s start with Joel, who had recently tearfully confessed to feeling like something was missing in his life, despite the many things going for him. We see Joel realize that his missing piece is the community of his old church. Going with Brad to his church is fine and dandy, but Joel was missing the community he had. After some anxiety about walking in and with some support from Sam, Joel rejoins the flock. When Pastor Deb said, “I’ve been waiting for you!” my heart just overflowed with joy. I’ve written before about how wonderful it is that Somebody Somewhere recognizes the coexistence of queerness and faith, and it was lovely to see this reunion. Joel takes his development further and tells Brad that he needs to attend the church he loves. Brad is disappointed they won’t attend together, but I couldn’t be happier that these two are moving forward together with honesty and respect.

Sam and Tricia revisit their grief over Holly’s death and finally have a frank conversation about it. It’s wild to think back to season 1 when Tricia was somewhat of an antagonist, and now the two are sharing their hearts with each other. They muse that Holly would be shocked to see how close they’ve grown together and joke that it took Holly dying for Sam and Tricia to like each other. Not only that, but Sam acts in the moment as a guide for Tricia’s grief. Tricia realizes they’ve forgotten Holly’s birthday and comes seeking punishment, but instead finds peace. They discuss the all-too-real feeling of not wanting the grief to abate out of fear that it would mean forgetting Holly, but Sam reminds her that the grief isn’t Holly and that she lives on in their hearts and memories. On the other side of this lovely moment, Tricia checks in about Sam’s date with Iceland and is upset to learn there won’t be a second date. So what does Tricia do for her sister in need? She marches right over to the farm and gives Iceland a piece of her mind. Tricia has Sam’s back and we love to see it. She tells Iceland how gorgeous, wonderful, and amazing Sam is and that he’s an asshole for not recognizing it. Except, Iceland, in his characteristically laconic way, explains that he’s very interested in seeing Sam again, but she hasn’t returned his calls.

The next time Tricia and Sam talk about this, it’s notable how Tricia doesn’t present anger or irritation about Sam’s lies, she just wants to know why Sam is getting in the way of something good for her. Sam and Iceland like each other, so they should go for it. It’s one of two affirming conversations Sam has that seem to shift something in her. The second is with Joel, who takes Sam back to a season one conversation when Sam claimed she wasn’t “friendship material” and asked Joel if he’s sure he wants to get on this ride. It’s good he didn’t take her advice because he’s so glad he got on the ride and believes ardently that Sam has made his life so much better. “I think you’re my person, Sam” is what Joel tells her.

It’s a beautiful moment in a beautiful friendship, but especially because of how Sam struggled this season with the notion that she brings others down (thanks, Susan!). It’s also beyond wonderful to see this kind of friendship honored, as “my person” is usually used in the romantic sense when uttered in media. These two belong together. With this new light in her heart, Sam invites everyone she loves (which notably doesn’t include Susan) down to the bar to express her love to them and sing them a song. Sam absolutely crushes “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, a fantastic anthem for doing hard things and working on yourself.

It feels important to note the remarkable progress our friends in Manhattan, KS made. Joel learned to stand in what he wants and ask for it. He learned to take up space and to value his needs enough to advocate for them. Tricia fully reinvented herself with a new life without a cheating husband or false best friend and bloomed into a fiercely loving person. She’s cool with the gays, she’s selling pillows that say “cunt,” and she’s reinvesting in important relationships. Sam, our dear sweet Sam, made such unbelievable strides: she’s singing again, she’s opening up to others and letting herself be vulnerable, she’s exercising and volunteering at the dog shelter. Sam started a relative hermit, afraid of engaging with anyone or anything. We’ve seen her flourish as she’s let people in and found her people, her family. Though she’s often doubted herself and put herself down, she’s never been anything but wonderful to those around her. Sam supported Joel both in his adjustment with Brad and with his return to church. She even gave Tricia Holly’s necklace when she realized she needed it more.

I will miss Somebody Somewhere very much. It showed us all that it’s never too late to keep growing or changing and it reminded us that no matter what dire straits we’re in, we deserve love, laughter, and light.