Somebody Somewhere
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Is Darlene Edwards just a freaking angel on Earth?
Whats going on here, however, is a little different.
Things start off fine, if a little awkward.
Darlene wants to kick things off by having Sam sing anything she wants.
But theres no need for any of that Darlene is moved to tears.
She calls Sams voice special.
We have our work cut out for us, she tells Darlene.
Thankfully, Darlene calls her out on it.
As it turns out, Sam says thats what Darlene said about Sam back in high school.
Darlene apparently told her that her voice was heavy and that they had their work cut out for them.
you’re free to see Darlene is clearly taken aback.
I am taken aback!
This comment that Darlene made, possibly (probably!)
once when Sam was back in high school, which was possibly (probably!!)
taken out of context or misunderstood, has stuck with Sam for decades.
The self-deprecation here is staggering.
She tells her in no uncertain terms that Sams voice isnt heavy; its a rich, full voice.
And everyone has to work hard to improve, not just Sam.
Its time to start fresh, she tells Sam.
This woman is too much.
Weve established that shes feeling uneasy and vulnerable.
On top of that, shes dealing with some intense stuff regarding her mother.
So that, mixed with everything else Sam is feeling, is just waiting to come out.
Her third voice lesson gives those feelings the perfect opportunity.
During breathing exercises, Darlene pushes Sam to breathe as deeply as possible.
This sets something off in Sam.
She cant do the deep breathing anymore because shes holding back tears.
Joel, ever the dutiful friend, has been sitting outside on Darlenes porch during all of these lessons.
All this means is youre important to me and I really want you there, Fred tells Joel.
Is Fred Rococo the nicest character on television?
c’mon discuss.
They talk about types of trees and driftwood and Brads eighth-grade students.
Maybe that sounds boring to you, but theres definitely something sparking there.
Regardless, Joel is sitting there when Sam runs out.
Later, he finds her back at her house, clearly upset.
He doesnt know what happened, but he knows he wants to be there for her.
He wants to get her out of the house for a walk and some ice cream.
This is not the same Sam we met in season one.
Here, although you might tell shes a little hesitant, she wants to confide in Joel.
She tells him the whole story and then confesses that shes never been in love.
The whole scene, the way its written, the way its shot, is just gorgeously done.
And it wraps up in a way that is so quintessentiallySomebody Somewhere.
Yep, the same old Sam is still in there, too.
Im doing the best I can, she says, laughing.
While the whole thing might be jokes between friends, isnt that really the crux of the show?
Like I said, its a gorgeous cap to the episode.
Sam reminds her that they do too.
Maybe this will be good for Tricia and not a total disaster?
I love this for her.
Fingers crossed she becomes the Lying Cunt Pillow Queen of Kansas.
Hey, uh, hold my calls!
I love saying that.
I dont have a secretary.
Again, Fred Rococo is the absolute best.
Does anyone else see Joel pick up that piece of driftwood to take home during his walk with Sam?
Joels got it bad for St. Louis Sushi!
Or, sorry, Sergeant Loose Stools or Sir Liquid Shits?
Sam and Joel are still workshopping on what SLS should stand for.
I think its just the pleats, Joel responds.
You and Me by Penny & the Quarters playing over the credits?
Is that what straight sex is like?
