‘Somebody Somewhere’ is wonderful
At least two notable HBO series air their series finale on Sunday, and another’s fate remains uncertain.
“Succession” (9 p.m., HBO, TV-MA) has roughly 90 minutes to wrap up the fate of the Roy family’s media dynasty, not to mention the fate of democracy.
When last seen, Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin) had stumbled into the streets, facing the wrath of angry crowds protesting the sketchy electoral college anointing of an American fascist, a move Roman had pretty much single-handedly orchestrated.
“Barry” (10:30 p.m., HBO, TV-MA), also concludes.
Those two events push the last two episodes of the second season of “Somebody Somewhere” (11:05 p.m., and 11:30 p.m. HBO, TV-MA) out of prime time. There has been no word about this series’ renewal or cancellation, but this scheduling does not bode well.
It’s funny, or at least paradoxical — I like “Somebody” so much, I almost hope it doesn’t come back and instead fades away after two perfect seasons.
In many ways, I love this little show for what it avoids: Nobody gets shot and there are no conspiracies lurking in the distance. Television relies too heavily on the easy pornography of violence. Here, life’s most terrifying aspect is living in your own skin.
I love this series’ unabashed affection for the shabby splendor of rural life, and its unironic depiction of church choirs and religion at the heart of a community, even if spiritual expression is often more about casseroles than crucifixion.
Its characters are allowed to be dopey and goofy and enormous and flawed, and not to “stand” for anything. While undoubtedly among the series with the most queer or LGBTQ characters, they are allowed to frolic in all of their nerdy exuberance, without a scintilla of politics or symbolism.
Not to give too much away, but deep into the season finale, Fred (Murray Hill) offers a toast to Sam’s (Bridget Everett) absent father (the late Mike Hagerty), Ed. Fred praises Ed for simply seeing him not as “trans,” but as a farmer who loves the land and will do anything to sustain it.
TV plots and characters are so often drawn from cliches and contrivances. To offer a character as effervescent as Fred a chance to be, and to be seen, is a small miracle, one that makes “Somebody Somewhere” a treasure.
› Hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise return to host the National Memorial Day Concert 2023 (8 p.m. Sunday, PBS, TV-PG, check local listings). Among the performers and presenters joining them are Trace Adkins, S. Epatha Merkerson, John Slattery, Dule Hill, Yolanda Adams, Mary McCormack, Jo Dee Messina, The War and Treaty, Chosen Jacobs, Phillip Phillips, Megan Hilty, and maestro Jack Everly conducting the National Symphony Orchestra.
This year’s event observes two notable anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the Paris Accord ending American military action in Indochina, and the 70th anniversary of 1953 armistice ending the Korean War. More than 80,000 Americans died in those two wars, and millions more came home to live among us. Some don’t go a day without thinking about their experiences.
A 30-year television tradition, this annual concert offers a somber moment of remembrance for the men and women in uniform who have fallen in battle as well as for their survivors and all military families.