Best Of: Bridget Everett / Nick Harkaway, John le Carré's Son
Oct 26, 2024
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Bridget Everett, acclaimed cabaret singer and star of HBO's Somebody Somewhere, shares her journey of embracing body positivity and humor while navigating grief and LGBTQ community ties. Nick Harkaway, son of spy novelist John le Carré, discusses his novel, Carla's Choice, reimagining the iconic George Smiley's legacy. Ken Tucker reviews a new biography of Randy Newman, exploring his artistic struggles and social commentary. Together, they delve into themes of identity, belonging, and the artistic process in a vibrant conversation.
Bridget Everett's character in Somebody Somewhere illustrates the complex journey of finding belonging within the LGBTQ community after personal loss.
Nick Harkaway's novel Karla's Choice explores the legacy of George Smiley through a contemporary lens, reflecting on themes of identity and familial shadows.
Deep dives
Bridget Everett's Dual Nature
Bridget Everett embodies a character in the series that mirrors her own life's struggle with identity and belonging. The protagonist, Sam, returns to her Kansas hometown to support her terminally ill sister, but after her sister's passing, she finds herself grappling with feelings of isolation and self-doubt. Through her friendship with Joel, who opens the door to the LGBTQ community, Sam begins to navigate her insecurities and grief, even as she feels like an outsider. This complex interplay between her introverted and extroverted sides is a central theme, showcasing how community can provide support while not entirely healing personal wounds.
Exploring Themes of Community
The significance of community emerges as a vital aspect of Sam's journey in the series. Initially feeling disconnected from her hometown, she finds solace and acceptance within Joel's circle of LGBTQ friends, who become her new family. The show's portrayal of this community highlights its role as a refuge for those who feel like misfits, allowing them to embrace their authentic selves. Sam's transformative experience at her first choir party, where she performs and is celebrated, captures the essence of how supportive relationships can foster a sense of belonging and self-discovery.
Struggles with Self-Worth
Everett's character grapples with pervasive feelings of unlovability, complicating her relationships with those closest to her. Her interactions with Joel reveal the poignant fear of losing a deep connection as he finds romance elsewhere, prompting her to confront her insecurities. The tension between their friendship and his new relationship illustrates the difficulties of maintaining intimacy and understanding amid change. This emotional conflict underscores Sam's struggle to find her place and validate her worth in a world where she often feels overshadowed and unseen.
Navigating Personal Growth
The narrative also dives into Sam's path toward personal growth as she reconciles her past with her present. Her candid reflection on feeling out of place in Manhattan, Kansas, relates not only to her own experiences but to a broader audience who may share similar feelings. This connection to her character allows viewers to witness the messy process of healing, acceptance, and navigating relationships filled with complexity. As Sam learns to embrace her true self amidst a backdrop of familial grief and community support, her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of connection in the face of life's challenges.
The HBO series Somebody Somewhere is about a 40-something woman who returns home to Kansas to care for her dying sister, then stays, but feels like an outsider until she finds a place in the LGBTQ community. We talk Bridget Everett, star of the series, who is also an acclaimed (and bawdy) cabaret singer.
Also, writer Nick Harkaway talks about his novel Karla's Choice. It's a new story about George Smiley, the British spymaster made famous in the books written by Harkaway's late father, John le Carré.
Ken Tucker reviews a new biography of Randy Newman.