I’ve recently discovered the show “Better Things” on FX. I was taken with MC, Samantha (also my Starbucks pseudonym) when I happened upon an episode featuring her getting frustrated with her lover. What she said to him, few women dare to go there in bed. I’ll leave it at that. Do I have your imagination going in a few directions?
Also, what she was wearing caught my eye (not in that scene but in general) as I thought maybe she had raided my closet. She’s got a tomboy, devil may care attitude toward her presentation. From messy hair, to ripped jeans, it’s not that she’s given up on love but it’s that she knows who she is and what she’s about.
There is no more ‘pretending’ with Samantha.
She’s a single mom raising three daughters. The eldest is a recent high school graduate. As well, the sophomore (also a tomboy who is non-binary) and her youngest a precocious, yet extremely sensitive 10 year old. She’s also a semi-accomplished, yet still struggling 49 year old actress.
One of the episodes that really stole my heart was when Sam has a tantrum. Yes, the mom has a tantrum. I think we’ve all done this to our kids at least once. I like to call it a mom-trum. As they’re scrolling through the television channels, they come across a commercial that Samantha is in. The girls could care less and change the channel so they don’t have to watch it.
Sam explains that it hurts her to know that her career means nothing to her daughters yet it pays for everything they have. A valid point, I’d say. She states that if she were to die tomorrow, she wonders what they would say at her funeral…that their mom was an actress but they have no idea in what?
Sam storms out of the house, leaving her children and her dear friends (a gay man and her best friend who are as at home in her house as she is herself) staring after her speechless.
Next scene, she’s sidled up on a bar stool beside an old man who could pass as a fishermen from the old man and the sea. Samantha finds solace with a straight up whiskey and his company, briefly. There are moments in our life when we share profound words with a complete stranger. Maybe it’s because we can be completely honest.
When she returns to her house, a surprise is awaiting her. She is asked to lay down and play dead while everyone eulogizes her in a makeshift ceremony marking the end of her life. Ahh, so much to love in this scene. I can’t begin to explain how touching it was.
Did I mention also that Sam’s home is covered in her original yet amateur paintings lending a bohemian feel to the Spanish style L.A. home. Again, right after my own heart.
I’ve been tuning into the new season and I encourage you to check it out. As a divorcee, it’s really gratifying to get to know this character with her obvious strengths and flaws. Watching her struggle is oddly comforting. I guess because as a single mom, you can relate so hard. Below is a scene that shows what kind of fun mom Samantha truly is. Not perfect, but fun.
Although when my Beau tunes in with me he asks, “What’s this show about anyway?”
“It’s about nothing,” I answer.
I can’t be bothered to explain this to him. It’s about nothing and everything. It’s about the nuances of relationships and about getting through everyday life. He doesn’t get it. But trust me, you will.
What characters are inspiring you of late?
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Best Divorce TV Shows - Lisa Thomson~Author
June 3, 2020 at 4:20 pm[…] wrote about why I love this show here. It’s available on demand if you subscribe to FX […]
Best Divorce T.V. Shows Part II - Lisa Thomson~Author
June 6, 2019 at 12:39 pm[…] Better Things, Fun Mom […]
Roslia Santamaria
May 8, 2019 at 1:04 amThis is an impressive Blog Thanks!
lisa
May 8, 2019 at 2:53 pmThanks, Roslia
Jeri Walker
April 2, 2019 at 6:54 pmSounds like a fun show. I’m so behind on TV I can’t think of any current characters I could say I’m inspired by, but one of my go-tos is Walter White in Breaking Bad. His character changes so much and ultimately he becomes a horrible person, but at the same time, he finds his calling in life. He’s a very complex character.
lisa
April 3, 2019 at 1:39 pmYes, he was a unique character. I didn’t see the whole series but did watch a few seasons. It was a tremendous show. I just got to it late. We watched the spin off Better Call Saul (Walter’s lawyer). It was really good until season 3 which I didn’t care for.
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer
April 1, 2019 at 9:30 pmI don’t usually watch these type of sitcoms but will check out a few episodes 🙂
lisa
April 2, 2019 at 4:23 pmIt’s more of a dramedy than a sitcom, Kim. Give it a shot 😀
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
April 1, 2019 at 4:00 pmI had never heard of this show before but it sounds like fun!
lisa
April 2, 2019 at 4:23 pmI hope you like it, Suzanne 🙂
Jane Thrive
March 29, 2019 at 6:03 pmThanks for sharing, Lisa! I can’t wait to check it out!!!
lisa
March 30, 2019 at 11:20 amYou’re welcome, Jane! Hope you enjoy it 😀
DGKaye
March 29, 2019 at 5:05 pmThanks LIs. This show sounds right up my alley. I wasn’t aware of it but will be checking it out. <3
lisa
March 30, 2019 at 11:19 amOh, it’s pretty funny with some very touching scenes as well. Hope you enjoy it, Deb <3 🙂
LA CONTESSA
March 29, 2019 at 8:53 amMEN!!!!
THE THINGS THEY SAY SOMETIMES!!!!!!!
LOOKS LIKE A FUN SHOW!
I can’t even turn our TV ON anymore so many controls………..
But I will try and find it!
XX
lisa
March 29, 2019 at 10:42 amLOL!! Yes, and Sam Fox, this character doesn’t take any crap. 😀 It’s on FXx channel. You’ll see it in the cable listings. Get the ITALIAN to help xx
Marie Kléber
March 29, 2019 at 3:38 amIt sounds like a great watch Lisa!
“Not perfect, but fun.” I like this. I can relate to this too.
From time to time we need this kind of show to remind us what counts after all.
Thanks for sharing
lisa
March 29, 2019 at 10:41 amYes, not perfect just like all of us. I like how she also doesn’t let her kids run ram-shod all over her. She puts them in their place when it’s needed but then indulges them in unexpected ways. It makes it really fun to watch.
Tamara
March 28, 2019 at 6:40 pmWell now I wonder what she said to him in bed! We’re on season 1 still. I like it and I like her but life gets the better of me. That scene with the fake eulogy sounds super sweet, though.
lisa
March 29, 2019 at 10:36 amLOL. She really turned the tables on him. 😛 The fake eulogy was in the second season. I think this season is a little raunchier as far as issues discussed and Sam’s functioning without a filter. But you have to sit back and admire her ability to confront things and people. 🙂