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By Coren Feldman
In one of those rare times that Facebook's algorithm wasn't trying to push some weird kickstarter project for a truly terrible product that I don't need, I once scrolled past one of Mae Martin's standup videos. In it they (Mae identifies as nonbinary and uses she/they/ pronouns - sound like anyone else you know?) talk about a mortifying first dating experience as a teen and how they've been misquoted in one of the most hilarious ways as a result. I filed it away in the back of my brain until about a year later, I saw a trailer for the show Feel Good, which they wrote and starred in. I was all in.
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| KISS ALREADY |
The show is about a couple: Mae, a Canadian comedian living in England (a semi-autobiographical role for Martin) and George, a school teacher who, until she met Mae, had only ever been attracted to men. While this is all new to George who's still figuring herself out, Mae idolizes her to an unhealthy degree, which becomes evident when we learn that she's a recovering addict. Simply put, this is a show about two people working through things and trying to stay together despite them.
It's rare for shows to be able to pull off standup, drama and comedy. Many shows with much more clout have attempted and failed. Feel Good not only achieves this, but does so seemingly effortlessly that's it's honestly a little upsetting. In a low moment for one or both characters that really hits home, Mae will throw a quip that will completely catch you off guard and soften the blow.
And of course, there's the queer representation. And my favorite kind, too. Mae (the character) has been identifying as bi for most of her life but throughout the show is struggling with gender identity. George, having recently discovered she isn't straight, isn't sure what label to apply to herself. Both of these things are ultimately left unresolved in the show, as the boxes the characters fit in are less important than the journey they're on together. It also serves as a great reminder that a lot of queerness is questioning your identity and that you don't owe anyone one single word that describes who you are.
Mae Martin and her co-star Charlotte Richie have been friends for years, and their real-world relationship (albeit not romantic) bleeds onto the screen and makes for electrifying chemistry. Mae's mom is played by the always brilliant Lisa Kudro, who helps provide some of the biggest laughs as well as some of the more poignant moments.
The show serves as a reminder that things in life are rarely simple. Not all relationships are easy. Our identities aren't always black and white, recovery isn't linear, and we can have complicated feelings towards people who have hurt us. How we choose to move forward and the relationships we invest in are what's going to define our lives, and this show highlights where those choices are made and what makes them meaningful.
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| Coren Feldman is the founder of CorenTV and inventor of the single side toaster that only toasts one side of your bread in case you want just one side toasted please buy them I manufactured so many and am in deep, deep debt. |