Sort Of - General Discussion

[SoMuchTV]

From IMDB:

Quote

Follows a gender-fluid millennial who straddles various identities, exposing the identities and labels that are no longer applicable.

HBO Max.  Anyone watching this?  I only checked it out because I heard a review on a pop culture podcast.  I'm enjoying it - about half-way through the 8 short episodes.  You probably have to search for it - it's not showing up as "trending" or "new" or "something you may like."  It would probably appeal to people who liked Everything's Gonna Be Okay, maybe Better Things, Shrill, Please Like Me, Dollface...  Awkward family stuff, non-"mainstream" characters.  IMDB says it's a comedy, but it's definitely not a LOL comedy.

[peachmangosteen]

I watched it. I enjoyed it and would watch a second season.

[SomeTameGazelle]

I binged it a few weeks ago. I really liked most of the characters -- in particular the way Sabi is really sensitive to and good with the kids, 7ven's enthusiasm, Violet's frustration. I also like the kids' father -- I keep seeing the description of him online as a "narcissistic jerk" and I am confused about whether that is part of the promotional material from the creators or just a label that came from one specific review; I would say that he is messed up in a lot of ways but he also seems to be trying to do the best he can for his kids despite his limitations, none of which read as narcissistic to me.

 

[SomeTameGazelle]

Sort Of has been nominated for a bunch of Canadian Screen Awards. (Multiples are for different episodes in the same category.) I was shocked that none were for acting and I wondered if it had anything to do with the gendered acting categories. 

 

Best Comedy Series
Best Direction, Comedy ×2
Best Writing, Comedy × 3
Best Photography, Comedy
Best Picture Editing, Comedy
Best Sound, Fiction
Best Production Design or Art Direction, Fiction
Best Costume Design
Best Achievement in Make-Up
Best Achievement in Casting, Fiction

[SomeTameGazelle]

9 hours ago, SomeTameGazelle said:

Sort Of has been nominated for a bunch of Canadian Screen Awards. (Multiples are for different episodes in the same category.) I was shocked that none were for acting and I wondered if it had anything to do with the gendered acting categories. 

 

Best Comedy Series
Best Direction, Comedy ×2
Best Writing, Comedy × 3
Best Photography, Comedy
Best Picture Editing, Comedy
Best Sound, Fiction
Best Production Design or Art Direction, Fiction
Best Costume Design
Best Achievement in Make-Up
Best Achievement in Casting, Fiction

Found this story which confirms Bilal Baig decided not to submit for performance. 

[SomeTameGazelle]

Sort Of has been renewed for season 2.

[greekmom]

On 1/28/2022 at 8:12 PM, SomeTameGazelle said:

I binged it a few weeks ago. I really liked most of the characters -- in particular the way Sabi is really sensitive to and good with the kids, 7ven's enthusiasm, Violet's frustration. I also like the kids' father -- I keep seeing the description of him online as a "narcissistic jerk" and I am confused about whether that is part of the promotional material from the creators or just a label that came from one specific review; I would say that he is messed up in a lot of ways but he also seems to be trying to do the best he can for his kids despite his limitations, none of which read as narcissistic to me.

I saw the first 2 episodes last night of Season 2.

I sympathize more with the kid's father than the mother. She seems more of a narcissistic jerk than Dad.

I'm guessing Olympia and her husband have an open marriage?  He seemed pretty much into Sabi as Olympia was. 

Are millennials that much into the drug culture? I mean as a Generation X - we just threw back a couple of drinks and called it a day. And we find out that Sabi has a trade under her belt of electrician. Why isn't she working that job as well as her nanny instead of bar? Dude she could be making hand over fist money in the community if she's good and certified. Setting her hours and pay.

I do like how the mom has accepted Sabi and is quietly standing up for her.

[SomeTameGazelle]

I didn't realize the series was back already! Just watched the first 2 eps and really enjoyed them.

On 11/16/2022 at 12:28 PM, greekmom said:

I sympathize more with the kid's father than the mother. She seems more of a narcissistic jerk than Dad.

They gave Bessy an out by saying that her injury might make her behave badly. And I was very touched by Paul trying to take Sabi's advice about letting Bessy have her reality as it is even if it is unreasonable. They don't have to change anything while she is in the hospital and they should be trying to minimize the stress on Violet and Henry.

On 11/16/2022 at 12:28 PM, greekmom said:

I'm guessing Olympia and her husband have an open marriage?  He seemed pretty much into Sabi as Olympia was. 

From the way Olympia was laying out ground rules I took it that their relationship is open, they sleep with other people separately or together, but there may be a rule that if one of them makes a conquest they can dictate that the other is not allowed to see that conquest one-on-one. (Hence the declaration that Sabi was "hers". At the very least I interpreted that statement as being about Olympia and Macaulay and not about Sabi.) I was glad that Sabi's inhibitions were loosened enough that they offended Olympia. She wasn't considerate of Sabi's feelings at all. I hope she doesn't continue to jerk Sabi around.

On 11/16/2022 at 12:28 PM, greekmom said:

And we find out that Sabi has a trade under her belt of electrician. Why isn't she working that job as well as her nanny instead of bar? Dude she could be making hand over fist money in the community if she's good and certified. Setting her hours and pay.

I think it's partly because they [I think Sabi goes by they rather than she?] felt pushed into it as a masculine profession and either doesn't enjoy it or finds it is difficult to get contracts while presenting as more feminine.

On 11/16/2022 at 12:28 PM, greekmom said:

I do like how the mom has accepted Sabi and is quietly standing up for her.

I loved the mother in this episode and I was glad that the father wasn't as bad as I had expected so it feels as if there could be hope that he will become more reasonable over time. He was cranky about the mother's colour choices but it appeared that he was going to use the colour she chose.

[greekmom]

13 hours ago, SomeTameGazelle said:

I think it's partly because they [I think Sabi goes by they rather than she?] felt pushed into it as a masculine profession and either doesn't enjoy it or finds it is difficult to get contracts while presenting as more feminine.

Does Sabi go by they instead of she? If they do then my bad. I wish we can get some confirmation.

Personally as a female I would have loved to go into a trade like electrician and make serious coin instead of going to uni for some BA and working in an office job. Like i said, they could start off in the LGBTQ+ community for contracts before expanding by word of mouth to others. That way Sabi can get some comfort working as an electrician while presenting more feminine. 

I forgot to note that we can tell that time has really passed as the kids are really grown.  Especially Violet looks super different than Violet from season 1.

[RedDelicious]

30 minutes ago, greekmom said:

Does Sabi go by they instead of she? If they do then my bad. I wish we can get some confirmation.

Yes, that came up a few times in S1 - Sabi tells Bessy their pronoun is 'they', but Sabi also says a few times that they don't even know or aren't sure how they want to identify.  Or as Raffa says, 'gender binary' which made me love her even more 🥰

[RedDelicious]

Are you all that are watching in Canada?  I checked my HBOMax and I don't see S2.  I've watched S1 four times now ☺️

[greekmom]

4 minutes ago, RedDelicious said:

Are you all that are watching in Canada?  I checked my HBOMax and I don't see S2.  I've watched S1 four times now ☺️

Yes Canada. If you have a VPN that can change your IP, CBC Gem has the episodes.

[peachmangosteen]

Season 2 is coming to HBO Max on December 1st.

[SomeTameGazelle]

Heard an interview with Bilal Baig on the radio this morning. I couldn't seem to find a way to link directly to the segment but it is the 3rd one on this page:

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/sunday/the-sunday-magazine-for-november-27-2022-1.6663356

[Blackie]

Started Season 2. I enjoy this show more then I thought I would, I just wish they wouldn't keep trying to promote it as a comedy. Yes it is funny sometimes but it isn't Friends or Fraser so I think people might be expecting a real laugh a minute comedy. I consider it a "life" show, so it has funny moments but also serious, sad, enraging and enlightening moments as well. It is just not ALL about Sabi, good side plots/characters as well. Very well written.

[marinw]

I love this show!! It is peak Canada.

One tiny nitpick: Should Sabi being wearing all that metal jewellery while they do electrical work?

IIRC, in the first episode Bessy is hit by a car while commuting by bike. This is a HUGE problem in so many North American cities, including my home city of Halifax. It hurts to watch, but I’m gratefull to see a show address the ramifications of what is usually just a brief bit in the news.

Edited November 29, 2022 by marinw

[Starchild]

I can't remember exactly now, but I thought she ran into something at full speed. This being Toronto, it was probably a vehicle illegally parked in a bike lane.

[marinw]

That was a strong pair of episodes. That Iman rocks! And Bessy making it up the stairs to confront her son on his BS gave me all the feels.

[SomeTameGazelle]

On 12/1/2022 at 6:45 AM, marinw said:

That was a strong pair of episodes. That Iman rocks! And Bessy making it up the stairs to confront her son on his BS gave me all the feels.

I really appreciate the empathy that is extended to characters who might otherwise be simply antagonistic plot devices. And that the storylines are not played out just postponing confrontation -- Sabi agreeing to visit the Imam was brilliant. And Imran putting his finger on what was flawed in the imam's well-meaning and kind advice. 

[Corgi-ears]

It was a good season, though I prefer the first, which felt more intimate. This season did introduce quite a few new characters, and they were unfailingly interesting and well-drawn. But they were fairly "big" personalities, and I felt that the focus tilted away from the more down-to-earth members of Sabi's family. There wasn't much attention paid to Sabi's mom Raffo (she had, what, one scene with her husband?), and even the newly introduced Sabi's dad was...well, you know. Likewise, Paul and Bessy and the kids didn't get as much screen time as I would have liked. One effect of this is that, though I know Sabi and Bessy had a history that started before the beginning of the series, I never thought I was shown the depths of their relationship as much as I was told it, and the climax felt kind of unconvincing to me.

And while I get that it is important to show Sabi in lots of relationships, I was kind of amused by how everyone in the show seemed to be falling in love with them.

Edited December 7, 2022 by Corgi-ears

[marinw]

11 hours ago, Corgi-ears said:

It was a good season,

WAS? Is it over already?😬

Edited December 7, 2022 by marinw

[Starchild]

6 hours ago, Corgi-ears said:

Paul and Bessy and the kids didn't get as much screen time as I would have liked.

My least favourite characters.

6 hours ago, Corgi-ears said:

And while I get that it is important to show Sabi in lots of relationships, I was kind of amused by how everyone in the show seemed to be falling in love with them.

Ha yeah that seems unrealistic. I don't know anyone who has that many friends falling for them, regardless of identity or sexuality.

3 hours ago, marinw said:

WAS? Is it over akready?😬

Eight episodes that come out two at a time. Over in 4 weeks. :(

[hatchetgirl]

I just watched S2, E1&E2 and LOVED them.  Reminded me what I was missing.  I love the slow groove vibe that Sabi has.  Always aware and observing.  I loved seeing them put their hand on the drywall with the bling on their fingers, tapping... and it upsetting their dad.  Confident, but still slightly unsure.  I'm hoping Sabi and the bar owner's son come together.  

That must be so hard on the husband to have the wife breaking up with him multiple times in a day and just trying to handle it and keep it together for the kids.  That was heartbreaking.  Then trying to shield the kids, but having the daughter hear him cry.  Arghghgh.  

So happy with wonderful little show is back!

[greekmom]

It's over?

Is Paul also in love or infatuated or whatever with Sabi?

Sheesh.

[marinw]

I always love it when Sabi deploys their electrical skills. The funeral scenes were really well done but why was Sabi wearing ripped jeans? They own lots of nicer pants.

Edited December 12, 2022 by marinw

[SomeTameGazelle]

On 12/7/2022 at 7:55 PM, marinw said:

I always love it when Sabi deploys their electrical skills. The funeral scenes where really well done but why was Sabi wearing ripped jeans? They own lots of nicer pants.

I loved all the various coloured umbrellas. I noticed the jeans as well. I wasn't sure whether they were supposed to have been borrowed or if they were their own with a borrowed top.

On 12/7/2022 at 7:47 PM, greekmom said:

Is Paul also in love or infatuated or whatever with Sabi?

I didn't get a sense of infatuation there. I thought that Paul has come to rely on Sabi for so much emotional support and practical help since Bessy's accident and also since Bessy has been both getting physically better and as far as he knows less likely to leave him he wanted to comfort Sabi.

I felt frustrated where the season ended because I don't think I am getting the right level of intimacy between Sabi and Bessy (are their names intentionally mirroring each other with the Sb and Bs?) at this point. Maybe I need to go back to their relationship before the accident to try to sort out what it should be.

ETA: Found this article which I  feel confirms my understanding of what they are trying to show but also there is a gap between my reaction to Bessy and the idea of Bessy and Sabi's relationship.

https://www.metacritic.com/news/sort-of-season-2-bilal-baig-sabi-bessy-father-reunions/

Edited December 12, 2022 by SomeTameGazelle
Added article

[nb360]

As a former caregiver for a family member, I like how the show portrays the conflicting feelings the main caregiver (Paul) has. I haven't finished season 2 yet, but it seems like Paul is still trying to figure out how to have a "life" while also taking care of Bessy, the kids, and work. For me, it was a struggle. I hope Paul gets help.

I'm also curious to see if the show addresses the significant financial impact caregiving has on a family.

I love Sabi.

[nb360]

When are new episodes available on HBO Max?

[RedDelicious]

15 hours ago, nb360 said:

When are new episodes available on HBO Max?

Thursdays. I also love Sabi. I want Bilal to be real life Sabi so we can be friends ❤️

[RedDelicious]

Ok so I think the ripped jeans were from 7ven and they helped Sabi pull together an outfit, because if I’m not mistaken, in the Muslim culture the funeral must take place within 24-hours. Sabi and Aqsa were at odds with each other so I think they didn’t want to go back to the apartment. 

I think Paul is just so grateful to Sabi for helping Bessy recover, and I think in the process Bessy fell deeply in love with Sabi, but she knows and Sabi knows they can’t go there. Plus I don’t think Sabi is in love with Bessy. I know they love her as a true friend but not in a romantic way.

I really love the scenes of Sabi and the kids because you can see that Bilal just absolutely adores them. 

My heart breaks for Raffo but even more so for Aqsa because she was definitely her father’s girl and has been left in the dust with Sabi’s non-binary becoming known to the family. She showed an incredible amount of emotional maturity joining Raffo and Sabi at the grave. 

Olympia looked beautiful but she’s still on my shit list for ghosting Sabi. 

[TVbitch]

Just discovered this series after reading a blurb in Rolling Stone magazine and really enjoyed it! It's hard to find engaging dramas any more. I assume there will be a Season 3, does anyone know when that will air?

As terribly sad as it is, I think his father dying will free Sabi in a big way. I do not get any sexual chemistry between Bessy and Sabi, so hopefully the kiss was just something they had to do to test it out so they can move on. I actually thought there was more sexual chemistry between the Paul and Sabi. But either one would be another shock for the kids, so I cannot see Sabi going there. 

I watch the soap opera General Hospital (God help me.) and it was great to see "Terry" on this series as Olympia! 

[SomeTameGazelle]

6 hours ago, TVbitch said:

I assume there will be a Season 3, does anyone know when that will air?

Not a lot of info, but it has definitely been renewed for season 3.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/sort-of-season-three-1.6688941

Sort Of also has multiple nominations for the Canadian Screen Awards for 2023, including best leading performer for Bilal Baig. Ceremony hosted by Samantha Bee to be broadcast April 16.  

https://www.cbc.ca/comedy/canadian-screen-awards-2023-nominations-for-cbc-comedy-shows-and-where-to-watch-hint-they-re-on-cbc-gem-1.6756259

 

Edited March 2, 2023 by SomeTameGazelle

[EtheltoTillie]

So glad I accidentally found this show. It was mentioned today in the thread for And Just Like That as an example of how much a better show this is about nonbinary and queer characters. And how!  This is just the kind of quirky show I like; it reminds me also of Somebody Somewhere. 

[SoMuchTV]

1 hour ago, EtheltoTillie said:

So glad I accidentally found this show. It was mentioned today in the thread for And Just Like That as an example of how much a better show this is about nonbinary and queer characters. And how!  This is just the kind of quirky show I like; it reminds me also of Somebody Somewhere. 

Quoting myself from my original post here, because whenever I throw out my "you may like this if you like..." list, I tend to get other recommendations.  That was how I discovered Somebody Somewhere.

On 1/18/2022 at 5:07 PM, SoMuchTV said:

HBO Max.  Anyone watching this?  I only checked it out because I heard a review on a pop culture podcast.  I'm enjoying it - about half-way through the 8 short episodes.  You probably have to search for it - it's not showing up as "trending" or "new" or "something you may like."  It would probably appeal to people who liked Everything's Gonna Be Okay, maybe Better Things, Shrill, Please Like Me, Dollface...  Awkward family stuff, non-"mainstream" characters.  IMDB says it's a comedy, but it's definitely not a LOL comedy.

 

[WildFlower87]

Cancelled

https://deadline.com/2023/10/sort-of-canceled-max-comedy-series-1235565015/

[SomeTameGazelle]

3 hours ago, WildFlower87 said:

Cancelled

https://deadline.com/2023/10/sort-of-canceled-max-comedy-series-1235565015/

Not canceled, ending after season 3 by the creators' choice. I am looking forward to the third season and hope Baig will have a new series sooner rather than later.

ETA: and while I'm hoping, please let the new show have a title that stands out and can be more easily searched on the web. 

Edited October 6, 2023 by SomeTameGazelle

[marinw]

Season 3 is supposed to start today. But I can't find it on Fibe!

[SomeTameGazelle]

2 hours ago, marinw said:

Season 3 is supposed to start today. But I can't find it on Fibe!

I am not finding it on Ignite but it does seem to be on CBC Gem.

[marinw]

Got it! Thanks

[SomeTameGazelle]

4 hours ago, marinw said:

Got it! Thanks

I'm glad you asked because I hadn't realized the new season was already available. I have watched the first of the two episodes now. I was a little bit worried after the end of last season but I enjoyed this ep and am interested in what is going to happen. However like Deenzie I feel like I have no idea what Wolf is monitoring or how it works.

[marinw]

The Show continues to do an exquisite job of meeting people where they are. Such as the Iman trying to figure out where Sabi should sit at the ceremony.

Poor Bessie. Her showing up at the Ceremony was inappropriate but she is still trying to figure out this new person she has become. Does anyone remember what sort of work she did before being injured?

Is the actor who plays Sabi's doctor the same guy who plays Bash's therapist on Transplant? He looks familiar.

I  wish this was on CBC and not CBC GEM, but whatever.

 

[SomeTameGazelle]

22 minutes ago, marinw said:

 

Is the actor who plays Sabi's doctor the same guy who plays Bash's therapist on Transplant? He looks familiar.

 

Sabi's doctor is Raoul Bhaneja. I don't see a Transplant credit for him in IMDB though.

[SomeTameGazelle]

6 hours ago, marinw said:

Poor Bessie. Her showing up at the Ceremony was inappropriate but she is still trying to figure out this new person she has become. Does anyone remember what sort of work she did before being injured?

I don't remember. I am trying to think whether it came up in a scene where Bessy was at the bar. If I had to guess I want to say lawyer for some reason but I might be making that up out of nothing.

I loved 7ven for trying at the Chaaliswan even though she didn't manage to keep Bessy from causing a scene. (And I adored the joke that 7ven doesn't understand "round time" and so using "10 o'clock" to describe the direction someone is coming from is useless.)

[marinw]

I could see how 7ven wanted to get away from her overbearing Mom, if that's where she was living prior to moving in with Sabi. (CMIIW)

I know this is a delicate question, but since Asqa didn't seem thrilled about being pregnant, did she consider ending the pregnancy without telling her Mom? Access to abortion isn't that much of an issue in Canada, especially in a large city like Toronto. Considering how forthright, unfussy and unpreachy Sort Of is about confronting other issues, this seemed like a weird omission. 

[SomeTameGazelle]

I have only watched up to ep 3 so far, not ep 4, so I don't know the fallout from Aqsa's announcement yet.

Sabi going to Paul to talk and then deflecting so that they just focused on Paul's issues was peak Sabi. And although I love Sabi, Aqsa blowing up and articulating the difference between taking shit and dealing with shit was also pretty great. (She may underestimate how much Sabi does deal with, but I feel it is probably accurate from her perspective that Sabi avoids some things that Aqsa would tackle.) 

Sabi's reaction to 7ven deciding to move in was spot on. 7ven feeling rejected and Wolf pointing out that that wasn't what he heard was also great.

Edited November 25, 2023 by SomeTameGazelle
spelling

[SomeTameGazelle]

16 hours ago, marinw said:

I know this is a delicate question, but since Asqa didn't seem thrilled about being pregnant, did she consider ending the pregnancy without telling her Mom? Access to abortion isn't that much of an issue in Canada, especially in a large city like Toronto. Considering how forthright, unfussy and unpreachy Sort Of is about confronting other issues, this seemed like a weird omission. 

My impression was that that wasn't the story they wanted to tell and they did kind of lampshade it by comparing Aqsa's fake wedding to [someone?]'s abortion that was accepted within the family as a miscarriage. Based on the discussion Sabi and Aqsa had in her office, Aqsa is looking forward to the baby and just doesn't want the bullshit of family expectations on top of that. 

It was nice to see Aqsa and Sabi getting along. And Paul and Bessy as well although I would have liked Bessy to be a little more forthcoming about her own feelings.

[marinw]

8 hours ago, SomeTameGazelle said:

And Paul and Bessy as well although I would have liked Bessy to be a little more forthcoming about her own feelings.

The pottery scenes were quietly hilarious.

Edited November 26, 2023 by marinw

[marinw]

9 hours ago, SomeTameGazelle said:

It was nice to see Aqsa and Sabi getting along.

Sabi showing respect to their sister and not taking her for granted was great. 

So is Sabi secretly transitioning from Non-Binary to Female? I can see why they would keep that a secret for as long as possible as they don't want people piling on about it. But as their doctor said, they would need support during this process. I wonder if Sabi's inheritance may have influenced their decision, I don't know what Medicare does and doesn't cover in terms of gender transitioning.

 

Edited November 26, 2023 by marinw

[SomeTameGazelle]

On 11/26/2023 at 8:49 AM, marinw said:

So is Sabi secretly transitioning from Non-Binary to Female? I can see why they would keep that a secret for as long as possible as they don't want people piling on about it. But as their doctor said, they would need support during this process. I wonder if Sabi's inheritance may have influenced their decision, I don't know what Medicare does and doesn't cover in terms of gender transitioning.

It may vary from province to province as well. I don't know for sure myself what is covered but based on what they have shown so far, Sabi has started HRT. As I understand it, like other prescriptions, HRT is not covered by OHIP, but HRT is a prerequisite for surgical transition,  which is covered provided prerequisites are fulfilled.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/gender-confirming-surgery#:~:text=How to apply for gender,care providers across the province.

It seems probable that the inheritance did make a difference as well as Imran's death and not having to worry about his expectations going forward.

I was frustrated (as I am sure we were meant to be) by Sabi's family doctor who was more focused on the rest of the family's feelings and not Sabi's. I might have found it less jarring if the doctor had appeared to be from an older generation but he seemed young enough that it didn't feel as understandable for the character. And although I was glad Sabi was firm about getting the referral I would have liked them to be more pointed about how difficult the doctor was being. Maybe Sabi didn't have the perspective in that moment because they are also concerned about how their family will react. And we have seen over and over that Sabi can give fantastic advice to other people about their problems but it usually takes someone else to have perspective on Sabi's problems (which is very true to life).

Loved Sabi's gender-affirming care doctor. 

Edited November 27, 2023 by SomeTameGazelle
Spelling

[marinw]

2 hours ago, SomeTameGazelle said:

I was frustrated (as I am sure we were meant to be) by Sabi's family doctor who was more focused on the rest of the family's feelings and not Sabi's.

I'm unclear if the doctor is also the doctor for the rest of Sabi's family. In any case, there seems to be a conflict of interest. Most Family Docs with more than one patient from the same family are good at treating each member separately once the younger members of a family are past a certain age.

Edited November 27, 2023 by marinw