The nominations for this years Emmys didn’t offer up much in way of surprises, but one delightful surprise was Pamela Adlon in the lead actress in a comedy category for FX‘s “Better Things.”
Previously known as one of Louis C.K.’s main creative collaborators as well as being the voice of Bobby on “King of the Hill” (a mind blowing revelation to this writer,) Adlon made quiet waves in her family-geared comedy series. Based on her own experiences as a single mother living with her three daughters, while plenty of humor is derived from her depictions of dating and trying to keep a steady working lifestyle in Hollywood, the heart of the series lies with her relationship with her daughters.
Season two re-introduces viewers to the haphazard lives of these women, and both the ordinary predicaments they find themselves in and the wilder ones. Season one ended with us learning that Frankie may be transitioning and Sam’s commitment to being there for her children all in a poignant montage. It was a beautiful portrait of motherhood and all of the catastrophes and moments of triumph that come with it, packaged in a series so slight and so delicate and only ten episodes that you could be forgiven for missing it entirely.
READ MORE: Pamela Adlon Talks Bringing Her Real Life To FX’s ‘Better Things’
However, now that season two is fast approaching along with the reminder that FX continues to be one of televisions best networks, there’s no excuse not to catch up. While season one could’ve easily been a self-contained series, the inclusion of further storytelling options only opens up more opportunities for pockets of joy.
Also starring Hannah Alligood, Mikey Madison, Celia Imrie and Olivia Edward “Better Things” returns September 14th.