Somebody Somewhere has established a remarkable track record of transforming musical performances into scenes that resonate deeply with audiences on an emotional level. These poignant moments typically revolve around Bridget Everett’s character, Sam, whose powerful voice has the capacity to pierce through the hardest of hearts. However, this week’s episode shifts the spotlight to the tender and soft-spoken Brad, portrayed by seasoned actor Tim Bagley, who steps up at a housewarming party to serenade his beloved partner, Joel. Initially paralyzed by fear, allowing Sam to carry the melody, Brad soon finds his voice and sings, water glistening in his eyes: “Oh, the way you look at me / I can’t explain it but I know it’s love.”
This moment is overflowing with the authentic humanity that makes Somebody Somewhere such a compelling series. Furthermore, it serves as a nostalgic reference to a recital scene in season two, where Brad delivered an aria with such fervent commitment that his audience, including Sam and Joel, played by Everett and Jeff Hiller, struggled to contain their laughter. Fast forward to the final season, and Brad now embraces vulnerability, receiving nothing but warmth and encouragement from Joel and Sam. Reflecting on the experience, Bagley describes the scene with heartfelt emotion, stating, “They were looking at me and lifting me up.”
Tim Bagley has amassed a wealth of experience, appearing in a multitude of television series, including Will & Grace, Grace and Frankie, and The Perfect Couple. Yet, he highlights that few roles resonate with him on a personal level as profoundly as Brad does. Sharing the same roots as his character, Bagley is both a native of the Midwest and an openly gay man who faced challenges in self-acceptance during his formative years. “I have a lot of things that are parallel with Brad that I can draw on that are deep for me,” he reflects. This connection is palpable, evident in his on-screen performances and in the way he articulates his relationship with Brad’s character.
If I’m not mistaken, when you first signed on to Somebody Somewhere, you didn’t know that Brad would be a continuing character.
Initially, it was set for me to appear in three episodes. However, the writers saw potential in Brad and continued to develop his character.
Do you know what changed?
The turning point came during my song performance in season two. Bridget had asked if I was a singer, and I hesitantly replied, “No, I’m really not.” She then suggested I try learning an aria entitled ‘Danza, Danza, Fanciulla Gentile.’ At that time, I wasn’t even sure how to approach it. Bridget insisted I learn a few bars, and I decided to take it seriously. I hired an opera coach and ultimately mastered the entire piece. When I came to set, I proposed that I perform the entire song, allowing them to choose sections for the scene. The experience was enlightening, and I think they realized my grasp of the series’ tone and humor.
It’s funny that this all started with a song considering that this week’s episode has another big musical moment for you. Why do you think Brad wants to write this song for Joel?
Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. My belief is that he seeks to express gratitude and appreciation for all the nuances that matter in their relationship. An added layer of complexity arises from the fact that Brad has previously sung in public; thus, I needed to explore why singing something profoundly emotional would be challenging for him. It required me to delve deeply into my emotional connection with both Brad and Joel, emphasizing my thankfulness toward him.
I also wondered if part of the reason that he gets Sam involved is to make it clear that she’s included in this.
In the first season, a scene where Sam, Brad, and Joel shared a moment in a bean field was ultimately cut from the series. By the season two finale, I hadn’t really connected with Sam’s character. I suspect the writers wanted to allow space for something genuine to manifest between us, leading to a more meaningful interaction. This intentionality might have influenced the dynamics portrayed in the current narrative.
Was that song something that Bridget wrote?
Indeed. During a phone conversation, I shared with Bridget my experience of losing a partner after ten years together. She inquired about what I loved about him, and I told her, “Just the way he looked at me. He saw me long before anyone else did, and his gaze was so clear.” Shortly thereafter, she presented the idea of a song, indicating that I would sing a portion as a tribute to my love for my late partner. I agreed to the request, as all the material I had received prior aligned beautifully with my own life experiences. Bridget crafted the song and sent it to me for practice, which I rehearsed thoroughly.
To prepare for the shoot, I created an emotional environment for myself. I distanced myself from others, immersing in specific music to evoke a raw emotional state that would resonate on screen.
May I ask what the song was?
The song is titled “Optimistic” by Sounds of Blackness. Their music resonates with inspirational themes, and this particular track encapsulates optimism and gratitude. Keeping myself in a positive emotional state was essential to channeling the right feelings for my performance.
Had Jeff heard the song before or did he not hear it until you sang it?
I’m uncertain if Jeff had heard it prior, but he mentioned he wasn’t prepared for the emotional depth I brought to my performance, which shifted his approach to the scene. I vividly recall his loving expression as I sang; he was so supportive and curious about why I was experiencing such strong emotions. Bridget, too, cast a confident and empowering gaze in my direction, creating a beautiful energy that fully enriched the moment.
You were talking earlier about feeling like your partner fully saw you. In that scene, it seems like Joel and Sam are fully seeing Brad. I’m sure you could feel that.
Absolutely, 110 percent. They were observing me while uplifting my spirit. I remember looking at Bridget after I said “thank you,” and the love reflected in her expression was immeasurable. I even turned to our director of photography, asking if he captured that moment, as it was so profoundly beautiful; it truly embodied Bridget’s generous heart.
That scene is a small moment, but it’s saying something so much bigger. This is a show that takes place in the Midwest. You have all those church ladies who are Brad’s friends, and he can stand up and profess his love for his partner in front of them. Especially at this particular moment, it feels necessary for people to see that this kind of support exists in places where we’re usually taught it does not.
Absolutely. Being from the Midwest, I can affirm that my community in Wisconsin is filled with supportive individuals. I view those church ladies as earnest in their attempts to connect—doing their best to show love and acceptance, even if it may irritate or offend characters like Joel. That effort deserves recognition and appreciation.
Reflecting on my past, I realize it was a different era, and I grappled with my identity through various means in an effort to suppress my sexuality. In those earlier years, being gay was viewed as a lifestyle choice rather than an intrinsic part of oneself. I desperately tried to choose a path that felt more acceptable. Many experiences resonate with Brad’s character, particularly concerning the church environment. During my upbringing, few churches embraced LGBTQ inclusivity. I vividly remember walking out of sermons that condemned homosexuality, equating it with heinous acts. My journey included enduring conversion therapy and exploring numerous avenues to ‘correct’ my identity. A particularly impactful moment occurred with a female sex surrogate who posed a life-changing question: “What if the entire world is mistaken, and God designed you exactly as you are meant to be?” That idea motivated a fundamental shift in my understanding and allowed me to embrace my true self.
Today, churches exist across Los Angeles and various Midwestern towns, proudly displaying rainbow flags to signify their welcome to all. Such acceptance was virtually nonexistent during my formative years.
You’ve played so many roles in your career. What about this particular show stands out for you, personally or professionally?
In many instances, portrayals of gay characters were stereotyped—depicted solely as clowns or comic relief. While I have embraced such roles in the past, this opportunity is different. Brad is a fully fleshed-out character, mirroring my own experiences as someone who feels the deep vulnerabilities of love. Unlike typical representations often afforded to straight characters, this role requires a more profound exploration of my emotional landscape.
Moreover, the characters featured in this show are not written as flawless beings. Brad, like all characters, possesses imperfections, making him engaging to portray. These nuanced factors create moments of humor and relatability. For instance, in the latest episode, when Sam discovers that Joel has disclosed sensitive information about money to Brad, it complicates her friendship with Joel. The conflicting emotions she showcases—struggling to maintain her composure while battling a wave of disgust in the car—capture the absurdity of life. It’s these subtle, everyday moments that writers often overlook, yet Somebody Somewhere takes the time to savor and integrate, creating a rich tapestry of real-life experiences.
This text discusses the transformative experiences of an individual, particularly in relation to their performance in a show. The speaker reflects on their journey into music, triggered by a suggestion from a colleague named Bridget, which led them to learn and master an aria. This newfound musical skill not only enriched the character’s narrative but also strengthened their emotional connection to the story and to the themes of gratitude and appreciation prevalent in the series.
In a significant episode, the character Brad prepares to express his feelings for Joel through a song written by Bridget, relating the themes of the song to personal experiences of love and loss. The narrative emphasizes the importance of authentic connections and the portrayal of love and support in often misunderstood environments, like those found in the Midwest. The speaker contrasts their own challenging past regarding sexuality, influenced by societal norms and religious views, with the contemporary representation of support for LGBTQ+ individuals in places of worship.
The text highlights the emotional weight of the performance and its broader implications, asserting the necessity of visibility and acceptance for people in similar communities. By sharing their story and the supportive dynamics on set, the individual underscores a deep understanding of the importance of representation and the evolution of acceptance within society.