Sort Of

I had heard nothing about this show and just set my PVR to record all the new CBC shows of the summer. This was defo my favourite because it doesn't have a loud neurotic supposedly-funny girl-who-should-be-a-woman-but-can't-get-past-her-neuroses-and-ticks at the centre of it (which I mostly forgave Moonshine for (but not completely) and I certainly do not ever forgive Strays for transplanting from Kim's Convenience). Such a relief.

The central character, Sabi, is so compelling and charismatic that I watched in a glow of compassion/love. It's very odd when that happens.

I don't think this show is particularly intended to be funny, so unlike some reviewers, that wasn't a negative for me. I think it is intended to be thoughtful and poignant and gentle about tough situations and tough circumstances. I felt that and I liked it. I liked the thoughtful pace of the action.

I also love Sabi's fashion sense - they have style in everything.

I really hope they do NOT get a better comedic writer on the show. It was lovely as was.

Lockdown has narrowed my circle of friends and people so I loved engaging with this unique story of Sabi. They are beautifully complex and I was hooked from the first episode. It's clever in offering insights into the LGTBIQ community as well as pressures of migrant children. Support characters are also unique and engaging and I learnt how to use the pronouns 'they' and 'them'.

I wanted so badly to fall in love with this because I loved the character of Sabi and the story they were telling. I had a harder time with some of the supporting characters that just didn't feel very real. The last two episodes are really excellent, I think they might've found their groove and I hope next season builds on this.

I think for trans viewers this show offers a lot of representation around the different relationships we have in the world and around us. The show feels grounded in reality. I love the writing, and character development. It's nice to see our stories represented in a way that doesn't feel sensationalized for cis people. There is an earnestness, and genuine feeling to all of the characters. I think one of its greatest strengths is how regularly it shows people establishing boundaries. It's willingness to broach uncomfortable conversations around things that may seem obvious, but are so easy to avoid. It has the watchability of comfort TV, without feeling canned or too similar to any of its counterparts. It has heart, It's fresh, and smart. It feels like real life, and I love that. There's an ease, and effortless about it, even when grappling with real life's awkwardness. It's just a pleasure to watch. I'm so glad to live in a world where Sort Of exists. Make more of it, and support this show!

Every once in a while, there is a character in art that I wish I could know. Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, from Gentlemen in Moscow, Fleabag's main character and the refreshing lead character, Sabi, in "Sort Of." Sabi struggles with where to draw the line of showing up for others in need that you care about and excepting/valuing yourself enough to show up for your own best life. And the struggle of figuring out what your own best life looks like. For me this is the main question of the piece and the writing is pristine. It's funny, sensitive and poignant all at once. Biala Baig is a wonderful actress and writer. I can't emphasis enough how much I love this show!