This new show “Better Things,†written by and starring Pamela Adlon, features a single mom character who supports three daughters through an acting career. I love it. Sometimes the show feels disjointed (which may be deliberate and I’m just not getting it) and is uneven, but it captures something that resonates about working and parenthood. There are little scenes where one kid has a fever and she gets a the grape flavor Tylenol and ice pack – a pedestrian scene, a regular moment out of taking care of kids, but you know what? I don’t see that part of life portrayed anywhere else, how you become an expert in taking care of your kid’s small ailments and know enough when to call in the big guns (eg, the pediatrician and the Saturday midnight trip to the formerly sleepy ER til you get there). And you know what? It’s worth paying homage to, so thanks for that! And also, it reminds me to my acting days and how I never want to go back to that dreaded audition room packed with aluminum chairs and sides that make you say “You’re not going to get away with this.†It’s like the dumbest ever.
Although I will say this about acting: I saw Husband perform his one-person show recently and thought, yeah, acting does answer some things, doesn’t it.