Entertainment Reviews: Television and Music

Leanne

Netflix, Starring Leanne Morgan and Kristen Johnston

As soon as the first few minutes of Netflix’s lighthearted new sitcom “Leanne” came on my screen, I gasped in surprise. Was the layout somehow familiar? I’d seen that kitchen window placement, back stairwell and living room before, right? Somewhere in the depths of a 1990s memory. Sadly, after consulting the internet, nothing vouched for my suspicion that the set was the very same one from my old favorite, Step by Step.

But perhaps that’s not the point. As I powered through the generous first season (16 episodes) about a woman whose husband steps out on their marriage, I realized “Leanne” satisfied a deep craving I hadn’t known I had—like when a meal unexpectedly hits the spot. Starring Leanne Morgan as the eponymous main character and Kristen Johnston as her wisecracking sister Carol, this straightforward, nostalgic story of a family coming to terms with a marriage split is both healing and hilarious.

As the show begins, Leanne is trying to take a higher road—staying out of her soon-to-be-ex-husband’s way, and eschewing drunkenness or mania. But comedic situations of course, ensue, and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times at Carol’s comments, the ridiculous reactions of their parents, Margaret (Celia Weston) and John (Blake Clark), and the audacity of husband Bill. This show delighted my true sense of humor, which is not crude, dark or dry—like much of today’s content—but honest, relatable and silly. In my opinion, we’re starved for that kind of humor—and I seem to be right. “Leanne” scored a 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of this writing and landed in the number two spot on the streaming giant’s charts.

Did the traditional sitcom die with cable television? Some say yes. And while it’s obvious that fewer of them exist today, I would love to see more shows like this one, as well as a season two. I can put on an episode of “Leanne” while I’m washing dishes or making supper and enjoy its low stakes with easy laughs. Who among us couldn’t benefit from that in our dark, troubled world?

Margo Price

"Hard Headed Woman"

Loma Vista Recordings

I’ve never been the biggest country fan, but I admire Margo Price for her strong will. Case in point—one of her first releases from the new “Hard Headed Woman” (nice title) is called “Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down.” It’s a cheeky, rousing romp that even non-country-lovers can tap their foot to. Also, download “Losing Streak,” a solid tune featuring fun lyrics about parties we can’t recall and cars from the early ‘90s.

Iron & Wine and Ben Bridwell

Making Good Time (EP)

I had to include this EP in my reviews. Ben Bridwell’s (Band of Horses) voice is well-known among Southern indie rock fans. He and Sam Beam (Iron & Wine), childhood friends, reunite for their second project—the follow-up to “Sing into my Mouth.” At just five well-crafted tunes, all covers, you’ll want to download the whole thing.