One Mississippi

One Mississippi is a captivating and heart-touching dark comedy-drama series that aired on Amazon Studios from 2015 to 2017. The show's meticulous crossover between humor and stark reality artfully portrays elements of raw human emotions and experiences. This semi-autobiographical series created by comedian Tig Notaro along with Diablo Cody, was inspired by comedian Notaro's own life, where she returns to her hometown following a double whammy of personal tragedies.

The show's two seasons provide a striking blend of pathos and humor wrapped around a poignant narrative. The series is set in the town of Bay St. Lucille, Mississippi, a Southern community with an undeniably charming yet quirky notoriously peculiar flavor. This small-town story tells big tales, illustrating a comprehensive feel of the place's culture, tradition, and the socio-political atmosphere prevailing therein.

The story primarily revolves around the life of Tig Bavaro (played by Tig Notaro herself), a Los Angeles-based radio host. In a havoced whirlwind of life events, Tig is lashed with a series of crises. She is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, undergoes a failed relationship, and tragically loses her mother – all in quick succession. Consequently, she moves back to her childhood home in Mississippi to recover and deal with these life-altering experiences.

While Tig is seen grappling with her illness and mourning her mother's sudden loss, the show beautifully unravels her relationships with her immediate family. Her relationship with her emotionally detached stepfather, Bill (played by John Rothman), her earnest yet flappable brother, Remy (played by Noah Harpster), and her deceased mother, Caroline (played by Rya Kihlstedt in flashback sequences) lay at the heart of the storyline.

As the series progresses, Tig becomes more entangled in reconnecting with her past, unlocked by her digging into her mother’s closet of secrets and unlearning many aspects she otherwise overlooked. On these exploratory journeys, she stumbles into conversations about traumas and dark family secrets, sparking surprising revelations and ample drama. This leads to the unearthing of layered family dynamics, opening a Pandora’s box of past incidents that were long suppressed and forgotten.

Simultaneously, the show also explores Tig's relationships outside her immediate family circles. From old childhood friends to potential love interests, her complicated relationship with her girlfriend in Los Angeles to the kindling of a new relationship in Mississippi, the series encompasses various aspects of relationships and human interactions.

One Mississippi is also known for its sharp and unflinching commentary on social issues such as sexuality, religion, gender biases, child abuse, and the healthcare system. As a gay woman battling a severe illness, Tig's character addresses several biases and prejudices, providing a powerful platform for the LGBTQ+ community's representation. Moreover, her background in radio offers a distinctive narrative device through which her inner feelings and reflections are shared with the audience, providing a unique connection between the viewers and herself.

Stylistically, the narrative is enriched with elements of surrealism, specifically where Tig communicates with her late mother's ghost, adding a metaphysical layer to the story. Moreover, the series is wrapped with a recurring theme of mortality, tragedy, love, loss, and the power of human relationships, dealing with them with an undercurrent of dry humor and witty dialogues.

In conclusion, One Mississippi is a heartwarming and thoughtful exploration of the human condition through the lens of humor, hurt, and healing. It examines serious, often dark subjects under the influence of unparalleled humor without ever trivializing the weight they carry. A brilliant embodiment of truth, acceptance, and the complicated facets of human life, One Mississippi fosters a deep sense of relatability that rings true for audiences across demographics. It's indeed a must-watch for those who appreciate sharp, sardonic, and thoughtful comedies infused with profound insights into life and relationships.