Little Voice Review: Sea Change (Season 1 Episode 8)
Despite the episode title, not much has changed for Bess on Little Voice Season 1 Episode 8, “Sea Change,” unless “sea change” means that everything has gotten measurably worse for her.
According to the dictionary, “sea change” actually means a transformation. But Bess is actually just sinking deeper into her bad habits.
She’s pushing people away, denying her talents, and working to avoid her problems.
We can’t really blame her, considering the fact that her dad has disappeared, Ethan is basically playing the same games, and oh yeah — her mother has magically appeared. But the fact is that most things are exactly the same for every character.
That includes Samuel just being there for Bess however she needs him while Ethan is gone. Why does Little Voice insist on pretending that Ethan and Bess are its love story? They’re just not.
I don’t mean to bury the lede. Bess and Louie’s mom showing up at Louie’s group home is a phenomenal shift that we should have seen coming given how much her arrival has been foreshadowed.
The woman definitely has some nerve, and Bess can’t be blamed for trying to ignore her existence — we’re inclined to do the same.
It won’t make her go away. But finding God and returning to your children doesn’t mean they are required to jump into your arms with joy. If she’s serious, she better be ready to stay in New York for a while.
Poor, poor Louie! There is a full-blown thunderstorm on his birthday rain check. He just wants to see a Broadway show and no matter what he tries something goes wrong. It’s as if Broadway is dark until 2021 — the horror.
It’s also quite painful to watch Prisha handle her love woes. At least Sundeep knows the truth and it’s going to be easier for her to navigate coming out with another person on her side.
We respect the fact that everyone has a different coming out journey. But Prisha’s girlfriend has the right to be mad and even to leave Prisha if she chooses.
Prisha doesn’t seem to have any intention of telling her parents soon. Sundeep needs to keep pretending too, so he’s not going to push her in the right direction.
It’s frustrating to watch, considering that the only person we know for sure is in Prisha’s way is Prisha. All signs point to her parents being absolutely elated that their daughter has found happiness, even if they do need time to adjust.
Similarly, Bess is the only person in her way where her music career is concerned. She has the right to stand up for herself and even to try and clear her life of some responsibility until she clears her mind.
Music is not the area in her life that she should be cutting out. Plus, Benny doesn’t deserve to be spoken to the way she speaks to him when he’s only been an amazing manager for her.
A more accurate title for “Sea Change” is “Sea Transition,” but we know a hurricane is coming.
Song Notes:
- Al is the best boss.
- It’s very strange not to hear any of Bess’s original music on the episode. It definitely adds stress to the air.
What did you think of these episodes of Little Voice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Little Voice airs Fridays on Apple TV+
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.