'Nobody Wants This': Love and tradition in the time of podcasts

The series is inspired by the life of creator Erin Foster, former star of Barely Famous, who reportedly converted to Judaism after she fell in love.

Even with Episode 1 of the 10-episode series (each episode is brief, so I was able to watch nine episodes in one day without eyestrain), the viewer already gets a feel-good vibe. The sparks between rabbi Noah (Adam Brody) and Joanne (Kristen Bell), whom some of Noah’s relatives call a “shiksa,” leave you melting.

At the onset, she casually asks if a rabbi can’t have sex and he replies, “No, those are priests.”

The central conflict is evidently the difference in their upbringing. He’s a devout Jew. She’s an agnostic. His life revolves around the teachings of his faith and family traditions informed by Judaism. She, on the other hand, discusses sex and vibrators in her podcast, which she co-hosts with her sister. The only tradition she celebrates is Christmas, and I doubt if she observes its religious significance.

And yet, such is love. Attraction. Chemistry.

Sometimes, it is spontaneous combustion. No one really plans for sparks. It’s not like wine pairing when a sommelier studies what goes well with what. Or a stylist picking the right clutch for your gown, or a tie for your suit. It’s not even a matter of taste. 

In fairness, Joanne (why do I just love the sound of her name?) tries to nip the feeling in the bud. But a goodnight kiss (that was supposed to be a goodbye kiss) with Noah ruins all past and future kisses (with men other than Noah, that is) she’s ever had.

So, what happens when an unlikely pairing does happen?

Nobody Wants This tackles this situation in a lighthearted manner so much so that you laugh more than you cry. In fact, there were no tears, at least, not with me. 

Joanne and Noah get ample support from the rest of the cast: Noah’s brother Sasha, his wife Esther, their parents; Joanne’s sister Morgan and their parents. They also have their respective tribes: her friends, whom Noah charms like a baby does a clan, and his tribe. The men in Noah’s tribe are initially friendly; the women, cold. So the men shut down their warmth as well. 

The women tend to follow the alpha female in the group, who in the series is Esther, Noah’s sister-in-law. She hates Joanne because Noah’s ex (Rebecca) is her (Esther’s) BFF. 

The series also tackles the plight, if you will, of second siblings. Sometimes, like in Everybody Loves Raymond (about a Catholic family), the firstborn is the star, and the second in line, well, can commiserate with Prince Harry. Let’s put it that way. 

Interspersed with the serious moments were scenes straight out of a sitcom, you wonder if Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc, or Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris North, would suddenly make an appearance.

And yet, my main takeaway from the series is the importance of tradition in our lives.

In the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof, the main character Tevye, a Jew living in Russia in the early 1900s but already grappling with the issue of a daughter wishing to marry a non-Jew, says:

Because of our traditions, 

We’ve kept our balance for many, many years. 

Here in Anatevka we have traditions for everything... 

how to eat, how to sleep, even, how to wear clothes. 

For instance, we always keep our heads covered 

and always wear a little prayer shawl... 

This shows our constant devotion to God. 

You may ask, how did this tradition start? 

I’ll tell you—I don’t know. But it’s a tradition... 

Because of our traditions, 

Everyone knows who he is and what God expects him to do.

 ***

I was born and raised a Catholic and continue to be a practicing Catholic. I revere traditions, even rituals, of my faith, and find them to be my moorings.

Simbang Gabi, Pasko, Biyernes Santo, Linggo ng Pagkabuhay, Undas, among others.

These traditions usually involve family gatherings. For instance on All Souls Day and All Saints Day, families camp out and picnic in cemeteries and memorial parks as they light candles on the gravesite of their loved ones.

Filipinos are said to have the longest Christmas season in the world (September to January) and the holidays are a succession of reunions newlyweds have to make Solomonic decisions on which to prioritize (his side or her side?).

Tradition strengthens ties that bind. Tradition ensures the identity of a people, the character of a family. It gives depth to faith. A person who holds something or someone sacred is likely, in my opinion, to do right by others.

***

Back to Nobody Wants This.

Noah and Joanne must navigate the waters where love, family, tradition and joy swirl.

Both agree you can’t have everything.

Question is, what did they eventually choose to be their “everything”?

What is your everything?