Tig Notaro's "One Mississippi"

With the advent of many streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, many artists have been given the opportunity to create original content that might not otherwise be seen by audiences. Of the many original series available for streaming online, many, such as “F is for Family,” “Master of None” and others were created by comedians. With the creative freedoms afforded by internet services, streaming series are able to tackle issues and subjects that might not be readily approved on network television.

One such series was created by standup comedian and former “Professor Blastoff” podcast host Tig Notaro. Unlike many of the aforementioned series, Notaro’s “One Mississippi” is a deep brooding black comedy with a heavy dose of drama.

Tig Notaro came into prominence following her diagnosis of cancer in both breasts in 2012. Notaro dedicated a live set, called "Live", to contemplating her cancer and struggles. "Live” was released online by Louis C.K., who was so moved by the performance that he believed it must be heard. Notaro has drawn praise from many prominent figures in the comedy industry, such as Doug Stanhope and the aforementioned Louis C.K., for her dark but deeply honest and personal brand of humor. In her podcast, “Professor Blastoff,” co-hosted by Kyle Dunnigan and David Huntsberger, Tig dealt with issues of science, philosophy and history in an accessible and humorous manner.

Much like Notaro’s standup, "One Mississippi" is informed by dark, dry comedy and is highly autobiographical. The show begins with Tig returning to her family home in Mississippi with the sudden death of her mother. In addition to struggling with this life changing event, Tig has found out that she has cancer. The series centers around the existential crisis that Tig feels as she is forced to contemplate the death of her mother while also considering her own mortality and her direction in life.

In L.A., Tig worked as a radio host and continues to do so remotely in Mississippi. Though she intended to leave shortly after she arrived, Tig finds that the confluence of stress and fear in her life compels her to stay a while longer. While Tig is in Mississippi, she is forced to confront many demons and dark events from her youth. As she feels compelled to remain with her family, Tig’s relationship with her girlfriend becomes strained and comes to an end.

Having lived in L.A. for many years upon returning, Tig finds it difficult to connect and interact with her deeply dysfunctional family in the face of her suddenly departed mother. Tig has particular trouble connecting with her stepfather, who is strangely stoic upon her arrival. Tig’s stepfather seems to suffer from profound social anxiety with his awkward demeanor and difficulty expressing emotions. Though he initially seems indifferent to the situation, insisting that Tig remove her mother’s things from the house, we later find that he is trying to fight off his feelings of loneliness.

Upon returning home, Tig realizes that things are not all profoundly different from when she left. Tig also comes to find that her brother, Remy, is still living with their stepfather and doing work on the house in return for his lodging. Like Tig, her brother has dealt with a life of trials and disappointment. In his most prominent struggle, Remy is unable to get the woman of his fancy to give him a chance, an ordeal which garners more sympathy than laughter.

In spite of the great deal of repression and restraint Tig takes with her diagnosis, the show contains many sad and poignant moments where the viewer is unsure whether to laugh or cry. One such moment comes when Tig reports to her mother’s hospital room. Being quite unsure what to do when her mother finally passes on, Tig asks if she should just leave, to which the nurse says that she can’t just leave her mother there, leaving both laughing hysterically after an awkward pause. The show revels in creating emotional ambiguity for the viewer by presenting situations that are simultaneously hilarious and shocking or upsetting.

Through many trials and shocking surprises, Tig fights her way through a stunning and uncertain transition in life with profound humor.