Recently, I watched Netflix’s new original series Firefly Lane and finished all 10 episodes within a day. Originally based on the novel by Kristin Hannah, the show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke,(who you may know from Grey’s Anatomy and Scrubs) who take the role of playing inseparable best friends, Tully Hart and Kate Mularkey. While there were several flaws I saw within the show, I genuinely enjoyed watching it and wanted to point out what I did admire about the new series.
Although some aren’t a fan of non-linear storylines, I personally like when shows go back and forth through timelines because it helps in understanding a character’s roots and in ways it aids in revealing parts of the entire mystery that is embedded. Firefly Lane does exactly that by showing how the two best friends met in the 70s, began their career together in the 80s, and flash-forwards to 2003 in their present lives. It follows both their friendship and own personal lives through all the highs and lows and depicts the two even in their most vulnerable moments as they grow from their teens into their 40s. Even though it has a corny romance plotline, it never overpowered or took away from the main narrative of just Tully and Kate.
Besides the plot, I found myself admired by the two’s drive and determination to achieve their dream career as journalists and it was heartwarming to see how powerful their friendship was. Tully and Kate are completely different from one another, yet their differences never drew them apart. Tully’s charisma and Kate’s awkwardness create such engaging chemistry between the two and the entire time I watched it, it reminded me of my best friend and I’s relationship, since the both of us resonated and are also writers as well.
