I didn’t manage to watch “The Rehearsal” when it debuted on TV schedules in early 2025. However, after attending my grandfather’s funeral and finding myself seeking entertainment during a long train journey, I decided to download the entire six-episode series of Nathan Fielder’s awkward but heartfelt show using my Max subscription. Unbeknownst to me, this HBO production would serve as a lifeline, helping me avoid a complete breakdown on what turned out to be an agonizing 15-hour train trip from Hell.
Amidst a faulty air conditioner, unruly children who refused to settle, an unexpected three-hour halt in the midst of a violent storm, and a woman loudly arguing on her phone at 3 a.m., I found myself yearning for a diversion. And just when I needed it most, The Rehearsal stepped in, in a peculiar and fitting manner. Let me elaborate…
The Rehearsal Season 2, And It’s Outrageous Focus On The Airline Industry, Was A Nice Distraction
If you haven’t seen it yet, “The Rehearsal” Season 2 finds Nathan Fielder delving into the intricate relationships between airplane captains and first officers, aiming to enhance communication for a safer flying experience for everyone. Similar to its earlier season and most of Fielder’s work, this exploration of a potentially serious topic is transformed into something that isn’t purely heavy but also not strictly comedy.
As a devoted cinephile, I found myself grateful for Fielder’s exploration into the aviation sector, especially during those challenging times when I had to postpone my homecoming due to my grandfather’s passing and the endless hiccups that come with train travel. It was like a breath of fresh air amidst the chaos, making me chuckle, wince, and even pause occasionally to absorb some scenes. For approximately six hours, I managed to escape the turmoil outside and immerse myself in his fascinating narrative.
Nathan Fielder’s Shows Usually Put Me On Edge, But Not This Time
Moving into Season 2, I found myself in a peculiar bond with Fielder’s artistic output. While I appreciated “The Curse”, it didn’t resonate with me as strongly as the critics or Christopher Nolan, who described it as “an extraordinary series”. Typically, his work stirred unease within me, prompting me to ponder on some obscure memory, discussion, or truth that I had long buried and hoped would remain untouched. This introspection often led me into a minor existential predicament.
Not this time.
It’s hard to pinpoint whether it was the unconventional storyline, the growing discomfort from scenes like chatting with a U.S. Congressman (which gave me goosebumps), or the fact that the show momentarily distracted me from my personal issues, but something about The Rehearsal left me in a state of calm indifference for part of my train journey. I wasn’t feeling anxious, I wasn’t sad, and I simply existed without any strong emotions during that time.
As Strange As It Sounds, The Show Helped Me With Some Much-Needed Soul-Searching
analogous to the unease I felt from the experience of Friendship, The Rehearsal surprisingly facilitated a profound introspection for me, as I underwent what can only be described as the most distressing train journey in my memory. A recurring theme throughout its six episodes is effectively expressing empathy towards others, a subject that has long been challenging for me in conversations with strangers or even articulating my own feelings. The examination of human nature in this series was both daunting and rewarding.
In one part of the program, Fielder devised a phony singing contest called “Wings of Voice,” a clever reference to his past role as a producer on “Canadian Idol.” This fabricated event seemed tailor-made for Fielder to learn how to interact with people. It was outlandish, extravagant, and downright absurd, yet it carried an unexpected depth. I must admit, it was quite moving.
Despite The Myriad Of Issues With My Train, The Show Reminded Me That It Could Be Worse
I’ve spoken about it before, but my train ride back to the Midwest had a lot of problems, some of which I might still be sharing stories about in the future. But after binge-watching the show’s second season, I realized that things could always have been significantly more challenging… far more so than they currently are.
Reflecting on the painstaking reconstructions of plane crashes and the intense dialogue scenes, as well as the exploration of tragedy throughout the series, I found myself often thinking, “Things could always be worse.” After all, being delayed on a train for most of the day is certainly inconvenient, but when compared to more serious situations, it’s relatively minor. Fortunately, I made it home safely, my day wasn’t ruined entirely, and I didn’t find myself in a position where I had to defend myself to the FAA about flying a commercial jet with actors over the Mojave Desert on a casual trip.
However, I Feel Bad For The Random Guy Sitting Next To Me During The Sully Sullenberger Episode
Picture this scenario: You were all set for a peaceful night’s sleep after securing an empty seat beside you, only to return later and find someone has taken that spot. This didn’t occur with me, but the unfortunate soul sitting nearby on the dreadful train journey from Hell. Now, visualize a few hours down the line when you glance over and realize that the man who marred your comfortable journey is watching Nathan Fielder dressed up as a miniature version of Sully Sullenberger nursing from a gigantic puppet.
Over the past few days, I’ve found myself pondering what might have been his thoughts when he caught me engrossed in one of this year’s most peculiar TV shows. It’s uncertain if he could pick up the sound of Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life” from my headphones during the biopic about the “Miracle on the Hudson,” but I imagine he must have been quite startled by then. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to catch his name, but my heartfelt apologies go out to the gentleman who ended up being delayed by six hours returning to Chicago.
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If I hadn’t downloaded The Rehearsal ahead of time before catching the train, I honestly don’t know how I would have spent that journey. Here’s hoping that Fielder and the HBO team collaborate once more for a third season by the time I embark on my next long trip.
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2025-06-14 23:08