The Netflix series “Firefly Lane” tells a sentimental story in a very unique way. Based on the novel of the same name by Kristin Hannah, “Firefly Lane” spans three decades in the lives of two best friends. And it demonstrates that soul mates don’t have to be romantic.
Great Performances
The show consists of 26 episodes divided by two seasons. It stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke. You’ll laugh and cry with the highs and lows of these characters. The unique presentation jumps to various points in their history – beginning in the 1970s when they meet as teens and to the present (set in the early 2000s) as they progress into their 40s.
It’s a character driven show with Heigl and Chalke demonstrating a natural bond and symmetry – in an asymmetrical way.
Ali Skovbye and Roan Curtis play the young versions of Tully and Kate
Tully Hart (Heigl) is outgoing, flamboyant, and often irresponsible. She goes from troubled teen to celebrity talk show host. Kate Mularkey (Chalke) is quiet, bookish, and reserved. She’s the sensible one of the pair. Each work well together and do their best to level off the other.
A friendship decades in the making
The acting from the two leads is astounding. Both Heigl and Chalke are known for comedic roles. Here they seamlessly deliver drama, sorrow, anger, and also laughs. They are opposites in every way. We see this facet recur throughout the 30 year timeframe of the show in a realistic way. The backdrop of Seattle is a nice touch. It’s big – but not the biggest.
FIREFLY LANE (L to R) KATHERINE HEIGL as TULLY and SARAH CHALKE as KATE in episode 102 of FIREFLY LANE. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2020
The supporting cast does a good job at filling in the parts. Ali Skovbye and Roan Curtis play young Tully and young Kate respectively. This pairing is also quite good. The scenes with them are some of the best as the duo navigate the choppy waters of high school.
Ben Lawson plays Kate’s love interest. Beau Garrett plays Tully’s hippie mother. Yael Yurman plays adult Kate’s daughter, Marah. There are no weak links in the cast.
FIREFLY LANE (L to R) KATHERINE HEIGL as TULLY and SARAH CHALKE as KATE in episode 103 of FIREFLY LANE. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2020
“Firefly Lane” is a like truncated soap opera. There are storylines that I didn’t enjoy, but the relationship between Tully and Kate is so fun to watch you won’t notice. It can be a bit confusing at first as the story leaps to and from the actors in their 40s to the same actors in their 30s or 20s. But you’ll figure it out.
“Firefly Lane” is a great story. I recommend checking it out.
Spoiler Alert!
The super sad ending negates the rewatch appeal. It’s more realistic, but destroys the escapeability of fiction.
“Firefly Lane” is available to stream on Netflix.
