In early March, a loved one unexpectedly suffered a severe stroke that changed the entire trajectory of his life. Dealing with those changes has been sobering, stressful and exhausting. Recently, in need of escapism, I began watching a comedy series recommended by several friends over the past six years.

The series deals with a rich celebrity family who, because of a crooked business manager, loses everything and is forced to live out of two motel rooms in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. The series is the critically-acclaimed, award-winning comedy Schitt's Creek. At first, the characters struck me as over-the-top, shallow, and obnoxious; but as the series progressed, they took on deeper dimensions. By season three, I often found myself tearing up between laughs. Inspired by reality TV shows about people who are "famous for being famous," the series' creator, Dan Levy, wondered what would become of these celebrities if their money and fame suddenly vanished. Levy wanted to explore "what love looks like when the money is gone."

I began watching the series as an emotional escape but soon realized it deals with the very issues brought about by my loved one's stroke. When the big house, the expensive car, and career path are gone, what's left? What do love, friendships, family, and one's sense of self look like when everything by which we measured them vanishes?

During an earthquake, the first thing to fall from a building is the façade-the decorative outer shell that looks impressive but is unconnected to the building's foundation and function. How deeply is our sense of self and life shaped by mere facades?

Belonging to a certain social circle is not the same thing as being rooted in a community, and having connections is not the same as having friends. Having blood relations and a particular last name is different from feeling part of a family. Prestige pales next to affection. Fame and celebrity can't take the place of emotional intimacy. Dropping names and rubbing shoulders with those we consider elites is no substitute for having others to whom we can turn when everything goes wrong. Social media is more media than social, and being a "social influencer" is not the same thing as being side by side with others in the trenches of life. Having a network of contacts is not the same as having a place at a table. Being recognized is very different from being valued. Social esteem is no substitute for personal affection. The temporary sensation of being "a winner," of being "unstoppable," or "crushing it" pales compared to the freedom of feeling fearlessly vulnerable.

These are some of the truths discovered by the characters of Schitt's Creek, and perhaps we'd all do well to ponder them. Whether by financial or social disruptions, illnesses, or simply the inevitable passing of time, our lives as they are now will be shaken.
What will love look like when the façades finally fall away?

Rob Lauer is an award-winning, nationally-produced and published playwright with over 35 years of experience in the entertainment industry. His national credits include production work for MGA Films, Time/Warner TV, The Learning Channel and The History Channel. Locally, Rob has been producing, directing and hosting three TV series for PCTV (the City of Portsmouth’s official channel) since 2011.