Bagley plays Brad, Joel’s emotionally constipated and very nice older boyfriend. In the second season, we first meet him on stage, performing as the only adult student of Sam’s childhood music teacher. He sings an intense Italian classical vocal piece with such absurd seriousness that Sam and Joel start laughing uncontrollably in the audience. This is a particularly mean and petty moment for both of them; perhaps because of this, it soon seems inevitable that their lives will eventually become intertwined with his. Joel flirts with Brad at the reception over a plate of “St. Louis Sushi” (ham wrapped around cream cheese and a pickle), and, once this delicacy makes his way spectacularly in Joel’s stomach, they are on their way to romance.

Brad’s big moment comes at the start of the new season. He asks Sam to help him write a song to perform to Joel as a surprise at their housewarming party, but when the time comes, he hesitates. “I’ve never been comfortable sharing my emotions in public,” he tells the crowd, while Sam sits at the piano. “And, but I found someone who makes me want to go beyond my comfort zone.” As Sam begins to play, tears come to Brad’s eyes and he holds Sam’s gaze. “I got you,” she says and she begins to sing. The lyrics are, as usual, a little cheesy, a little awkward, but sincere. And even though Joel is standing right in front of him, Brad doesn’t look away from Sam. His eyes ask for help, telegraph gratitude, offer a prayer. At the end of the first verse, he turns to Joel, claiming the words Sam sang. And then, after the chorus, Brad sings. His voice is broken, bathed in tears, but it gains confidence as he sings, as he looks at his lover, as he moves toward the word “love.” It’s a performance that feels like someone’s been waiting their whole life to give it – and that’s true for both the character and its actor.

It’s a small show, but it’s filled with great moments like this. This scene in particular is a mirror image of Sam’s first performance at Choir Practice, when Joel held her for the first time (“I’ll sing Kate Bush’s part”). The hesitation, the growing confidence, the power of a friend’s presence. Few shows have defiantly attempted to create such glorious, visionary television from such commonplace tools. What would it be like if people loved you? What would that do? How does it feel to no longer be alone? Someone, sing us this song.