By Clarisse Randolph | April 9th, 2012
Showtime’s United States of Tara follows the life of the Gregson family: father Max, daughter Kate, son Marshall, and mother Tara/T/Buck/Alice. Winner of two Emmys and a Golden Globe, this comedy-drama stars Toni Collette as a suburban wife living with dissociative identity disorder trying to handle her marriage, two teenagers, and job — all while just recently coming off meds. So when stress arises, she shifts involuntarily into one of her various alternative personalities: 16-year-old rebellious “T,” male Vietnam vet “Buck,” 1950′s housewife “Alice”…
I give mad props to the show — taking a fairly serious illness and putting the perfect spin on it. It’s funny and lighthearted, yet knows how to pull off those heart-wrenching, serious moments at the right time. United States of Tara is one of those few shows that can include an abusive parent situation (though technically, Tara’s alters don’t consider themselves a parent of her kids) in an episode, and still leave you feeling sympathetic and understanding at the end. You’ll find your emotions mimicking those of the characters, even when you try not to feel it. There’s no stopping the butterflies in your stomach from fluttering around.
But the best part of Tara is hands down its musical accompaniment. While watching all of her alters’ lives collide, your ears are given a solid line-up of tracks that flow flawlessly with the scenes. Beginning with the open title sequence (which won an Emmy) featuring a short little piece (which you will find yourself wishing was an actual song) created by Tim DeLaughtner of Polyphonic Spree.
The show continues to feature a fantastic soundtrack of songs, with the likes of Eels, Andrew Bird, The Kills, Bon Iver, and other great artists who provide the perfect music for the interesting lives of the Gregsons. It’s the sweet tracks of indie rock flair that wrap up every episode you find are what keeps you coming back to indulge in their roller coaster of a world.
Check out the playlist below, comprised of Season 1t highlights.