By AILEEN BURKE
Executive Editor
Each episode of “Heartstrings” starts with Dolly Parton, the queen herself, speaking to the audience directly about the song that inspired the episode about to start. She explains what she needs you to know, right from the hallowed halls of Dollywood, and the journey begins.
For a fan of Dolly, the sometimes average acting can be overlooked for the sake of seeing some glorious songs played out on screen. Her catalogue is vast, and even having eight episodes detailing her discography is so much better than none at all.
Those not in tune with country music, which I imagine is many people here at Saint Rose, it is important to know how magical Dolly Parton is. She has been able to rise above the political and social fray for well over 50 years, and send a message of loving everyone no matter their race, religion, sexuality, or otherwise.
Her Smoky Mountain, east Tennessee upbringing has influenced her entire life; it has led to her giving back to her mountain home in a big way, starting charities like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library that gives books monthly to every kid in Tennessee under the age of 5.
Of course, it disappoints some fans that she does not use her profile to speak up for important political issues, but this conundrum stands outside of “Heartstrings.”
That being said, she actually does use “Heartstrings” to present some diverse storylines about important issues, using many different actors to convey her messages. There is something for everyone, and each episode presents a stand-alone storyline that reflects Dolly’s influences and journey as a performer.
One of the episodes that does this successfully is “Two Doors Down.” This story is based one one of Dolly’s favorite songs, and she uses it to craft a storyline that addresses homophobia and drama within a big close-knit family. She makes an appearance herself in the episode, and it ends with acceptance of all of the troubles that the family has endured.
Not every episode of “Heartstrings” has a happy ending though, “If I Had Wings” is somewhat of an emotional rollercoaster filled with love, reconnection, and a death. It’s powerful, and Dolly does not appear in this episode. The storyline is played out entirely by the other actors, including but not limited to Delta Burke, made famous by the sitcom “Designing Women.” The story ends in sadness, but not without a hopeful twist before the final credits roll. A similar effect unfolded in the second half of “Cracker Jack.”
My favorite episode to watch was “J.J. Sneed,” which was a Western themed episode where the woman saved the day. It might be because I have just spent a semester immersing myself in Western movies with Professor Molgard, but the idea that a woman can be tougher and stronger than a man is always appealing to me.
Although “Heartstrings” is following the current trend of Netflix falling flat despite the stellar casts they cull, there is a charm to it that makes it simply irresistible. In an attempt to create compelling dramas, the show addresses a slew of subjects that tug on the heartstrings hard: that is what makes the release of all of the tension so great.
Every episode of “Heartstrings” has something new to offer. It’s just a matter of taking the time to look.
