FYC: Why ‘Dying for Sex’ Deserves Outstanding Limited Series

Megan McLachlan pleads with Emmy voters to consider FX’s Dying for Sex for Outstanding Limited Series.

Last year, FX’s Outstanding Drama Series winner Shōgun took audiences on the epic journeys of both Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), as he discovers his true power, and Lady Mariko (Anna Sawaii), as she faces death multiple times in the most heroic, badass way.

Now, what if I told you FX’s limited series Dying for Sex has a similar trajectory for its protagonist? Also based on true events, Dying for Sex follows Molly Kochan (Michelle Williams) as she faces death while also discovering her power as a human. However, her goal might look a little different than ruling a region — she just wants to achieve an orgasm with another person. (Maybe she just wants to have authority over her own region!)

No show on television this year, or perhaps ever, tackles life, sex, and death as fascinatingly and beautifully as Dying for Sex. On paper, I’m sure some potential viewers would shy away from this series based on the taboos it confronts (What does “normal” sex look like?), but they would be missing out on Molly’s incredible real-life journey as well as one of the best episodes of television to show the process of death. Just as sexual preferences are a human mystery, so is the human body, and show creators Liz Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock honor both topics with profound empathy and hope.

The role of Molly was made for Michelle Williams, who delivers a physical and emotionally taxing performance. Also, did I mention how fucking funny Dying for Sex is? I laughed out loud when Molly brings her “pet” to the hospital with her. Williams balances drama and comedy like an acrobat. One minute, you’re laughing hysterically and the next you’re crying. Her dancing scene set to Ariel Marx’s score is a perfect fusion of weird and cathartic and wonderful that the show operates on.

As Nikki, Jenny Slate serves as more than just “the best friend” and shows the toll cancer can take on caregivers in addition to patients. Months later, I still haven’t stopped thinking about her final scene (and that Iris DeMent song!).

And of course, “Neighbor Guy” Rob Delaney is an unlikely dreamboat. A lesser show would make a character like him “the weirdo,” but I love the way the series embraces his quirks with Molly’s. Also, Delaney IS a dreamboat.

In an Emmy year of bleak and dark limited series entries, Dying for Sex offers optimism and a female protagonist over the age of 40 (both rare in Hollywood). Shows — and stories — like this come along once in a lifetime — and rarely with flying penises.