Moira Rose knows.
At first viewing, the character Moira Rose from the series Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020) would seem to be vacuous and shallow, only concerned with comfort and status, but the series creators, Dan and Eugene Levy, developed a character with greater depth and wisdom than is initially apparent.
The character of Moira offers insight and sage advice, often when least expected and generally unsolicited. Though the interjections may be immodest, Catherine O’Hara’s delivery is sublime, as she plays Moira Rose with fragile dignity.
“When they get mean, you tell them to go to hell. Because only you know who you are, and those cruel internet people cannot take that away from you. You will forge on.”
— season 1, episode 3
Amen!
“We have so many disasters bombarding us right now, my dear, the middle name of an ungrateful child is hardly a priority.”
— season 1, episode 6
It is critical to have a big-picture perspective.
“... a podunk baby out of wedlock is not something your father and I can afford to negotiate at this moment.”
— season 1, episode 10
Fiscal responsibility is important to consider.
Ronnie: “You’re a pain in the ass, but you get stuff done.”
Moira: “A delightful compliment.”
— season 2, episode 6
Embrace your strengths.
Moira: “I should’ve appreciated those firm round mammae, and callipygian ass, while I had them.”
Stevie: “If you’re talking about your body, I think you still look amazing.”
Moira: “Then allow me to offer you some advice. Take a thousand naked pictures of yourself now. You may currently think, ‘Oh, I’m too spooky.’ or ‘Nobody wants to see these tiny boobies.’ But believe me, one day you will look at those photos with much kinder eyes and say, ‘Dear God, I was a beautiful thing.’”
— season 2, episode 9
Basically, show yourself some love.
“If we look to have given up on ourselves, how can we assure our constituents that we haven’t given up on them as well?”
— season 3, episode 1
Only one of many reasons why one should look their best.
“I won’t wear anything with an adhesive backing.”
— season 3, episode 9
Nor should you. Words to live by.
“Sometimes in life, and in love, risks must be taken. One never knows what may happen.”
— season 4, episode 4
A legit life lesson.
Johnny: “Moira, come stand here with me for a minute.”
Moira: “John, you know I would, but I’ve already taken my Christmas pills, and bitter experience has taught me I have just 8 minutes to make it safely up the stairs.”
— Christmas special, Merry Christmas Johnny Rose
It’s good to know one’s limits.
Director: “I would hardly call this an opportunity!”
Moira: “I worked in soaps. They had me play my own father, who then became pregnant despite the vasectomy. I still hold the record for the longest-running demonic possession on daytime television.”
Director: “OK, what's your point?”
Moira: “We were number one. Every project has potential.”
— season 5, episode 1
Work it ‘til it works.
“Oh, I’m not above a naughty night of debauchery. When Condi Rice and Sharon Stone and I used to make our annual casino sojourn to Ho Chi Minh City, well, let's just say, tôi không bao giờ thua.”
— season 5, episode 6
It’s OK to let loose every once in a while.
Moira: “We need to do something. Send some energy his way. Hands, children.
... Perhaps we should kneel.”
David: “OK, are we praying?”
Moira: “Don’t be ridiculous. To whom it may concern, there’s a man out there, my husband, he’s out there trying to build back what we’ve lost.”
— season 6, episode 12
Call it what you want to, call out to whomever you prefer, but sometimes you need a little prayer.
Words aside, the collective vision of Dan Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and Costume Designer Debra Hanson (and inspirationally, Daphne Guinness) have coalesced to deliver some of the most inventive fashion that the “small screen” has ever seen. See every ensemble in 3 minutes and 18 seconds:
