thomas_bailess
Lifetime Total
1+
IMDb Member
18 years
Reviews
Fleabag: Episode #1.1 (2016)
Episode 1, Season 1
Disappointing
I was ready to love this show. It looks beautifully filmed, the premise is great, and the supporting cast are superb. However it falls flat, mainly due to the performance of the main character, the titular Fleabag (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge).
The gimmick is that in each scene she breaks the fourth wall and addresses the viewer directly. It is supposed to give us an insight into the character's real thoughts, something Peep Show achieved brilliantly with its hilarious internal monologues. However it is carried out so inelegantly, after a few minutes it just aggravates.
On top of this, the writing is weak and directionless. The fantastic supporting case, notably Olivia Colman and Bill Paterson, do their best to bring it to life, but they don't have much to work with. And whilst Phoebe Waller-Bridge is gorgeous, it takes more than a pretty face to make compelling television.
I really wanted to like this. British TV is crying out for more original comedy to join hits like Mighty Boosh and Fresh Meat. Whilst Fleabag has some merits, the end result is sadly mediocre.
The gimmick is that in each scene she breaks the fourth wall and addresses the viewer directly. It is supposed to give us an insight into the character's real thoughts, something Peep Show achieved brilliantly with its hilarious internal monologues. However it is carried out so inelegantly, after a few minutes it just aggravates.
On top of this, the writing is weak and directionless. The fantastic supporting case, notably Olivia Colman and Bill Paterson, do their best to bring it to life, but they don't have much to work with. And whilst Phoebe Waller-Bridge is gorgeous, it takes more than a pretty face to make compelling television.
I really wanted to like this. British TV is crying out for more original comedy to join hits like Mighty Boosh and Fresh Meat. Whilst Fleabag has some merits, the end result is sadly mediocre.