Fleabag

After the death of her best friend, an event she is partly responsible for, a woman drowns her sorrows in one-night stands and other hedonistic behaviour. Her family compounds her problems: the uptight, corporate exec sister, the alcoholic, obnoxious brother-in-law, the well-meaning but clueless father, the scheming, domineering father's girlfriend who moved in very quickly once her mother died. From here the only way is up.

Great comedy series. Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge the series pushes the envelope in terms of humour while having decent dramatic side to it too. A great device Waller-Bridge employs is voicing her thoughts directly to the camera in between dialogue. Very original and makes for some hilarious punchlines. Season 2 then takes this a step further...

On that note, the series does improve from Season 1 to Season 2. Season 1 was a good introduction to the main character and her host of issues and was very funny but did rely a bit on shock value for some of the punchlines. It all seemed about problems (and wallowing in them) rather than solutions. I did enjoy the Boo (the deceased friend) sub-plot though. It was the most emotional part of the series, it revealed the downside to the main character's behaviour and the interactions between the two of them were always wonderfully engaging and funny.

Season 2 evolves the dramatic side and feels more balanced. There are new challenges to be faced but things are a bit less outlandish.

While the series has some aspirations as a drama its strongest suite is definitely as a comedy. A few loose ends in the dramatic sub-plots makes the dramatic side feel a bit clumsy at times.

Can't fault the casting nor performances. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is excellent in the lead role and the other major characters are superbly played.

Fleabag is in short an amazing series. From the characters around her, her lack of name to represent more than just herself, the way grief and self hatred posses her, absolutely sublime. It was funny yet absolutely heartbreaking. The over arching story of fleabag's complicated relationship with her sister that at the end presented itself as true love was beautiful. The show never really tried to make fleabag seem like the good guy which i really appreciated. She was really flawed yet when the show displayed the back story; it was reasons rather then excuses. Fleabag grew as a character, friend, sister, daughter and grew as a woman which was a pleasure to watch.

Crafting a compelling show is an art form in itself. Narrating a story using color, camera angles, dialogue, and performances constitutes an art form, irrespective of whether viewers recognize it as such.

"Fleabag" is undeniably a pinnacle of television artistry, weaving emotions through its use of color, camera work, dialogue, and acting. The show's ability to evoke a range of feelings from tragedy to comedy is reminiscent of a masterful painting. Central to its brilliance is the ingenious use of the fourth wall, drawing viewers into Fleabag's world and allowing for personal interpretation.

Critics dismissing this technique as a mere 'gimmick' fail to appreciate its integral role in elevating the show to a work of art. While the first season may have felt experimental, by the second season, "Fleabag" finds its stride, introducing compelling new characters and showcasing stellar performances from the cast.

One of the show's strengths lies in its pacing; it never drags, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating each episode while avoiding the fatigue that can come with overstaying its welcome. Ultimately, "Fleabag" is a sensational piece of television that leaves audiences craving more, a testament to its artful storytelling and unforgettable characters.

Not my typical cup of tea. Watched an episode with no intent and before I knew it I was smiling. Then laughing. Phoebe has amazing comedic talent. Even an old guy like me can recognize her talent. Quirky, irreverent, intelligent humor. Not something in abundance here in the states.

The story of a dysfunctional 30 year old, laid bare for the world to see.

For anyone a bit messed up by life the writer of this series wants you to reassure her she is not alone. Set in London it is a touching lesson in the bizarre, crazy and irrational things Londoners will do for some control and stability in their lives.

This series is absolutely not for the sane, it's for the sad, miserable and insane, desperately looking to feel good about themselves (and in need of a good laugh).

Undoubtedly the beginning of something great.