7 days of film: fleabag (2016-2019)

This series is what you call “cinematic gold.” I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything like it before or since.

I think it would be good to inform you that the show was originally a comedy performance written by the series’ showrunner, writer, producer and actress; the ever-inspiring, ever-stylish Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Allow me to digress.

When you say someone carried a film, that was HER. She’s a genius.

She made the comedy show, delivered it, got paid to make it a series, did that, and when Fleabag became so popular and in-demand, she made A SECOND SEASON.

I don’t think you understand. When God made woman, He meant Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I am intensely confident that there is nothing this woman cannot do.

I’ll go off.

Killing Eve. No Time To Die. Indiana Jones. If.

BAFTAs. Emmys. SAG Awards. Golden Globes. Notice how I’m using plurals here.

The woman does. Not. Flop.

Thank you for taking this detour.

The series is named after its main character. You wonder, “how is someone named Fleabag?” Well, dear gentle reader, Phoebe in her infinite wisdom made it so the character’s name isn’t ever mentioned, not once the entire series. Tough? Yes. Impossible? No.

In fact, she’s not the only character without a name. The character’s step mother and father also bear no names as well as her love interest in season 2, referred to fondly as: the hot priest.

I think its to defer your mind from imagining the character in any certain light. Truly, it’s difficult to say much about the character’s background but a lot more to say about the character’s actions.

All the mistakes she made that lead her to the bottom and eventually brought her to a better place.

A story of redemption. Of sorts.

The series’ use of comedic and dramatic techniques shows the skill with which the story was crafted. It was designed so that you could be Fleabag. Or me. Or anyone.

You wouldn’t really be able to judge her because you are her, an everyday person with their strengths and weaknesses, taking life one golden-bodice-artwork at a time.

It’s a reference from the series. Don’t worry you’ll get it when you see it.

Oh and full disclaimer, season 2 will wreck you emotionally. I’m talking “Normal People” wreckage. Beware.