Fleabag

Fleabag is an excellent comedy-drama that initially lures the audience into a false sense of comedic security before ending the first season on a powerfully poignant note. The show employs dark humour and a gritty, raw form of storytelling with believable and relatable characters throughout.

Similarly to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, all of Fleabag’s characters are flawed human beings stumbling through life trying to do their best within their own limitations, yet often are largely self-sabotaging. Fleabag, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is the title character, and the audience never learns her real name. This subtle distancing of the character from the audience is a clever addition to the information she withholds from the viewer. Her underlying unhappiness from her best friend’s recent death is evident through her destructive behaviour, which provides the audience with increasing amusement and frustration as the season progresses. However, the extent of her despair, and the reason why it is so deeply embedded in her, is not clear until the final episode.

Furthermore, the show’s insight into problematic family relationships is done well. Fleabag’s bond with her sister is an interesting dynamic in the show, demonstrating a strained and difficult relationship at times, but one that is ultimately built on the foundation of love and support. Their relationship also mirrors the infamous British 'stiff upper-lip' attitude, where quality communication suffers for the sake of ease of conversation, and much is left unsaid where the audience must fill in the gaps. The sisters’ connection with their father and his wife is also challenging, portraying clashes between arguably well-meaning, but selfish, parental figures and their adult children.

Fleabag easily passes the Bechtel test, with multiple strong female characters who have varied personalities and interests. It does not shy away from difficult subject matter, and draws the viewer in to a humorous but emotionally challenging narrative. The final episode in particular demonstrates admirable story-telling, and makes this show an overall five-star viewing experience. I would recommend Fleabag to anyone with an interest in comedy-dramas and dark humour.

Rating: 5/5