Fleabag

Fleabag is a British TV show written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. It revolves around the life of a young woman in her early thirties played by Phoebe herself. In addition to Phoebe, this black comedy contained some of the most talented actors that Britain has to offer, such as Olivia Colman, Bill Paterson and Andrew Scott. This show was directed by Harry Bradbeer while Tim Kirkby helped set up the pilot. Fleabag consists of only two seasons despite a huge public demand for a third season. Fleabag was critically well-acclaimed with an IMDB rating of 8.7 out of 10 and a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The protagonist is a young woman who is only known as Fleabag. Throughout the entire show, her name is not revealed. She is referred to as she or you by the other characters. Fleabag is struggling to cope with grief and pain in her unique way. She has recently suffered a great loss and is in immense pain. She does not like being in the real world where it reminds her too much of her loss and the part that she played in it. This is where the show introduces a truly unique method that sets it apart from all the other television shows. That is the constant breaking of the fourth wall. In other words, the protagonist looks directly into the camera and speaks to the audience regularly. However, these moments are not noticed by the other characters. The audience is seen as its little escape from reality. She has built a high and strong wall around her to keep her away from the painful truths of reality. She keeps us, the audience, within those walls of hers known only to her and with whom she shares every moment of her life along with her deepest emotions and darkest secrets.

Throughout the first season of Fleabag, the audience is introduced to this very unique method of the show, so that by the end of it we are very familiar with the way of it. The writer herself sets a certain set of rules for the show in the first season regarding the style, the editing, and most importantly, the breaking of the fourth wall that is only known to Fleabag. You will see later on why this is so important. The first season ends the revelation of the painful incident in Fleabag’s life that is causing her to create an escape from reality.

Then, at the beginning of the second season, we are introduced to The Priest, played by the equally talented and good looking, Andrew Scott. In the first episode itself, we realise that he is what was missing from her life. He is a true friend to her and he is willing to lend her his time and attention. Inevitably, Fleabag falls in love with the Priest. She has had many serious relationships and casual lovers in her life, but it is evident that The Priest is completely different from the rest of them.

When talking about the significance of the role of the Priest, he is introduced as a not-your-typical kind of priest. He is young and funny and he also drinks and swears. The romantic tension between the two is evident. However, the Priest let Fleabag know that there can never be any kind of a relationship between them because he is a Catholic priest and he is committed to God. Fleabag does not consider this and ends up falling in love with him. She opens up to him and talks to him about everything that is on her mind. He is a fresh set of eyes that came into Fleabag’s life and ultimately helped her to see her for who she is. He helped her to tear down her walls and initiated her journey towards forgiveness. He was her saviour. This aspect of the character is brilliantly woven into the story by letting the Priest notice Fleabag when she breaks the fourth wall and talks to the audience. This takes her whole world by storm. He gradually helps her to realise that she deserves forgiveness, love and happiness despite what she guilts herself into thinking.

So, if you are looking for a TV show that would be worthy of your time, then Fleabag is definitely the show for you. It is brilliantly written, excellently produced, and well-acted. This dry-witted, dark comedy is promised to keep you at the edge of your seat with its incredible twists as well. So, check out Fleabag and enjoy the absolute brilliance this masterpiece has to offer.

Article by: Vijini Wijesundara | Faculty of Agriculture