Fleabag: Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Best Work Yet
Some television shows feature funny and eccentric, yet inspiring and badass women. Picture Rachel Green, Amy Santiago, and Leslie Knope. In Fleabag though, this is where Phoebe Waller-Bridge wanted to differ. Though you will be tempted to sort Fleabag into the usual television show female lead stereotype, her veracity and bluntness will definitely make you think twice.
What makes Fleabag Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s best work in my opinion? Here are my reasons.
It is a Fleeting Bliss
When I say it is a fleeting bliss, I mean it literally. Fleabag has only two seasons, each one consists of six 20-minute episodes only! When I first watched it, I was able to finish the whole thing in less than half a day. Within those hours I cried, I felt attacked, I felt seen, but most importantly, I laughed. Hell, who would not if the main character of the show that you are watching fell in love with a priest, right?
Fleabag Simplifies Pain
Though some people consider Fleabag a comedy show, it did not hold back when it comes to discussing serious issues as well. The main theme of the first season is all about dealing with grief and pain. Throughout the episodes, Fleabag discovered that sometimes, pain is just pain. The right way to approach it is to recognize its realness. Plus, therapy. Lots and lots of it, actually.
Fleabag is Not Afraid to Get Real
One thing that I admired about Phoebe’s writing is how she is not afraid to be real. Through Fleabag, she was able to present a character who is aware of how messed-up her life is. What made me commend her more is that Phoebe did not romanticize it. If the first season tackles Fleabag’s struggles, the second season, on the other hand, deals with her healing.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a Goddess Herself
Did I mention that aside from being the producer and writer of the show, Phoebe also played the character of Fleabag? Amazing, right? Since Phoebe is in touch with Fleabag’s emotions and knows how her mind works, she was able to translate that into her portrayal of the character. Not only was she capable, but Phoebe did the job excellently as well.
Honestly, the first time that Fleabag broke the fourth wall, I knew I would eat this show up until its very last second. Kudos to Phoebe for giving us this masterpiece!
