Phoebe's Baby

So I watched Fleabag.  All of it.  At two seasons, six episodes per, it wasn't that hard--about five hours of screen time.

Based on her play of the same name, Fleabag is created, written by and stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who's nominated for three Emmys for the show--acting, writing and best comedy. (She also created Killing Eve, nominated for best drama.  It's possible she'll join David E. Kelley in having the best comedy and drama the same season.)

The show tells its story through the eyes of its main character. In fact, she regularly talks to the camera, commenting on the action and telling us her feelings.  Many of the characters are only known by their generic names, such as Bank Manager, Arsehole Guy, Bus Rodent, Godmother, Hot Misogynist and so on.  It's a sign of how little the protagonist thinks of herself that she's known as Fleabag.

Fleabag has plenty of problems.  Her sister Claire (Sian Clifford) is married to Martin (Brett Gelman), an obnoxious guy whom Fleabag despises.  Their mother recently died and their father (Bill Paterson) is taking up with a new woman (Olivia Colman) that Fleabag can't stand. Fleabag herself has a boyfriend, Harry (Hugh Skinner), who leaves and then returns on a regular basis.  Meanwhile, she sleeps with just about every guy she meets.

Worst of all, her friend, Boo (Jenny Rainsford), with whom Fleabag ran a cafe, recently died in a traffic accident that was partly on purpose.  The first season is about Fleabag coming to terms with that loss.

Waller-Bridge felt she'd said all she had to say, so wasn't sure a second season could work.  But then she came up with an idea that made Fleabag worth exploring a bit more.  This time around she falls in love with a priest (Andrew Scott).  While there are some farcical complications, the second season, like the first, though still a comedy, ends with something close to tragedy. Fleabag has to deal with where her choices have taken her, when all those smart remarks to the camera are no longer enough.

Phoebe Waller-Bridges does a fine job in the title role.  The supporting case, in general, is solid.  But I think acting honors should go to Sian Clifford as Claire, Fleabag's temperamentally opposite, uptight sister

Fleabag has received numerous critical accolades.  Is it better than the competition at the Emmys?  I don't know, but Phoebe Waller-Bridge has created something special.