Photo: Fleabag: Season 2 / Amazon. Credit: Steve Schofield
With so much good television out there, it’s rare for any show to rise above the rest. There’s a case to be made, however, that Fleabag has done just this.
(This article contains no significant spoilers from Fleabag season one and two)
Season two of Amazon Prime Video’s Fleabag was released in March and April of this year. It received significant praise in pockets of the internet, but still feels a bit under the radar.
Since the second season was also (most likely) the final installment for the show, it won’t have another chance to build up the hype and fan base with another season. THIS is why it’s so important that the show get its due now. Here are five reasons to watch Fleabag (besides the fact I STRONGLY recommend it).
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1. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a unique talent
Waller-Bridge is the show’s creator, writer, and lead actor. Prior to season one’s airing in 2016, she performed a one-woman play-version of Fleabag at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2013.
Fleabag is Waller-Bridge’s “baby.” She clearly poured her heart into it, and this comes across in both her writing and acting in the television adaptation.
Along with Fleabag, she was the showrunner for season one of the critically acclaimed show Killing Eve, for which she earned an Emmy nominee. In March, HBO announced that Waller-Bridge will be acting in and executive producing the comedy series Run (release date unknown).
The 33-year-old will continue to shine brighter and brighter. It’s worth jumping on the bandwagon now.
Photo: Fleabag: Season 2 / Amazon. Credit: Steve Schofield
2. Fleabag is a quick watch
Even if a show is supposed to be REALLY good, the time commitment required to catch up can feel daunting at times. Earlier this year, people surely experienced this with Game of Thrones as the final season approached.
There is no such excuse when it comes to Fleabag. The show features only two six-episode seasons, with each lasting only 23-28 minutes. Do the math; the show can reasonably be finished in one-two days. There’s no reason to rush through it, however, as the show’s quality makes one want to savor it.
Photo: Fleabag: Season 2 / Amazon. Credit: Steve Schofield
3. The show makes the viewer “feel” things
In Jim Valvano’s famous ESPY’s speech, one section has always stuck with me:
"“To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. No. 1 is laugh. You should laugh every day. No. 2 is think. You should spend some time in thought. No. 3 is you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heckuva day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”"
There are countless ways to evaluate what makes a show “great,” but if it makes one think, laugh and cry, then it’s likely doing something pretty special. Fleabag definitely pulls this off, and the fact that it manages to do in two short seasons makes it even more impressive.
The show is a comedy at its core, so the laughs come easy. The thinking and ultimately the crying comes from Waller-Bridge’s impressive writing and storytelling. Her exploration of life, relationships, and personal growth all carry interesting philosophical undertones.
Photo: Fleabag: Season 2 / Amazon. Credit: Steve Schofield
4. It uses a “never-before-seen” filmmaking technique
Fleabag uses a creative filmmaking approach that in itself makes a viewing worthwhile. The lead character consistently “breaks the fourth wall” over the course of the series; she speaks to the audience, providing both quips and context as she goes about her life.
Other shows have broken the fourth wall, but Fleabag does so in a unique way. Tune in to see how the device is employed. It might be a bit jarring at first, but one gets used to it eventually.
Photo: Fleabag: Season 2 / Amazon. Credit: Steve Schofield
5. Andrew Scott is phenomenal in season two
Fleabag season one was very highly regarded, but season two arguably went to another level. There’s likely no bigger reason for this than the performance of Andrew Scott, who doesn’t appear in season one.
Prior to this year, Scott was best known for his portrayal of the villain James Moriarty in Sherlock. 2019 has been a big year for him; he not only appeared in Fleabag but had a starring role in one of Black Mirror’s new episodes.
The combination of Scott’s incredible acting and his character’s unique story arc makes the performance very memorable.
Have you seen Fleabag? What are your thoughts? Be sure to tell us in the comment section below!