In this review, I will be discussing the second season of the critically acclaimed series Fleabag. This season dives deeper into the complexities of the main character's relationships and personal growth.
The character development in Fleabag Season 2 is nothing short of extraordinary. Season 1 ended on the bittersweet revelation that Fleabag had an affair with the partner of her now-deceased best friend, building up to a complex exploration of love and loss. The audience is kept at a distance, as she grapples with her feelings of guilt and shame knowing she inadvertently was involved with her best friend's passing. By the start of Season 2, the main character, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, navigates her relationships with a newfound maturity and self-awareness. This season explores her connections with her family, friends, and romantic interests in a way that feels both authentic and deeply moving. The writing is sharp and poignant, and beyond her relationship with her sister, her relationship with the Priest is a standout element of the season.
One of the most compelling aspects of this season is Fleabag's relationship with the Priest, played by Andrew Scott. Their chemistry is smooth and effortless, and their conversations are filled with wit and emotional depth. In Episode 1, they meet at a dinner party hosted by her unbearable stepmother, distant father, tightly-wound older sister, and that sister's unlikeable alcoholic husband. As Fleabag grapples with her feelings for the Priest, she also confronts her own insecurities and fears. Namely, being seen.
As a coping mechanism to deal with the passing of her mother, and her best
friend, Fleabag often uses humor and sarcasm to deflect from her pain.
Often times this is done through breaking the fourth wall during the tv
show to create a momentary pause in serious moments, for comic relief, as
if to turn to the audience and say, 'Look at how ridiculous this is.'
While hilarious to the audience, it also serves to distance herself from
her reality. This all comes to a head in Episode 3, where Fleabag makes
eye-contact with the audience and the Priest asks her,
What was that? Where did you go?
. In this moment, Fleabag is a deer
caught in headlights. Without even knowing it she has found herself being
truly vulnerable, and the audience is invited to witness
her journey of her figuring out who she is without this performance. The
emotional depth of their interactions adds layers to the narrative, making it a standout element of the season as the Priest is faithful to his relationship with his God while also being drawn to Fleabag's chaotic nature in a way that challenges his beliefs and commitments while Fleabag navigates her own feelings of grief and love.
The most heartbreaking moment of the season comes in the final episode when Fleabag and the Priest are sitting at the bus stop after he weds her stepmother to her father. They share a tender moment where they both acknowledge the depth of their feelings for each other, but also the impossibility of their situation.
"I love you," Fleabag tearfully says.
"It'll pass," the Priest replies, simply.
This moment encapsulates the essence of Fleabag Season 2: a beautiful yet painful exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.