It’s been a week since the final episode of Fleabag aired and, like many others across the country, I’m still thinking about Andrew Scott’s cigarette smoking, M&S gin and tonic drinking ‘Hot Priest’.
The critically acclaimed brainchild of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag follows a nameless main character (played by Waller-Bridge) as she deals with the tragic death of her best friend, a failing café and precarious mental stability.
We’re invited, through disconcerting looks to camera, to witness Fleabag navigate a variety of cringeworthy sexual encounters, embarrassing public incidents and a host of cutting remarks from her godmother-cum-stepmother; portrayed perfectly by Oscar winner Olivia Colman.
Series two sees Fleabag become infatuated with a Catholic Priest. Credit: BBC
To try and confine Fleabag to a single genre would do a disservice to the writing. Neither ‘rom-com’ nor ‘dramedy’; Waller-Bridge created something which ventured into uncharted territory. One minute side-splittingly hilarious, the next devastatingly emotional and raw; Fleabag was unpredictable while simultaneously remaining believable to its core.
Initially a one-woman play at the Edinburgh Fringe, Fleabag was only ever intended to run for one series. Lucky for us viewers we got a second and final series, and with it a chance to say goodbye to Waller-Bridge’s characters and see their storylines resolve.
Innumerable think pieces and Twitter threads have been written about the finale; debating the problematic nature of Fleabag and the Priest’s relationship, examining whether the fox was a metaphor for Fleabag letting go of her past self. But most lamented the loss of a truly unique television series.
Fans of the show were, understandably, heartbroken to see the series conclude. One Twitter user, @Afroasher, wrote; “Just watched #fleabag season two final episode and I can’t breathe because I know it’s not coming back but this show is everything for me”.
Sherlock’s Andrew Scott plays a conflicted priest in the second series of Fleabag. Credit: BBC
However, while it may have left viewers wanting more, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s decision to conclude the programme after just two series could teach us all a lesson in quitting while you’re ahead.
Many sitcoms have, arguably, dragged on far past their prime; Friends, The Big-Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother all lost their way (and their viewers) in their later series.
But, by cutting Fleabag short, Waller-Bridge left audiences wanting more; gripped to the very end. Through giving us only 12 episodes to consume, Fleabag didn’t allow us time to get bored of the storylines and characters.
After just two series viewers must say goodbye to Fleabag’s nameless main character. Credit: BBC
It’s a bold decision to resist the temptation to capitalise on your success and milk it for all it’s worth, yet Fleabag isn’t the first to do this; Fawlty Towers, now enshrined in British TV history, also pulled the plug after just two series.
Perhaps then, this is a British trait; knowing when to stop. In the case of Fawlty Towers, its premature conclusion did nothing to diminish its position as a beloved icon of British comedy. I’m sure the same will be true of Fleabag.
While Fleabag may be done with, Waller-Bridge is only just getting started; it’s reported that she’s been called in by Daniel Craig himself to ‘liven up’ the new 007 script.
But, if the end of Fleabag has left a gap in your Monday night viewing, try something from this list compiled by the Guardian to sate your dark comedy cravings.