User Reviews

Just to note, I think the only real spoiler here is the set-up that's established in the first episode.

When I stumbled upon the now long out of print videos of this series, I had never seen "Ab Fab," "The Vicar of Dibley" or "French and Saunders." I was familiar with Tracy Ullman and Ruby Wax (as well as "The Young Ones," which this is always compared to), but I had not yet been subjected to the "Ab Fab" experience. That out of the way... It became very clear to me very quickly that this series had a lot of potential. It was witty, edgy and had five of the wackiest characters I'd seen from Brit TV at that point.

To summarize the characters/plot (since I haven't seen an in-depth summary anywhere on the net): Dawn French portrayed Amanda Wripley, a neo-Nazi feminist writer (for "Spare Cheeks" magazine) who is homeless. She cons her way into getting a flat in Chelsea, owned by Lady Carlton (Joan Greenwood), an insane romance novelist who adores her deceased dog, Josephine, so much that she sent the canine to the taxidermist after her death. Upon arriving, Amanda discovers the previous tenant, Candice Valentine (Tracy Ullman), is still occupying the flat. A slutty bar-hopper, Candice gives a very phony story about an illness that she has, and she herself cons Amanda into letting her stay. Meanwhile, nearly retarded Jennifer Marsh (Jennifer Saunders), a school chum of Amanda's, arrives hoping to share a pad with Amanda. The trio soon discover that none of them have the funds to pay the rent. Enter Shelley DuPont (Ruby Wax), a loud-mouthed failed American actress who's leeching off of her parents, running through their wealth like water, while trying to make it big in England. Personalities clash and hilarity ensues. "That's this - interesting."

While far more coherent in storytelling than it's male counterpart, "The Young Ones," some of the episodes missed the mark but the characters were so well developed and the one-liners were so hilarious that you nearly don't notice. Stories revolved around Shelley's acting career/social status (or lack thereof), the other girls wanting Candice out of the apartment, Jennifer's stupidity, Amanda's horniness... and it ended with one of the weirdest finale episodes it's ever been my pleasure to see (a finale that ranks right up there with "I Married Dora" on the weirdness scale). Despite some criticism that Ullman was underused, I thought her character was delightful and I was sad to see her go in the second series (though her departure was hilarious -- each of the other ladies thought that they killed Candice). Just as the series ended, it seemed as if the actors/writers had hit their stride, and it's a shame that the show didn't continue. Sadly Joan Greenwood passed away shortly after the show went off the air anyway -- and I can't imagine the show without Lady Carlton's Alzheimer's-induced rantings.

Now, the videos/DVDs... The Canadian company that released the series didn't put much care into the release. The picture quality's pretty good for an '80s show shot on video, though some have complained of audio problems. The original 3-VHS set was released in stereo that was not mono compatible -- the sound on the DVDs is far better. But then there's the DVDs themselves. Episodes are scattered across two 2-disc sets (when they could have easily been shoved onto one 2-disc set) and the episodes are completely out of order (to include Ullman in both releases). On the video release (and original airings, I'm sure), halfway through each episode it would go to the theme, pause, say "End Part One" and immediately come to "Part Two." These title cards have been omitted from the DVDs, making the picture/audio choppy in each episode. I sort of wish that BBC video would do an official release, but I've got them all now, so I can't complain.

If you're going into this for the first time, go in without preconceptions. While it IS French and Saunders, this was their first big series, and it shows since it is a little rough around the edges. Personally, I like that roughness. It works for the characters, the stories and the series. And it made me seek out "Ab Fab" (which I'd avoided since I loved "High Society" -- which was unjustly referred to as an American-Ab-Fab-rip-off).

Possible spoilers so be warned!

This is a fascinating series, for its eighties nostalgia and the opportunity it gives to see these famous women "before they were stars". The guest stars are also a handful of success stories - Hugh Laurie, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane and OMG Katherine Helmond, like you have NEVER seen her before, as Shelley's American mother!

I agree that the comedy is uneven - some episodes lack that spark, but others are totally over the top, giving us a glimpse of what is to come from these women. There are moments of inspired insanity though, which is why I recommend it.

Strangely, (and I am a big Tracey Ullman fan), although the series was supposed to be a TU vehicle, she has the least to do and is really the least interesting character. I think the show takes a huge leap forward in the second season after she leaves. It seems edgier, crazier and funnier. At this point I have seen the entire series, bar three episodes, and I am enjoying it a lot.

Dawn French is the sort of "sane" one and is somewhat typically herself until they let her go man crazy in the second season.

Jennifer Saunders is also better in the second season when she gets more to do and her speech becomes a bit clearer, but as one of the odder characters, she is also one of my faves.

I LOVE Ruby Wax, and although she may be a sterotype, I know plenty of Americans just like her! Plus I love how her character, Shelley, always sinks her own boat with her pushiness and outright stupidity!

Like I said I think Tracey Ullman doesn't get the opportunity to shine here.

She's okay and appropriately "bimbotic" but wish we had seen more.

Finally, Joan Greenwood's Lady Carlton is OUT THERE! In outer spaaaaace! We LOVE her! Her over-dramatic entrances, her dead stuffed dog she carries around with her, how she always calls TU's character, "the Slut" all over-enunciated and wonderful! She is this gay man's camp dream! You have to see her in action.

All in all, I think that had this series continued, it would have improved. But it's a valentine, and you should give it a try. Stop by when you're in Boston and we'll invite you for a viewing!