Who would have thought that the institution of Patsy and Edina would have followed from this. The debut episode is bright, gaudy, outlandish and seriously funny. We're introduced to all the main characters, and we learn about the relationship between mother and daughter. Edina attempts to convince her daughter that she's given up drinking. The dialogue is terrific, the delivery outstanding. This really has stood the test of time. 8/10
5 Reviews
Some "first episode stiffness," but a fun introduction
onnanob26 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
"Fashion" is the first episode, and we are introduced to the main characters: Edina, Patsy, and Saffron. Bubble, Edina's assistant, is also introduced. There isn't much plot to "Fashion," but extra plot could have possibly ruined the introduction of the characters. In this episode Edina has some pre-fashion show anxiety. Saffron won't help Edina with the show, and is more concerned with her mother's heavy drinking. Patsy comes through for Edina, and the two are off to the fashion show. They are both quite drunk after the show, and Edina is briefly locked out of her house. Mrs. M. is introduced via flashback. We learn Edina has a son named Serge. He is often mentioned during the history of the show, which creates a long-running joke. Serge is always reported to be busy in some far away and unusual place, and it seems he won't come back home to visit his mum. "Fashion" does have some "first episode stiffness" here and there (which is something I've noticed before in first episodes of other television programs), but it makes a good introduction to the series.
What an opening episode.
revans-583683 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Right back to the start, and the elements were already there, I absolutely love the first episode, it is so funny. Eddie's promised daughter Saffy that she's giving up drinking, but as we all know that wasn't going to happen. Eddie's doing the PR for a fashion show and naturally has the bad influence of Patsy. Some of the one liners in this episode are utterly genius, I love the entire cast, but Jennifer Saunders delivery is particularly brilliant here, she is just so funny. I think the flashback to a younger drunken Eddie returning home to mother is just eye wateringly funny, as is the ending when Saffy refuses to let her mother in. No wonder this show became the phenomenal success that it did, Series 1 set the bar tremendously high.
Explosive introduction to the characters and premise
snoozejonc16 March 2021
PR Company owner Edina organises a fashion show and half-heartedly tries not to misuse alcohol.
This is an eye-popping introduction into the world of Eddie Monsoon, that presents great performances, fairly strong dialogue and visual gags.
Comedy is very much in the eye of the beholder, so if you appreciate the satire of the shallow, hedonistic, image obsessed, fad-following narcissism on display you will love it. The mad characters are cleverly and ironically balanced by Saffron who gives the much needed 'straight-man' presence.
Throughout it all is plenty of sharp dialogue that is reflective of the celebrity culture taking hold during the 90s. In fact it all seemed over the top at the time, but when you look out and about in the world these days, you can see that Absolutely Fabulous (intentionally or not) foreshadowed a lot of what was to come.
Some scenes stand out more than others. Personally, I find it both funny and sad at the same time watching a daughter putting her drunk mother to bed. However, the Betty Ford clinic sequence is a priceless finish.
The hugely talented Jennifer Saunders writes and stars in this fairly strong opening episode. She and the other stars embody their characters perfectly.
For me it's a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.
This is an eye-popping introduction into the world of Eddie Monsoon, that presents great performances, fairly strong dialogue and visual gags.
Comedy is very much in the eye of the beholder, so if you appreciate the satire of the shallow, hedonistic, image obsessed, fad-following narcissism on display you will love it. The mad characters are cleverly and ironically balanced by Saffron who gives the much needed 'straight-man' presence.
Throughout it all is plenty of sharp dialogue that is reflective of the celebrity culture taking hold during the 90s. In fact it all seemed over the top at the time, but when you look out and about in the world these days, you can see that Absolutely Fabulous (intentionally or not) foreshadowed a lot of what was to come.
Some scenes stand out more than others. Personally, I find it both funny and sad at the same time watching a daughter putting her drunk mother to bed. However, the Betty Ford clinic sequence is a priceless finish.
The hugely talented Jennifer Saunders writes and stars in this fairly strong opening episode. She and the other stars embody their characters perfectly.
For me it's a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.
Barely made it the first 10 minutes
daisyisabaker26 March 2021
-The fake laugh track
-Terrible acting
-Constant whinging and whining
-Completely unrelatable
-Racist "Buddhist Language" chanting.
-Eating expensive face cream (why?!?) -Have child & then complain about responsibilities?
-Eating expensive face cream (why?!?) -Have child & then complain about responsibilities?
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