Big Mood

I thought it was entertaining enough to watch the season but some of the writing felt disjointed. Not in the fact that it went between comedic and darker tones, I enjoy that, but in other ways it felt like two different shows. Maybe that was intentional? Maggie had some good stories, shenanigans, funny one liners, and some more sympathetic moments, but Eddie's story was more cheesy and predictable, especially the parts with her mom, which were pretty soapy/teen movie-y. I also didn't really enjoy any of the secondary characters, who were either a bit too zany to be believable or just kinda there.

It hurts to write this as I love Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West. I also really enjoy shows that shed light on mental health issues and find a way to add a comedic slant, however, this one really misses the mark. The main actresses deserved better. The first ep is decent, but with the show in its entirety, I struggled to see the humour. There are very, very few funny moments littered across the episodes but just a handful. I personally felt that the show generally deals with the issue of mental health quite poorly. Maggie's bi polar episodes are almost ignored by her friends and even more so, her long time best friend - It's bizarre, Eddie seems to lack compassion and empathy for Maggie whilst she's in an episode. I appreciate that Maggie is not her responsibility, but the second episode is nothing short of bizarre. It's heartbreaking to watch the ignorance and lack of understanding, especially with the party. The portrayal of friendship between the "best friends" is lacking substance and even ep 5 can't save it. If anything i'd rather have see more frustration and angst from Eddie towards the disorder as opposed to pretending it's just a bad mood or a phase, and a little dance and cake will help it all go away and Maggie will instantly be cured. Besides that there is no coherent storyline, depth or anything gripping to unfold, there is little development or journey and very few laughs. This show should have taken guidance from the myriad of shows in this genre like Big Boys, This way up, Alma's not normal, Everything now or Tell me everything. However, Nicola's performance is great throughout and I'd have loved to have seen more of it. Her character's battle should have been the whole show yet it seems likes an alternate subplot going on in the background . Otherwise I do usually love a C4 comedy, however, it saddens me to say that one is severely lacking.

I'll start with the disclaimer that I didn't think of this show as a comedy at all. I love Nicola Coughlan and thought she was great in this as was Lydia West - I enjoyed watching the characters navigate their 30s, their health and their friendship. However, overall it felt a bit rushed. It was a bit like Fleabag in how it had instances of important topics like mental health and abusive relationships but didn't address the issues much, and breezed past.

I appreciated the levity, but something about the show felt incomplete - I definitely enjoyed the show but the balance of levity and darkness was off to me - I hope we get a season 2 because I'd like to see the characters and episodes more rounded.

I admire how this show sheds light on the challenges people face with mental health in a captivating and entertaining manner. It's evident that the writers have a deep understanding of the subject matter. They explore the all-too-common scenarios of doctors failing to listen and being hesitant to explore new treatment approaches due to accountability concerns. Moreover, the show bravely tackles the issue of individuals not receiving accurate diagnoses or refusing help due to apprehensions about medications and treatments, as well as the harmful misconception that happiness can be achieved with the flip of a switch. By addressing these crucial issues surrounding mental health and its treatment, the show serves as a powerful advocate for those struggling with mental health issues. Personally, it resonated deeply with me, and for that, I am truly grateful. Thank you for crafting such a meaningful portrayal.

Big Mood, starring Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West and written by Camilla Whitehill, is an absolute triumph! This dynamic duo brings an infectious energy to the screen, infusing each episode with warmth, wit, and charm. Coughlan and West's chemistry is undeniable, effortlessly drawing viewers into their world and leaving them wanting more with each passing moment. Whitehill's writing is sharp and poignant, tackling relevant topics with grace and humor. From laugh-out-loud moments to touching revelations, Big Mood delivers an unforgettable viewing experience that leaves audiences feeling inspired and uplifted. With its stellar cast and brilliant writing, Big Mood is a true gem that deserves all the praise it receives.