Big Mood

I guess the writer hoped that giving the series such a downbeat ending might increase its chances of being renewed, if enough viewers want to see if things can get better? Kind of like a cliffhanger, but depressing rather than suspenseful.

Nicola Coughlan as Maggie and Lydia West as Eddie give strong performances, but the series seems more like sketch comedy with recurring characters rather than a coherent story. It might work better with a different narrative structure.

What was the audience meant to take away from this? That mental illness sucks? That chronic mental illness can mess with your friendships and prevent you from working? It succeeded in conveying that, and more -- even your best friend can be clueless about what you're going through, and good intentions aren't always enough.

Maybe watching this is useful for people who don't have experience of mental illness, whether their own or a friend or family member's.

But for me, it was just disheartening, particularly ending at that point in Maggie's story.

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 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.

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.

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.