Big Mood

Big Mood is a comedy series brilliantly set in the bustling landscape of 2020s London, offering a raw and often hilarious glimpse into the lives of two inseparable best friends, Maggie (Lydia West) and Eddie (Nicola Coughlan). Their friendship, which has steadfastly endured for a decade, faces its toughest test yet as they navigate the relentless pressures of contemporary adult life. This includes the ever-increasing demands of their careers, the complexities of personal growth, and, most profoundly, the pervasive challenges surrounding mental health in today's society.

What immediately struck me about Big Mood is its remarkable ability to blend sharp, observational humor with deeply resonant emotional truths. It's truly a realistic and humorous dramedy that never shies away from the more difficult aspects of its characters' lives, instead choosing to tackle heavy topics with an intelligent and surprisingly light touch. The writing is incredibly smart, often weaving laugh-out-loud moments into scenes that are inherently tense or poignant, creating a viewing experience that feels both authentic and genuinely entertaining. It avoids the trap of becoming overly preachy or melodramatic, opting instead for a nuanced exploration of its themes.

My absolute favorite character, without a doubt, is Maggie. Portrayed with incredible depth and vulnerability by Nicola Coughlan, Maggie is a whirlwind of wit, charm, and sometimes, profound struggle. What truly sets her apart is the show's unflinching and remarkably accurate portrayal of bipolar disorder. It's handled with a sensitivity and realism that is rarely seen on screen, showing the full spectrum of the condition-from the exhilarating highs to the crushing lows-without resorting to stereotypes or trivialization. Maggie's journey is a compelling anchor for the series, and Coughlan's performance is nothing short of captivating, allowing viewers to empathize deeply with her experiences, even when her choices are challenging.

The dynamic between Maggie and Eddie is the beating heart of the show. Their chemistry is palpable, making their decade-long bond feel entirely believable. They support each other, challenge each other, and sometimes, inevitably, hurt each other, mirroring the complexities of real-life friendships. The series excels at showcasing how external pressures, such as career stagnation or the expectation to "have it all figured out," can ripple through even the strongest of relationships, forcing individuals to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their connections.

I wholeheartedly recommend Big Mood to anyone seeking a show that offers more than just superficial laughs. If you're looking for a series that thoughtfully explores the intricacies of modern friendship, the often-unseen battles with mental health, and the general messiness of being an adult in the 2020s, this is a must-watch. It's a show that will make you laugh, make you think, and ultimately, make you feel a little less alone in navigating your own 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 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.

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.