Emmys 2019: Who Should Win And Who Will Win?

Veep Emmys predictions

The 71st Emmy Awards air tonight at 8 PM EST on Fox. Who should win and who will win? Here are the top storylines as well as my predictions for the Emmys.

Top Storylines

Will Game Of Thrones dominate the night?

One of the most decorated shows on television says goodbye at tonight’s Emmys. HBO’s Game of Thrones set a record when it was nominated for 32 Emmys. At the Creative Arts Emmys, the show already won 10 Emmys, which means if it wins three tonight (which it should), it would break the record for most Emmys won by a single season. Despite a roller-coaster season that was met with mixed reviews, you don’t get nominated for 32 Emmys out of luck. Expect a big night for Thrones.

Can Julia Louis-Dreyfus make it seven for seven?

If there was a Mt. Rushmore for sitcom actors, Julia Louis-Dreyfus would be on it. Louis-Dreyfus is a dominant force at the Emmys. Before Veep, Louis-Dreyfus was nominated for 12 Emmys for her time on Seinfeld and The New Adventures of Old Christine, winning twice. What’s even more impressive is for her role as Selina Meyer in Veep, Julia Louis-Dreyfus has never lost Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Six seasons, six nominations, and six wins. Louis-Dreyfus will look to make it seven for seven.

Will Fleabag be rewarded for its brilliance?

Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Fleabag / Amazon Prime Video

Without a doubt, the best thing I saw on television this year was the second season of Fleabag. What Phoebe Waller-Bridge did with the Fleabag character is something that will never be replicated. It’s a true shame if Fleabag walks away empty-handed. If Veep or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel didn’t have previous Emmy experience, Fleabag would sweep all of the major awards. However, Veep just had its final season and Maisel is trying to repeat. That being said, Waller-Bridge is a lock to win comedy writing and both Olivia Colman and Sian Clifford are in the running for supporting actress. I’ll take what I can get.

Other Thoughts

  • If Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, or Rhea Seehorn never win an acting Emmy for Better Call Saul, we failed as a society.
  • They say tying is like kissing your sister, but Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh should split Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. It’s so difficult to pick one over the other.
  • I didn’t watch a lot of the Limited Series nominations so therefore, I don’t have any predictions. However, I did see Chernobyl so if I had to choose, that’s my pick.
  • Bill Hader and Henry Winkler should repeat in their respective acting categories for Barry.

Now, let’s get into the predictions.

Outstanding Drama Series

  • Who Should Win: Better Call Saul 
  • Who Will Win: Game of Thrones 

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

  • Who Should Win: Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
  • Who Will Win: Billy Porter, Pose

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

BBC tv show Killing Eve Best shows of 2019
Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh in Killing Eve / BBC America
  • Who Should Win: Jodie Comer or Sandra Oh, Killing Eve
  • Who Will Win: Jodie Comer or Sandra Oh, Killing Eve

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

  • Who Should Win: Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul
  • Who Will Win: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

  • Who Should Win: Lena Headey, Game of Thrones
  • Who Will Win: Maisie Williams, Game of Thrones

Outstanding Comedy Series

  • Who Should Win: Fleabag 
  • Who Will Win: Veep

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Who Should Win: Bill Hader, Barry
  • Who Will Win: Bill Hader, Barry

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Who Should Win: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag
  • Who Will Win: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Who Should Win: Anthony Carrigan, Barry 
  • Who Will Win: Henry Winkler, Barry

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Who Should Win: Sian Clifford, Fleabag
  • Who Will Win: Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

What are you Emmy predictions? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Unbelievable Review: Difficult Story Creates Powerful And Painful Drama

Merritt Wever and Toni Collette in Unbelievable

During one of the episodes in Netflix’s Unbelievable, Detective Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), lashes out at a team member due to her frustration over a recent rape case. When describing how rape triggers more than a physical emotion, Duvall said, “This is not something people get over. This is something they carry with them forever like a bullet in the spine.”

Sexual assault is a tough subject matter to discuss, but what about witnessing a sexual assault and watching how the justice system failed an innocent victim? That notion is on full display in Unbelievable, which premiered on September 13. The pilot introduces Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), an 18-year old Washington resident who in 2008, reports that she has been raped and assaulted by a man at her apartment. While reporting the crime to Detective Parker (Eric Lange) and Detective Pruitt (Bill Fagerbakke), the audience gets to see quick, spine-tingling flashbacks of the rape.

However, Marie’s calm demeanor and small inconsistencies in her stories lead both the police and her former foster mothers to question the validity of the assault. As Marie relives the horrific trauma through constant questioning and badgering from the police, her crippling anxiety wins out as she’s coerced to admitting the rape was a lie she had made up. This causes the police to charge Marie with filing a false report and they drop the case entirely.

Netflix’s Unbelievable Trailer

Tragically, Unbelievable is inspired by the ProPublica and The Marshall Project’s report, “An Unbelievable Story of Rape,” which chronicles the 2008-2011 Washington and Colorado serial rape cases. The Unbelievable pilot focuses on Marie’s story entirely as she tackles this awful situation practically alone. Marie has been in the foster-care system since she was 3 and struggles to trust those in power. Can you blame her? Dever’s performance is raw, emotional, and gut-wrenching. Dever is a star in the making after a tremendous year of performances in this series, which will lead to an Emmy nomination in 2020, as well as the film, Booksmart.

The pilot episode left me with tears in my eyes and I worried that seven more episodes of this would take a toll on my psyche. However, the series shifted to a parallel timeline in Colorado 2011, where we meet Detective Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) and the aforementioned Detective Duvall. Rasmussen and Duvall are from neighboring towns but are brought together after both detectives find similarities in their respective rape cases. When Duvall interviews one of her rape victims, Amber (Danielle Macdonald), it’s clear from the details of the attack that Amber’s assaulter is most likely the same criminal who attacked Marie.

The brash veteran persona of Rasmussen and the meek, religious persona of Duvall mesh perfectly to create a much-needed break from the horrors of Marie’s tragedy. The chemistry between Collette and Wever is magnetic. Collette and Wever are both Emmy winners that have been admired for years so having two stars at the top of their games only adds to the greatness of Unbelievable.

Essentially, Unbelievable becomes two shows-in-one. One portion of the episode is an upsetting and horror-filled view into Marie’s conflict. The other portion is a buddy cop drama that follows the entertaining duo of Rasmussen and Duvall as they attempt to catch their serial rapist. I found myself dreading Marie’s timeline as the pit in my stomach increased every time Marie struggled to get the help she so desperately needed. On the other hand, I internally cheered whenever Rasmussen and Duvall gained a step closer to catching the criminal. Thanks to Collette and Wever, the buddy cop scenes are so fun that for a few minutes, your spirits increase and feel hopeful that justice will finally prevail, which makes Marie’s saga that much more uncomfortable and heart-breaking.

When the two stories finally intersect towards the end, it’s impossible to not immediately think about how the police botched their initial assessment in Marie’s case. If Marie received the same care and dedication towards her case that Rasmussen and Duvall showed towards their victims, then maybe they would have caught Marie’s attacker and given her the justice she deserved.

Sexual assault is a difficult topic to portray onscreen. Instead of just focusing on the assault itself, Netflix’s Unbelievable successfully crafted a harrowing look into how sexual assault not only affects the victim but everyone around it. Collette, Wever, and most notably, Dever, all give superb performances that treat this subject matter with respect and professionalism. It may be tough to watch, but Unbelievable is an eye-opening experience and a masterclass in storytelling.

What are your thoughts on Unbelievable? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Stranger Things Season 3 Finale: Breaking Down Hopper’s Future

Hopper Stranger Things

In Jim Hopper’s letter to Eleven in the Season 3 finale of Netflix’s Stranger Things, Hopper wrote, “I know you’re getting older, growing, changing.” Just like Eleven, all of the kids are all getting older and growing (most noticeably, Mike). Just like the kids, Stranger Things is changing.

*Warning: This article will include major spoilers. You’ve been warned.*

https://youtu.be/uBtGQJ7KKRE

As I’ve said in previous reviews, Stranger Things is an extremely fun and enjoyable show that successfully balancers nostalgia with science-fiction and horror. The Season 3 finale was a great ending to a delightful third season. The final scene depicts the Byers’ family packing up and moving out of Hawkins (FINALLY!) to start a new life. Joining them is Eleven, who lost her father, Hopper, when Joyce shut down the gate room, which disintegrated everyone in the room including Hopper.

Let’s just skip to the elephant in the room for Season 4. (Season 4 has not been officially confirmed, but it’s a stone-cold lock to happen.)

Is Hopper alive?

That’s the million-dollar question. There are a few ways to tackle this. You either believe a) Hopper is alive, b) He’s is dead, but will be brought back to life or c) Hopper is dead.

How is Hopper still alive? There are a few clues that support the idea that our beloved Police Chief of Hawkins is still breathing. Look at his adopted daughter, Eleven, as someone who we thought was dead by was instead trapped in the Upside Down. When Dr. Owens enters the gate room, the gate to the Upside Down is still open. Just like Eleven, there’s a chance Hopper made his way into the Upside Down and is trapped there, which is the most likely option of the “Hopper is alive” theories.

Stranger Things / Netflix

Then, there’s Hopper’s letter. The letter was beautifully written and so heartfelt that it brought a tear to my eye. I urge you to reread it again and when you do, you’ll see that a few sentences are clues to his whereabouts.

  • “I’ve been stuck in one place. In a cave, you might say.” – The Upside Down?
  • “But, please, if you don’t mind, for the sake of your poor old dad, keep the door open three inches.” – See the photo above.

Does this mean Eleven has to rescue Hopper in the Upside Down? Maybe. Plus, we never see Hopper’s body when he “dies.” He doesn’t vaporize onscreen. It goes back to the old saying, “Never found the body” TV trope. If the viewer doesn’t see the death, it tends to mean that the person might still be alive.

Then, there’s the post-credits scene in Russia. Two soldiers are walking through cells when they come across a first door. One says, “No, not the American.” And they go to a second door and take a Russian prisoner down to feed to the Demogorgon. Is this American, Hopper? It might be, but I believe it’s Dr. Brenner, who we learned is still alive in Season 2.

Now, there’s Option B. Hopper is dead, but he’s going to be brought back to life. Huh? Does Eleven now have the ability to raise the dead? Last time I checked, she doesn’t have that power. However, there’s an ’80s pop culture reference that was seen in the third season of Stranger Things that could be the key to Hopper’s resurrection. That reference is Back to the Future.

Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future / Universal Studios

Great Scott! We can go back in time to save Hopper! I don’t believe the kids of Hawkins have a DeLorean, but that doesn’t mean time travel can’t play a part in the show. Notice how the final two scenes are edited. When Eleven reads the letter during the montage, the kids are seen saying goodbye to each other and drive out of Hawkins. However, when she finishes the letter, Eleven brings out her stuff to the truck and the kids say goodbye to each other. Perhaps this editing is a clue about time travel and Season 4 will explain that time travel is possible and necessary in order to save Hopper.

Finally, the last possibility is that Hopper is dead and not returning. Fans would most certainly be upset if Hopper was dead, but his death would be of the utmost significance and shape the remaining 1-2 seasons of the show. Once again, look at Hopper’s letter to Eleven when he says, “I don’t want things to change. So I think maybe that’s why I came in here, to try and make stop that change. To turn back the clock. To make things go back to how they were. But I know that’s naive. It’s just not how life works.” The themes of change and growing up were hammered down in Season 3. Things changes whether we like it or not. Hopper could be dead and whether we like it or not, there may be nothing we can do about it. That’s life.

Even if Hopper is dead, I don’t see David Harbour leaving the show entirely. Harbour is too important and valuable to remove from the show completely. Maybe Hopper will be used in flashbacks all next season or perhaps he’s some ghost dad from heaven. Dead or alive, Hopper’s future remains unknown but his impact on the show will never be forgotten.

Stranger Things Season 3: Winners And Losers

Joyce and hopper stranger things

Stranger Things makes me happy. That’s the best way to describe this series. Season 3 of Stranger Things was a fun, enjoyable show that successfully combines childhood nostalgia with science-fiction and horror. I was not a child of the 1980s, but I can relate to that feeling of playing with your friends and going on adventures in the summer. (Of course, I never had the threat of being attacked by Demogorgons present.) Nothing excites me more than sitting down on my couch, firing up Netflix, and seeing what the gang is up to in Hawkins, Indiana.

*There will be spoilers in this article. You’ve been warned.*

Stranger Things
Stranger Things / Netflix

Season 1 was magnificent. Season 2 was good, but a step back from Season 1’s brilliance. This time, Season 3 was stellar.

Season 3 is set in the summer of 1985. We return to Hawkins to see that the kids have grown, their hormones are rising, and the Mind Flayer is back. Love is in the air at the start of the season as Mike and Eleven are inseparable and can’t keep their faces off each other. Lucas and Max are still an item, though, at times, their constant bickering might make it seem like they’re enemies. Nancy and Jonathan aka the Woodward and Bernstein of Hawkins are still going strong.

Joyce and Hopper (Jopper?) also share a few intimate moments as well as continue down their detective path as they try to solve another supernatural mystery. Magnets, anyone? Will aka Peter Pan is back and all he wants to do is never grow up. The bromance between Dustin and Steve shines once again and they even add new girl Robin into the mix along with Lucas’s sister, Erica. Last, but certainly not least, Billy continues to wreak havoc on the kids except this time, he’s possessed by a former foe. Oh yeah, there’s also the presence of our Cold War enemy, Russia. The 80s, baby!

As a whole, the season had a lot of highs, but there were some small complaints I had. Here are my winners and losers from Season 3 of Stranger Things.

Winner: Robin

Maya Hawke in Stranger Things / Netflix

In my notes for this review, I had “Robin” in all caps. That’s how good of an addition Robin was to the cast. She is the greatest addition to the show since its inception. Her wittiness and quirky attitude matched perfectly with Steve’s charming and dimwitted personality. I could have watched a spinoff of Robin and Steve in the ice cream shop for eight episodes. Which leads me into my next winner…

Winners: Dustin And Steve Adding Robin Into Their Bromance

Maya Hawke, Joe Keery, and Gaten Matarazzo in Stranger Things / Netflix

One of the highlights of Season 2 was the bromance that developed between Steve and Dustin. Steve gave Dustin tips with the ladies and Dustin shared his knowledge about science-fiction and Demogorgons with Steve. Adding Robin to the mix was a seamless transition. The three of them teaming up to crack the Russian code and save Hawkins from a potential nuclear and alien invasion was my favorite storyline of the season. I’m not forgetting about Erica, who’s genius and sassiness turned the successful trio into a quartet.

Loser: A Separated Gang

My major issue with Stranger Things over the last two seasons has been the lack of interaction between the original group of Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Eleven. The chemistry between this group is one of the main reasons why Season 1 was so successful. Though Dustin and Steve’s friendship has blossomed, part of me wishes that Dustin had a chance to recapture his magic with Mike, Lucas, and Eleven. Stranger Things can be formulaic in a good way, but separating the kids and teenagers from each other until the very end leaves me wanting more huge team-ups instead of separated groups.

Winners: Dustin And Suzie’s Song

https://youtu.be/f-6f9G3cg5M

I was initially torn on this scene. Like Hopper, I was entirely confused when I first watched Dustin and his girlfriend, Suzie, belt out the song to The Neverending Story. However, after I rewatched the scene for a second time, I couldn’t stop humming along and eventually, singing the lyrics. The finale was so intense and emotional that a silly and playful musical number to remind us that this show is about children was a good break in the action.

Losers: The Beginning Of The Season

I’m fully aware that this could be a “me problem,” but the first couple of episodes in Season 3 of Stranger Things dragged out a little too much. I was excited to see our favorite characters back, but it felt plotless. The Mind Flayer abducted Billy and Joyce had a magnet problem, but the mission of each group was still up in the air. It wasn’t until the fourth episode, “The Sauna Test,” where the action picked up and the “what do we have to do to save Hawkins” question started to have an answer.

Winner: Hopper

That fit >>>>. Eleven may be the MVP of the show, but Hopper is the most interesting character. Hopper is a broken and flawed man with a big heart but struggles to express his emotions. Sharing his true thoughts with those he loves (Joyce and Eleven) is a struggle, but that’s because he cares about them so much. Did the arguing with Joyce drag out? Yes. Did he spend way too much time fighting Russian terminators? Probably. However, did Hopper continue to captivate my attention in a way that no other character can do? Absolutely. It’s why his death is so special and heartbreaking. I’m going to have more on the finale in the coming days, but for now, let’s assume Hopper is dead for now. That’s a huge loss for the show. Hopper is the only father figure in the entire series and removing him means there’s a serious void in men who like to pound cigarettes and alcohol. All joking aside, Hopper will be severely missed if this was his final farewell. Nominate David Harbour for every award.

Winner: Hopper’s Letter To Eleven And Final Montage

I will be the first to admit that I was a mess after watching Eleven read her letter from Hopper. Joyce put Hopper on the right track, but he absolutely crushed my soul with the second half. Here’s the letter in its entirety.

There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you both about. I know this is a difficult conversation, but I care about you both very much. And I know that you care about each other very much, and that’s why it’s important that we set these boundaries moving forward so we can build an environment where we all feel comfortable, trusted, and open to sharing our feelings.

Feelings. Feelings. Jesus. The truth is, for so long I’d forgotten what those even were. I’ve been stuck in one place. In a cave, you might say. A deep, dark cave. And then I left some Eggos out in the woods and you came into my life. For the first time in a long time, I started to feel things again. I started to feel happy. But lately, I guess I’ve been feeling distant from you. Like you’re pulling away from me or something. I miss playing board games every night, making triple-decker Eggo extravaganzas at sunrise, watching Westerns together before we doze off.

Netflix

But I know you’re getting older, growing, changing. I guess, if I’m being really honest, that’s what scares me. I don’t want things to change. So I think maybe that’s why I came in here, to try and make stop that change. To turn back the clock. To make things go back to how they were. But I know that’s naive. It’s just not how life works. It’s moving, always moving, whether you like it or not. And yeah, sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it’s sad. And sometimes, it’s surprising. Happy.

So you know what? Keep on growing up kid. Don’t let me stop you. Make mistakes, learn from ’em. When life hurts you, because it will, remember the hurt. The hurt is good. It means you’re out of that cave. But, please, if you don’t mind, for the sake of your poor old dad, keep the door open three inches.

Rereading that last paragraph has me in a puddle of tears. “When life hurts you, because it will, remember the hurt. The hurt is good. it means you’re out of that cave.” That’s a beautiful line that perfectly represents the father/daughter relationship between Hopper and El. Both have been hurt numerous times and yet both continue to find love with each other. It’s a beautiful message.

Throw in the cover of “Heroes” by Peter Gabriel and the finale leaves on an emotional note. It’s not a coincidence that my two favorite endings to the show include that song. The ending of Season 1, Episode 3, where Mike and the crew find “a dead Will” and the Season 3 finale are both elevated thanks to the moving voice of Peter Gabriel.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Season 3 of Stranger Things. It was terrifying, devastating, emotional, and funny. I can’t ask for much more from a television show. Here’s to hoping that Season 4 follows the same release date pattern of the previous seasons and drops sometime in October 2020.

Check back later this week for more Season 3 of Stranger Things content. Click here for previous articles on Stranger Things.

Stranger Things: Five Questions Ahead Of Season 3

Stranger Things Netflix

One summer can change everything. From the tagline of the third season of Stranger Things, the kids of Hawkins are in for a life-changing summer. Season three of Netflix‘s hit show, Stranger Things, is set to premiere on July 4.

It’s been almost two years since we left our heroes of Hawkins, Indiana. In the Season two finale, Eleven closed the gate, destroying the portal from the Upside Down to the human world. However, the trailers revealed that the Mind Flayer is still in Hawkins. Before Season 3, here are five questions I have ahead of the premiere.

https://youtu.be/XcnHOQ-cHa0

What is the significance of the Starcourt Mall and Fun Fair?

Let’s go to the fair and the mall! In Season one, it was the school. In Season two, it was the lab. For Season three, the two major locations appear to be the Fun Fair and the Starcourt Mall. The fair is run by Mayor Kline, played by Cary Elwes. Not much is known about Mayor Kline, but if I were to guess, he’s informed about the supernatural activity happening in Hawkins and chose to sweep it under the rug.

The Starcourt Mall appears to be the site of the major battle that will occur between the kids and the Mind Flayer. In the trailer, the creature is terrorizing Lucas and Max in the middle of the mall. Plus, the mall is home to Scoops Ahoy, where Steve and new girl Robin work. Expect the mall to be a major set piece this season.

What will be the new romance of the show?

The kids are getting older, which means the hormones will be running wild. Romance will play a huge factor this season. Going into the season, the couples are Mike and Eleven, Lucas and Max, and Nancy and Jonathan. I can’t forget about the best relationship in the show, Steve and Dustin. They take bromance to the next level. What will be the new romance of the show? Joyce and Hopper have teased their feelings before, but have yet to act on it. With Bob out of the picture, look for Hopper to finally make a move. Also, watch out for Steve and Robin. The ice cream shop is the perfect backdrop for a summer romance.

Netflix

How did the Mind Flayer return to Hawkins?

As previously stated, in Season two of Stranger Things, Eleven closed the gate to the Upside Down. However, in the final scene of Season two, the Mind Flayer remained over the school. In the final trailer, Will suggested that when Eleven closed the gate, the Mind Flayer could have been locked out of the Upside Down and remained in the human world. If that’s the case, the Mind Flayer will be looking for a new host. From the clips, I may have an idea as to who it may be…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEG3bmU_WaI

Reviews have been pouring in and so far, they’ve been very positive.

Check back in next week for a recap of the season. See you in Hawkins.

Fleabag Season 2: Why Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Dark Comedy Soars

Is it ok to have sex with a priest? In real life, the answer is not up for debate. It’s a no that is usually followed with a stint in prison. In other shows or movies, having sex with a priest is offensive, blasphemous, and highly inappropriate. However, in the masterful second season of Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge character’s desire to have sex with a hot priest (Andrew Scott) is morally wrong, and yet I found myself rooting for it to happen the entire time.

Immoral decisions, self-deprecation, and loneliness are at the heart of the dark comedy, Fleabag*. Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars as the titular character, Fleabag, a humorous, yet troubled young feminist trying to cope with her complicated life in London. In the first season, Fleabag constantly fights with her emotions and struggles to find peace over the recent deaths of her mother and best friend, Boo (Jenny Rainsford), with the latter serving as a co-owner of their guinea-pig themed cafe. While fighting her own issues and female angst, Fleabag has to juggle relationships with her successful, but miserable sister, Claire (Sian Clifford), her passive and distant father (Bill Paterson), her pretentious and villainous godmother (Olivia Colman), and a revolving door of sexual partners.

I did not discover Fleabag until a few weeks ago. Therefore, my review of the show comes after the second season has aired.

Fleabag’s inability to sustain successful and healthy relationships leads her to communicate her thoughts with the audience. Fleabag constantly breaks the fourth wall to hilariously describe her feelings and emotions. Her breaks range from well-thought-out monologues to simple, effective eyebrow raises. The fourth wall starts off as a way to convey Fleabag’s actions at the moment, we quickly learn that the audience is her closest friend and the fourth wall is a coping mechanism for her unhappiness and isolation.

Fleabag Season 2 Trailer

The second seasons picks off “371 days, 19 hours and 26 minutes late” after the first season ends. Fleabag’s bickering with her chaotic family (in a spectacular jumpsuit if I might add) at the engagement dinner of her father and godmother. This time, Claire’s sleazy husband Martin (Brett Gelman) and the aftermentioned handsome priest join in on the family’s dysfunction to cause an unforgettable and hysterical dinner scene.

Waller-Bridge, who also created the hit drama Killing Eve, states that the second season is a “love story,” but it’s not a typical one. It’s a beautiful, fucked up love story that accurately shows how trauma and grief can sadly lead to loneliness. Losing her mother and friend causes Fleabag to be emotionally distant from the rest of her family. To cope, Fleabag uses humor, sex, cursing, and theft, but it’s still not enough to make her grief and pain go away. This repressed trauma leads to the self-sabotage of Fleabag’s own life.

It’s also why Fleabag’s attraction and desire to have sex with a priest makes a lot of sense. The priest is similar to Fleabag in that he curses a lot, enjoys a good drink, and uses humor any chance he gets. There’s real chemistry between the two. However, Fleabag has lived a life full of heartbreak, meaningless sexual encounters, and trauma. Fleabag views the priest as someone who cannot break her heart since he’s dedicated to God, which is why her sexual desire for him is so strong. As Fleabag later confesses, she’s looking for someone to tell her how to live her life because her choices haven’t led to happiness and fulfillment.

For a show that’s so hysterical and vulgar, Fleabag is also emotionally gripping and extremely powerful in its portrayal of love, grief, and despair. Fleabag successfully balances hope and tragedy to showcase a troublesome, caring, and thoughtful woman in an amusing way. Waller-Bridge recently stated that the second season would be the show’s last. However, it’s time to steal a page out of Fleabag’s playbook and start praying so it can return for a third season.

Fleabag consists of two seasons containing six episodes each. Both seasons can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.