My friend basically said “Hey you! Watch this!!” And I said “ok!”
And that was that.
Anyways, I have me some thoughts and feelings about this
show. So much so, that I felt the need to actually get them out and share them
with the world. Lucky you, right?!!?? Also, I want to do my part to spread the
word. Good TV series get canceled all the time just because they haven’t been
discovered by enough people. Let's not let that happen, ok?!!
First off, the show is set in the 90’s. This is awesome for a couple of
reasons. Not only does it evoke nostalgia of the best kind (the music! the
clothes! the references!), it also takes a pretty generic premise and gives it
new life. The 90's era gives the show a retro look into issues that remain
current.
I think it’s something the youngsters will find novel, and
something the young adults will find nostalgic. A win-win for all!!!!!
Rae (the main character) is a unique girl in the television world because she looks and acts completely NORMAL. There isn't an ounce ofHollywood glamour
in this show or in its leading lady. All the kids look like normal humans, speak
with strong (even abrasive) accents, and no one seems to fit into the classic
teen-drama stereotypes (Life would be so much easier if the 'mean girls' really
were mean all the time).
In general, British television shows have a better reputation for choosing actors and actresses that better represent the public at large. They put less pressure on their cast to look a certain way or conform to a traditionally 'appealing' look. Even so, casting Sharon Rooney as Ray Earl is a pretty bold statement.
I wish it wasn't. I wish we lived in a world where bigger girls got just as many leading roles as slim girls. I wish there was a level playing field and that I didn't get excited to see such a normal looking female at the center of a great TV show. ESPECIALLY a show aimed at teenagers and young adults. But this is the world we live in, and I do find this a reason to celebrate. So you should too!! By watching the show and giving it lots of love!!
Not only is My Mad Fat Diary pushing casting boundaries, it's also addressing some pretty neglected themes.
When we meet Rae we find her leaving a mental facility after an extended stay. She's recovering from a pretty traumatic experience, and you don't find out until later what it actually was that pushed her to get outside help.
No matter how progressive and knowledgeable we like to think we are, mental health is still a pretty taboo subject in western culture. Mostly we're just uneducated. So being exposed to someone who has a mental disorder or is recovering from a psychotic episode can be really enlightening.
I don't think Rae realizes just how inspiring her story could become to people.
We're all trying to cope with life. And seeing someone go through some pretty tough shit and still find it within themselves to fight back? It's powerful. Not to mention, the doubt, insecurity, and fear that Rae goes through? Well, we've all been there. You realize that she's really not so different from you. In fact, you could even say that she’s just like you.
Rae (the main character) is a unique girl in the television world because she looks and acts completely NORMAL. There isn't an ounce of
In general, British television shows have a better reputation for choosing actors and actresses that better represent the public at large. They put less pressure on their cast to look a certain way or conform to a traditionally 'appealing' look. Even so, casting Sharon Rooney as Ray Earl is a pretty bold statement.
I wish it wasn't. I wish we lived in a world where bigger girls got just as many leading roles as slim girls. I wish there was a level playing field and that I didn't get excited to see such a normal looking female at the center of a great TV show. ESPECIALLY a show aimed at teenagers and young adults. But this is the world we live in, and I do find this a reason to celebrate. So you should too!! By watching the show and giving it lots of love!!
Not only is My Mad Fat Diary pushing casting boundaries, it's also addressing some pretty neglected themes.
When we meet Rae we find her leaving a mental facility after an extended stay. She's recovering from a pretty traumatic experience, and you don't find out until later what it actually was that pushed her to get outside help.
No matter how progressive and knowledgeable we like to think we are, mental health is still a pretty taboo subject in western culture. Mostly we're just uneducated. So being exposed to someone who has a mental disorder or is recovering from a psychotic episode can be really enlightening.
I don't think Rae realizes just how inspiring her story could become to people.
We're all trying to cope with life. And seeing someone go through some pretty tough shit and still find it within themselves to fight back? It's powerful. Not to mention, the doubt, insecurity, and fear that Rae goes through? Well, we've all been there. You realize that she's really not so different from you. In fact, you could even say that she’s just like you.
Because here’s the thing. People with mental disorders aren't
really that abnormal. They're human and their dealing with the same struggles as
we are. The only difference is that they need a little extra help to keep the
monsters at bay. And this show is doing a really good job and balancing the intricacies
of mental disorders. There’s a sensitivity but also a humor and hopeful feel…
Long story short?
This is a really freaking brilliant show that you should be
watching.
And if you want to see what all the fuss is about, you can check
the first episode out here
No comments:
Post a Comment