Big Mood review – Nicola Coughlan is a force of nature
The first episode of Big Mood features Maggie, a writer who's having a tough time. Nicola Coughlan from Bridgerton and Derry Girls plays Maggie. Maggie makes a costly error by purchasing a scooter, which she later gives to a stranger. She needs her closest pal Eddie to close her bar and accompany her to a school where she has been invited to speak about her theatrical career. Lydia West of It's a Sin portrays Eddie, who appears to be hesitant about the idea. Maggie wants to meet her former history teacher, Mr Wilson, who saved her from the advances of a creepy math teacher named Mr Phillips when she was a student. Maggie reminisces about her youthful admiration for Mr Wilson, and Eddie jokes that he should be nominated for a Pride of Britain award for being a model teacher.
As they make their getaway from the chaotic school, a bunch of crazy antics ensue – just like you'd expect in a sit-com. But then Eddie asks Maggie if she's feeling manic, which is a bit unexpected. It turns out that Maggie has bipolar disorder and has decided to stop taking her medication so she can focus on her writing. This darker turn sets the tone for the rest of the six-episode series, which delves into the challenges of maintaining a friendship over the course of a decade as the stresses of adulthood take their toll. Eddie may be the problem solver of the pair, but no relationship can last forever when one person is struggling so much.
The blog section talks about how the show Big Mood is not very specific in its approach. The character Klent, who is a bartender and comes from a wealthy background, is portrayed as helpless. In an unrealistic turn of events, he builds a rat palace in the bar's backroom, which seems to be just for the sake of ending episode two. The show further presents a failure of a dinner party in episode three and introduces Maggie's terrifying mother (Kate Fleetwood) towards the end of the season.
Despite the obvious effort being put in by all involved, there are moments in the show where the strain is evident. However, there are still plenty of enjoyable aspects to it. For instance, there are some lovely details that only a close friend would know, such as Eddie's knowledge that a shopping trip to TK Maxx right after a delivery of kitchenware would be more effective than traditional forms of entertainment for her friend who's feeling down. Sally Phillips' portrayal of a useless therapist is perfectly executed, showcasing her unique combination of frantic energy and deadpan humor while also commenting on the state of mental health services. The "girlborsh" scene also captures the discomfort of the situation flawlessly. Coughlan is a comedic powerhouse, but she's also able to convey the seriousness and introspection that come with realizing that you can't simply wish away the way your mind functions. West, on the other hand, handles a less flashy role well, and the show's creator ensures that she has substantial storylines rather than being relegated to the role of a foil for Coughlan.
The writer of this TV show is new to the small screen (she previously created a popular podcast with another person). Although the intentions are good, it is frustrating that the show doesn't succeed in becoming more than the sum of its parts. When compared to Aisling Bea's This Way Up, it doesn't measure up. The characters lack nuance, and some of the plot points don't feel true to life. It would be nice if the show took more time to explore these issues instead of rushing to more shenanigans.
It's possible that Big Mood is suffering from bad timing, not because of their own abilities - all the comedians know what they're doing. It seems like the market for comedies that focus on characters with mental health issues may have reached a point of oversaturation. It feels like breakdowns and suicidal thoughts have become the emotional driver for sitcoms, similar to how sexual abuse was commonly used in dramas in the 80s. This could lead to diminishing returns if not careful. While Big Mood is still worth checking out, it's possible that we've hit a peak and are starting to look at the downside.
