
After the last distressing revival I was prepared to spend 30 minutes stony faced. Putting on Christmas pounds is not something that concerns me but I was pretty confident my buttocks would get a little work out, there’s nothing so uplifting as a bit of embarrassed clenching.
I know some people managed to maintain a pained expression throughout the show, before eking out some cynical comments on Twitter. Because cynicism is their Thing and they can never been seen to enjoy anything. Apparently this isn’t an indicator of a dull person, it’s edgy. I am more about enthusiasm and joy myself. Jennifer Saunders and Edina Monsoon are about Fun.
Originally Ab Fab was a comment on the direction a select set were taking. Since we all leapt upon the indulgence bandwagon though it seems Saunders has relaxed and decided just to have fun with Ab Fab. Originally I’d worried about this aspect of Ab Fab slotting itself into ‘relatable’ comedy.
In recognition of those who do not schedule their Christmas around the Radio Times I feel it only right to warn you there are SPOILERS beyond this point.
Of course Edina is still trying to be young and thin. She’s just going about it a different way. The pills she’s popping now are vitamins and she’s down with the kids in Brixton (her ‘hood) and her days now end with The Killing box set.
Another difference is Edina’s relationship with daughter Saffy. This episode begins with Edina picking Saffy up from prison. Apparently we were supposed to think Patsy will emerge from behind the gates, anyone who that that is silly because we all know unless it will get her in Hello Patsy NEVER GETS CAUGHT.
No, Saffy has come up trumps for once and got her mother into the exclusive Kids in Pris club with Bryan Ferry and Dave Gilmour.
Now Saffy is free and Patsy’s learned of her Top Dog status in prison the episode takes a slight downward turn. It’s a little disappointing to think one of the leading lights of the 1980’s Alternative Comedy scene would spend so much time on prison lesbian jokes.
Lucy Montgomery was slightly wasted as prison mouse turned hardened drug dealer, as was the recurring character Titty-ca-ca.
There are still some great lines in this episode from Patsy Stone “Of course they don’t pay me! You can’t put a price on what I do.” Edina’s picked up a little Danish and Patsy her pension. After this episode things could go either way for Ab Fab…
Jennifer Saunders has now confirmed there will be an Absolutely Fabulous film.
Squeamish Kate