Bolly good television
Amid the silliness, we learnt a lot from Patsy and Edina
Created by Jennifer Saunders, Absolutely Fabulous was the iconic British sitcom about Edina Monsoon (Jennifer Saunders), a drug-taking, constantly drunk PR agent, and her BFF, the equally problematic, promiscuousandhilarious magazine fashion director Patsy Stone, played by Joanna Lumley.
Running from 1992 to 2004, with a film in 2016, Ab Fab was beloved by fans, who adored the two uniquely self-absorbed leads, as well as Edina’s put-upon daughter Saffron (Julia Sawalha) and mother (June Whitfield).
Each episode saw Patsy and Edina get into ridiculous exploits as they attempted to recapture their glory days. While it wasn’t always politically correct, Ab Fab never failed to be funny.
But amid the heavy drinking,arguments and dodgy weight-loss attempts, Ab Fab actually taught us a lot about life. Patsy and Edina may have been terrible role models, but they were a refreshing example of modern women who did whatever the hell they wanted, and we learnt a lot from them. So, to mark the show’s 30th anniversary, we’re sharing some of those lessons with you…
1. TRUE FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT
Patsy and Edina were undeniably flawed, but as a duo, they always had each other’s backs. Whenever Edina wanted to get completely smashed or try a ridiculous fad, such as the isolation tank, Patsy was there to support her – for better or for worse.
They could be their true selves in front of each other, and there was never any judgement. After Eddie was arrested for stealing wine, Pats stood up for her saying, “My name is Patsy Stone and I am an alcoholic, and what she did was an act of humanitarian mercy.” Everyone needs a friend like that.
2. FREE YOURSELF FROM GENDER NORMS
Yes, Patsy and Edina cared about fashion and dieting, but they were both strong women who didn’t suffer fools gladly. Contrary to a lot of sitcoms in the early ’90s, these two middle-aged women had so much more to them. Patsy was content to be child-free, and Edina clearly didn’t have a single maternal bone in her body. Plus, the way they handled dating and relationships was brilliantly chaotic. We love to see women behaving badly and not caring what the men think of them.
3. ALWAYS HAVE A COMEBACK LINE READY
