onnanob2 Reviews

The Icicle Thief (1989)

Humorous, delightful, unusual, special, joyous!

[10/10 · 23 March 2008]

"The Icicle Thief" is a very difficult film to describe by plot. In fact, I can't think of any other film that is so hard to describe. Don't let that fact hinder you from watching this film! "The Icicle Thief" is a wonderful film, and I strongly recommend it!

I think the easiest way to describe "The Icicle Thief" would be to say there are four basic plot elements involved:

1. A motion picture is being shown on national Italian television (this is where the parody of "The Bicycle Thief" comes in.)

2. There are commercial breaks during the airing of the film.

3. The director of the film being shown on television is present in the television studio.

4. An Italian family watches the film from their living room.

The motion picture that's being shown on Italian television is similar to the classic, "The Bicycle Thief," and the film's director is nervous about its broadcast. The film eventually copies a key scene from "The Bicycle Thief," and a character steals a crystal chandelier from the chandelier factory where he works. The stolen "icicles" are the dangling crystals of the chandelier. Everything seems to be running as scheduled with the broadcast of the film.

Suddenly, something goes haywire as the film is being broadcast! A lovely swimsuit model from one of the commercials gets transported into the film that's being shown! Also, characters from the film being aired find themselves in the commercials! Black and white meets color, and the English language meets Italian as the characters go into worlds which are not of their own media. It's up to the film's director to save his film as it's being aired, and he manages to go into the "world" of his film to straighten it all out. The results are humorous, delightful, and even joyous! While all of this chaos is going on, a family watches the film unfold in the comfort of their living room. They aren't too sure what to make of the film that's being broadcast onto their television!

"The Icicle Thief" is a very imaginative film, and a very well-made film. Director Maurizio Nichetti has crafted something unusual and special. The performances are wonderful; including Maurizio Nichetti's own performance as the director of the film that's being shown on Italian television. Caterina Sylos Labini turns in an excellent performance as the pasta-making wife and mother in the parody of "The Bicycle Thief." Heidi Komarek gives "The Icicle Thief" a fun touch as the English speaking, television commercial model, who finds herself suddenly transported into the Italian film as it's being broadcast.

One of my favorite moments happens when Maria Piermattei (Caterina Sylos Labini), a character from the black and white "Bicycle Thief" parody, finds her little boy has left the black and white film to join a colorful television commercial. It's a moment of colorful brilliance and joy!

Absolutely Fabulous: Cold Turkey (2003) Season 5, Episode 8

Probably my favorite episode from the fifth season

[10/10 · 18 April 2007]

"Cold Turkey" (listed on the BBC's "Absolutely Fabulous" site under the title, "Drinkin'") is probably my favorite episode from the fifth series. This is a Christmas special episode, and Edina has decided to spend the holiday at home with her family. Edina is disappointed with Saffy's regular, plastic Christmas tree, and she wants her first Christmas at home to be a grand affair. She imports a giant Christmas tree from Scandinavia, but Saffy is enraged when she sees it. Patsy somehow got caught in the tree when it was brought into the house. Bubble returns from her Christmas shopping assignments at Tiffany's, Gucci, and Prada, and reports things aren't as glamorous as they used to be. Edina and Patsy join Saffy and Mrs. M. in the kitchen. Mrs. M. is making a poinsettia centerpiece, and Saffy is preparing the Christmas lunch. Edina's way of helping out is to eat raw sausage, and burst out into Christmas carols. Saffy is worried Edina will go overboard, and she explains how they conduct their traditional Christmas. Patsy continues to look through a travel magazine, and she's under the impression that she and Edina will be going away for Christmas. Patsy eventually learns Edina is backing out of their usual holiday getaway. She reacts violently by headbutting Edina, which knocks Edina to the floor! Edina goes to talk to Patsy, and Patsy exclaims she really hates Christmas. Eleanor Bron returns as Patsy's mother in a flashback. Patsy's bitter mother refuses her Christmas gift in the flashback, and screams for Patsy to keep Christmas out of their lives. She tells Edina she'll go on the trip by herself, but she's suddenly overcome with pain and collapses to the floor. Unbeknownst to her, the pain was caused by someone jabbing a pin into a voodoo doll. Edina thinks it's Patsy's way of getting attention, so Edina ignores Patsy after she falls to the floor. Edina then prevents Mrs. M. from decorating the tree, and she makes Bubble climb a ladder to place the star on top. John examines Patsy, and Saffy tells Edina that Patsy must go to the hospital. An ambulance rushes them to the hospital. The doctor (Simon Brodkin) tells Edina that Patsy is extremely ill, and he asks who Patsy's next of kin is. Edina mentions Patsy's sister, Jackie (Kate O'Mara appeared as Patsy's sister in "Happy New Year.") Edina goes home to wrap gifts with Bubble. Fleur and Catriona visit Patsy in the hospital, and we see another pin jabbed into the voodoo doll while they're there. Patsy flatlines but is brought back with electric shock. Justin arrives at the house, and John begins to ask him some very personal questions. Bo and Marshall arrive next, and talk about their Christian-based, weight loss product called Staylene. Everyone enjoys a Christmas Eve toast until Marshall has an accident in his pants. Patsy's sister shows up at the hospital. Jackie poses as a loving sister, but her real intention is to get everything signed over to her in Patsy's will. She's also there to kill Patsy with a heroin overdose! Edina and Saffy go to the hospital on Christmas Day, but they are informed that Miss Stone has died. They go in the room and see a body covered by a sheet. Patsy baffles them when she emerges from the bathroom. She's alive and well, and ready to leave the hospital. She removes the sheet to reveal the "Miss Stone" that died was actually Jackie. It seems she had gotten the upper hand when Jackie was going to inject her with the fatal dose of heroin. Patsy is now overjoyed with Christmas spirit, and the day continues with the exchanging of gifts. Christmas lunch is attended by Edina, Patsy, John, Saffy, Justin, Mrs. M., Bubble, and Bo and Marshall (we assume baby Jane is around somewhere!) The gleeful holiday lunch is interrupted when Patsy chokes on a slice of turkey!

Absolutely Fabulous: Exploitin' (2003) Season 5, Episode 7

Not bad, but may be the weakest from the fifth series

[8/10 · 17 April 2007]

"Exploitin'" may be the weakest episode from the fifth series, but it is still a good episode. Edina's sleep is being disturbed by the baby's crying, and her house has baby toys and baby clothing strewn about. Tempers flare when Edina and Saffron disagree on how to raise the baby, and soon John is getting yelled at as well. Patsy comes over to tell Eddy that it's been arranged to have baby Jane's first modeling session, which will be appearing in Vogue magazine. However, there's now a problem with getting the baby out of the house: Mrs. M. has been banned from the house due to using Edina's bathroom as a spa for the elderly, and she won't be coming over to babysit. That means Saffy and John won't be leaving for their much needed time alone, and Edina is sure Saffy won't allow her to take the baby out. Saffy is still being moody, so Eddy and Patsy gang-up on her to tell her how unattractive and unkempt she's become. They also tell Saffy that she'll lose John if she continues to act this way. Saffy realizes there is truth to their harsh words, and she breaks down with sobs. Patsy is pleased with upsetting Saffy, but Edina shows her daughter her caring side. Saffy now feels a greater need to have some alone time with John, and she asks Edina if she'd babysit Jane. Patsy and Edina then connive to take the baby to the zoo, where the photo shoot is taking place. Edina experiments with Saffy's breast milk pump before she and Jane meet Patsy at the zoo. Before the photo shoot, Edina and Patsy do some educational shopping, and face confusion on how to change the baby's poopy diaper. The baby then has her portion of the photo shoot, and fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier is present. A cheerful Saffy and John return to the house, but they find a note telling them Edina has taken the baby to the zoo. Patsy and Edina have conversation with Jean Paul until Saffy calls to demand they bring the baby home. Edina and Patsy arrive back at home, but it's soon discovered they brought home the wrong baby! Fern Britton returns to the show as the host of "This Morning." Fern's guest is Katy Grin, and they talk about having children until Edina turns off the television. Mrs. M. has a very brief scene with no dialogue at the beginning of the episode. Bubble is absent from this episode.

Absolutely Fabulous: Schmoozin' (2003) Season 5, Episode 6

Lost Beatles tapes, Edina's boyfriend, and a visit to Abbey Road

[9/10 · 15 April 2007]

"Schmoozin'" opens with Eddy dating a no-pressure boyfriend named Pete (Robert Lindsay.) Edina and Patsy have known Pete for many years, and Patsy isn't annoyed with Pete hanging around. In fact, Patsy is a little preoccupied since she's been informed that some of her old, softcore sex movies are being released on video. Patsy and Edina discuss the upcoming video releases of titles like, "Lady Chatterley Doesn't Live Here Anymore," and "Boldfinger," until Pete announces that he must leave. Edina introduces Pete to Saffy, but Mrs. M. recognizes Pete right away as the guy she once found in a closet "playing sardines" with Edina. Mrs. M. then questions Pete about the kind of work he does. Pete and Edina talk about his ownership of the Lost Beatles Tapes, which he's currently working on. Edina tells Bubble to make arrangements for the industry party that will debut the Lost Beatles Tapes, which she will be hosting at her home. She also tells Bubble to set up a meeting with Elton John. Edina and Patsy later go to the Abbey Road Studios, where Pete is working on remastering the Lost Beatles Tapes. They make fun of all the tourists doing the famed crosswalk before they enter the building. They meet with Pete inside, and are awestruck when they see the tapes. They also reminisce on hanging around the "Sergeant Pepper" studio, and we get to see a late 1960's flashback of Edina and Patsy (when Patsy was briefly a man) being engulfed in sex and drugs. Eddy and Patsy wander off, and Eddy takes a seat in front of a microphone. Eddy pretends she's having a recording session, and she sings her "walking down the road" song. Patsy goes to get another bottle of champagne, and returns to guide Eddy through a sung rendition of Max Ehrmann's "Desiderata." Pete, Edina, and Patsy exit Abbey Road Studios, and do the famous zebra crossing as The Fab Three. However, Edina doesn't want to be Ringo! The ladies return to Edina's, and Patsy mentions she hopes Edina will show her sexploitation movie, "Booberella," at the party. Elton John arrives the following day to meet with Edina. Fleur and Catriona try to organize the party, but Elton gets annoyed with their doltish rambling. Bubble makes conversation with Elton until Edina appears. Elton thought he was being invited to a party, but learns Edina actually wants him to perform during the function. He leaves very irate due to Edina's begging, and Bubbles insults. Finally, it's the night of the party, and the trailer for "Booberella" is being screened. Patsy feels humiliated when the party guests snicker and chuckle. Mrs. M. becomes inquisitive again, and wants to talk more about Pete's line of work. Edina calls the bouncer over to remove her mother from the party. Pete and Edina break away from the party, and he asks Edina if she'd come live with him. Patsy doesn't seem to be pleased to hear Pete and Edina plan to get married. The moment has arrived, and Pete begins to play the tapes. The music intro suddenly stops, and everyone hears Edina singing on the recording. It turns out the entire recording has been ruined! Patsy somehow had an accident while they were at the Abbey Road Studios, and the tape was then re-recorded with their pretend session. Needless to say the relationship between Pete and Edina is now over. However, all is not lost, and the next day finds Edina preparing to fly off to New York to do a recording with Yoko Ono.

Absolutely Fabulous: Birthin' (2003) Season 5, Episode 5

Another good episode features Saffy having her baby

[9/10 · 14 April 2007]

"Birthin'" is one of the fastest paced episodes of "Absolutely Fabulous." The episode begins with Saffy preparing her home birth kit. She's due to have the baby anytime, and she wants to have it at home. Mrs. M. offers some "help." This night finds Patsy being the hostess of the Style Awards at the Royal Albert Hall, and she arrives wearing a very expensive, one-off Hookie Mookie. Edina helps Patsy rehearse her entrance. Patsy then recites her speech, but Saffy keeps interjecting insults. Soon Katy Grin, Bo, and Marshall arrive. Katy enthusiastically talks about her work in the musical, "Chicago." Bo and Marshall talk about their Christian Family Creation adoption service, which is a service for busy Hollywood actresses who have no time or desire for pregnancy. Saffy is overcome with discomfort just as Patsy is leaving for the Style Awards, and there's a shoving match to get up the stairs. Saffy's water breaks, spewing a flood of baby juice all over Patsy's expensive clothing. Mrs. M. attempts to save the Hookie Mookie, but she accidentally burns the garment with an iron. Saffy retreats to her bedroom with contractions. In a rare moment of support for her daughter, Edina tells Patsy she won't be able to go to the awards show. Mrs. M. runs to go get forceps, and Katy Grin sneakily makes a phone call to say she can fill in for Patsy at the awards show. John and Justin next arrive to the house, and Edina tries to scandalize her ex-husband by telling John that Justin is gay. John has no worries that Saffy's father is a homosexual fellow. Bo gets drunk and develops a plot to snatch the baby for the adoption service. Justin and John go to change the hot water settings so Saffy can have a bath, but they accidentally knock out the house's power. Patsy tries on some of Eddy's clothes, but she hates how the clothes look on her. Katy takes that as her cue to run off to be the awards show's hostess, and Patsy cries out in defeat. Eddy protects her daughter from Bo and Marshall's baby snatching scheme, but scorned Patsy decides to help Bo and Marshall get the baby. Saffy turns to Edina for help with the birth of the baby, but her squeamish mother has hilarious difficulties. Saffy begins to push, and eventually gives birth to a healthy baby girl. She and John name the baby "Jane," but Edina prefers the baby be named "Lola." Bo and Marshall run from the house thinking they've taken the baby, but they've mistakenly grabbed the placenta! Bubble is absent from this episode, but we still have Jane Horrocks in the form of Katy Grin. For some reason the region 1 DVD is missing Bo's "Chicago" dream sequence! This cute and fun musical number features Bo, Marshall, and Katy Grin.

Absolutely Fabulous: Huntin', Shootin' & Fishin' (2003) Season 5, Episode 4

Another great episode from the fifth series

[9/10 · 13 April 2007]

"Huntin,' Shootin,' And Fishin'" is another great episode from the fifth series. Edina is now "by royal appointment" with Prince Charles' line of biscuits, but she wants Emma Bunton to re-do the ad. Bubble claims the biscuits taste like an old piece of carpet, and then gives her philosophy on the Royal Family. Edina announces she's won a country house weekend by grossly overbidding at an auction. Some of the activities will include hunting, shooting guns, and fishing. Saffy has a problem with Edina going on a trip just so she can hunt birds and animals, but Edina tries to use her style of reasoning to justify the killing. Emma Bunton arrives but she isn't keen on re-doing the biscuit ad. She also visits with Saffy, and learns Edina wants to throw a baby shower. Edina and Patsy later arrive at the country manor for their getaway weekend. Mossie Smith ("The End") returns to the show as the country house's director, Flossie. Flossie will make sure you check in properly, carry your bags, and even clean the doggy do off your shoe. Back at home, Saffy's first guest for her gathering is Sarah, who thinks it's freaky that Saffy has a baby inside her. Emma soon arrives, but Sarah doesn't seem to recognize her from school. Sarah goes on fanatically about Saffy's pregnancy. She wonders if Saffy's stomach organs have been moved about as the baby is growing, and she worries the baby may be nibbling on things! She continues with her morbid fascination until Emma gets up and slaps her. The slap seems to spark Sarah's memory, and Sarah becomes starstruck over being in the company of Emma Bunton. Edina and Patsy next meet the gamekeeper of the country manor. The gamekeeper, Clarissa (television cook and food expert, Clarissa Dickson-Wright), informs Edina and Patsy that there is no pool, jacuzzi, or relaxing massage available at the country house. They're also informed that there's nothing in season as far as hunting goes. Shooting clay pigeons and playing golf are offered, but the ladies decide they'll do some horseback riding instead. Back in Holland Park, Emma announces she must leave, and Sarah follows closely behind. Sarah told Saffy she's going to follow Emma everywhere, and get Emma's phone number. The horseback riding doesn't go well for Edina and Patsy. In fact, Patsy says she might need to be scraped off the saddle! They resort to shooting clay pigeons. Patsy is an expert marksman, but Edina's shooting skills are lacking and she ends up shooting a real pigeon by accident. Edina becomes very agitated during the course of the evening, so Patsy grabs a couple rifles. They go outside into the darkness, and begin shooting in the dark. Edina brings back her first blood: A pheasant, which she stashes in a closet. They're later disturbed from their sleep by strange noises coming from the closet. Edina works up the courage to investigate, and turns around to see the pheasant has roosted on top of Patsy's head! The pheasant runs off to hide in the bathroom, and Patsy suggests Edina go pull the pheasant's neck. Edina finds she doesn't have the heart to kill the pheasant with her bare hands, so they decide to tranquilize the pheasant and take it to Hyde Park. The weekend has ended, and Edina and Patsy return to London. The police come to the house to discuss some business. Edina assumes they're there to question her about the pheasant's abduction, so she takes a stand and tells them the pheasant is alive and well. Edina finds out the police aren't there for her, and they've come for the visiting Sarah. Sarah was stalking Emma Bunton, and she needs to go with them concerning a restraining order. This gives Edina and Patsy a good laugh! Mrs. M. is absent from this episode.

Absolutely Fabulous: Panickin' (2003) Season 5, Episode 3

One of my favorite episodes from the fifth series

[10/10 · 12 April 2007]

"Panickin'" is one of my favorite episodes from the fifth series. Edina has turned her old nuclear shelter into a panic room. She explains this is in case murderous thugs or terrorists try to attack them. Saffy helps carry food and other creature comforts to the panic room, and Edina shows her a few of the room's features. Bubble enters the house via open window, and talks about her recent celebrity contacts. Patsy arrives distressed and very hyper, and we see a flashback of her working day at Jeremy's. We see Patsy giving her "best" customer service until she encounters Minnie Driver in the shop. Minnie wants Patsy to give her a styling session, and it's arranged for the following day. Bubble becomes puzzled and doesn't recognize Minnie Driver's name at first. Patsy thinks a styling session with Minnie will propel her career. She even gets collagen plumping for her lips, so she can make her appearance more impressive. The next day finds Patsy and Edina sorting through a couple racks of new fashions in Edina's sitting room/office. Minnie Driver arrives, and demands Edina and Bubble leave the room while she tries on clothing. Edina goes to hang out in her new panic room. Minnie doesn't seem pleased when she hears she can't get the fashions for free. Patsy will do almost anything to please Minnie, and Minnie tries to make a bargain by mentioning she likes the necklace Eddy is wearing. Patsy attempts to get the necklace from Eddy, and they end up sealing themselves in the panic room during the scuffle! The door is now time activated, and they can't even use the code since Patsy hit the buttons like a hyperactive typist! Patsy is very exasperated now that she's locked away, and unable to continue with the styling session. She gets on the house's public-address system, and informs Minnie that she is unable to return. Eddy and Patsy pass the time by conversing, drinking beer, and looking at a celebrity magazine. Patsy also gives herself collagen injections to make her lips more even. They come to realize the panic room has television monitors, which they can watch since there are security cameras throughout the house. They watch Saffy moving about the kitchen, but it's not very entertaining. Eddy gets on the P.A. system, and informs Saffy that they are stuck in the panic room. Saffy, Eddy, and Patsy manage to play Trivial Pursuit with Saffy in the kitchen, and Eddy and Patsy in the panic room. Giddy Sarah comes for a visit, but she doesn't believe Saffy when she's told there are cameras all around the house. In fact, Sarah becomes fueled with strange thoughts of fantasy, and she lets out some minor secrets that Eddy and Patsy can hear on the sound monitor. Saffy becomes perturbed by Sarah's behavior. She slaps Sarah in the face, and tells her to leave. At that moment Eddy begins to talk on the P.A. system. Hearing Eddy's voice is enough to scare Sarah out of the house! The door to the panic room finally opens, and Eddy and Patsy are free. They learn Minnie has left the house, and she's taken all the clothes with her! Mrs. M. is not in this episode.

Absolutely Fabulous: Book Clubbin' (2003) Season 5, Episode 2

Meeting the father of the baby amid the antics of Edina's book club

[8/10 · 12 April 2007]

"Book Clubbin'" begins with Edina having a nightmare about a knife-wielding "baby," and Saffy receiving a surrealistic visit from her gran. A midwife (Janette Krankie) later comes to the house to give a gruelling and unpleasant account on how to have a baby. Edina is rather upset and infuriated over Saffy's pregnancy, but she pushes on with questioning Saffy for details. She learns her daughter was in Africa, and is seeing a man named John. She also learns John, the father of the baby, is a student now living in London. Edina finds out John hasn't been told that Saffy is pregnant, and she taunts her daughter by saying he won't want anything to do with Saffy once he hears the news. Patsy arrives, demands her favorite seat on the sofa, throws an abortion pamphlet to Saffy, and blows cigarette smoke in Saffy's direction! Edina and Patsy then argue and trade insults with Saffy. The ladies then join Bubble upstairs for the preparation of their book club. Mariella Frostrup arrives to lead the book club, but her "promised" celebrity guests are not with her. They find out book club member Plum (Kristin Scott Thomas) is already there, but in the state of "corpse." Plum is queen of the spas and travel. She's also a flaky woman who was recently the victim of a spa nightmare in Chad, where she was left bound and gagged by an enema tube during a small rebellion. John (Felix Dexter) arrives with flowers for Saffy. They're happy to see each other, but John easily gets distracted and wonders about the house's heating unit, the type of paper Saffy writes letters on, and how the ceiling is held up. The book club starts off with a celebrity magazine, and then moves on to the pocket-sized, abridged version of "The Picture Of Dorian Gray." Plum throws some nibbles into her handbag, and walks out of the room. Patsy runs off to join her, and Bubble trails closely behind as if it's her cue to leave. Saffy attempts to tell John she's pregnant, but they're interrupted when Plum enters the kitchen. Then Patsy sees John and makes a sexual pass at him. Saffy hinders Patsy from getting her clutches on John, so Patsy then escorts Plum back upstairs. Plum asks Edina if Saffy is pregnant to "that big black guy," and Edina becomes quite excited when she realizes she's going to be the grandmother of a mixed-race baby! Edina exclaims a mixed-race baby is the best accessory a woman in her position could have. Saffron finally manages to tell John she's pregnant; amid Edina's uproar of joy.

Absolutely Fabulous: Cleanin' (2003) Season 5, Episode 1

The fifth series is off to a good start!

[9/10 · 11 April 2007]

"Cleanin'" is a good start for the fifth series. Edina awakens to hear a radio personality (voice of Jane Horrocks) talking about vomit on her shoe. Patsy joins Edina in the remodeled bathroom, and Edina explains a few of the new features. The bathroom now has a swimming pool, a seeing-eye toilet, and a shower that includes a sound system and wax cycle! They also discuss how things have been since Saffy's been away on a trip. Llewella Gideon ("Hospital" and "Death") returns to the show as a tanning beautician, and she uses an extra large nozzle to give Edina an all-over, spray-on tan. Edina and Patsy find some time to watch morning television after Edina's tanning session. They tune in to watch Fern Britton hosting Katy Grin. Katy is promoting her new book, "My Iraq," and Fern happens to have a clip of a mishap in which Katy was pulled under a passing American tank. Patsy persuades Edina to indulge and live it up while Saffy's still away, and they hop into a chauffeured Hummer for some breakfast and shopping. Their morning out is short-lived when Edina gets called into the office, which is now in her sitting room at home. Edina gets "briefed" by Bubble, and then meets with client Emma Bunton (former Baby Spice of The Spice Girls.) Bubble informs Patsy that Catriona and Fleur are waiting to see her in Edina's kitchen. Emma came to inquire about new projects, but the ideas of pressing the Lotto button, "Celebrity Millionaire," and "Celebrity Weakest Link" don't interest her. Meanwhile in the downstairs kitchen, Patsy finds out that Fleur was going to complain that Patsy doesn't work as hard as she and Catriona do. Patsy soon puts Fleur in her place, and grumbles a threat. Emma mentions she used to go to school with Saffy, and she asks when Saffy will be returning from her trip. They consult Bubble's calendar, and learn Saffy will be coming home that very day. Edina gasps with joy over learning this, but Patsy belts out a howl of disgust. They all decide to clean up the house for Saffy's return. Mrs. M. arrives to help with the cleaning. Eventually Eddy, Patsy, Bubble, and Mrs. M. lose focus on the task at hand, and Emma attempts to get them back on track. Saffy returns from abroad to greetings from her friends and family, but Patsy is sour and leaves quickly! The rest of the group follow, and Edina then has some time alone with her daughter. Edina seems defensive; almost like she's trying to provoke a confrontation with her daughter. She notices Saffy has put on a bit of weight, and during her outburst she learns Saffy is pregnant.

Absolutely Fabulous: Small Opening (2001) Season 4, Episode 5

One of the all-time best episodes!

[10/10 · 11 April 2007]

"Small Opening" is one of the best episodes from the fourth series, and it's the term used to describe the scale in which one of Saffy's plays is being presented. Saffy has written an autobiographical play titled, "Self-Raising Flower," and she's directing it at her local little theater. Her friend Sarah is also helping with the play. Edina and Patsy are spending a relaxing evening at home categorizing uppers and downers, and watching Katy Grin hosting a telethon. The relaxation turns to panic when Edina receives a disturbing phone call. She believes her son, Serge, has been kidnapped. She telephones the police, which sends Patsy into a frenzy due to all of the drugs in the house. The police arrive, believe Edina is drunk, and dismiss the whole ordeal. Soon Saffy arrives and attempts to help with the situation. She suggests her mother dial the number of the last incoming call. This plan proves worthy when Saffy's phone beings to ring. Edina asks Saffy if she's been with Serge, but soon learns she was accidentally listening to a rehearsal of Saffy's play. Learning the play is an autobiography sends Edina into a fury, and Patsy joins her friend in outrage. They know exactly how Saffy would have them portrayed on the stage! It's too late to attempt to stop the play, because the play is being presented that night. Soon the house fills with family and friends. Justin, Bo, Marshall (now a rabbi), and Mrs. M. arrive to give Saffy support as they anticipate the play. Edina and Patsy continue their disgust, and Edina has Bubble deliver an ultimatum to Saffy. Bubble's reading of the ultimatum is hilarious as she describes Edina's threat to go on a television talk show to do, "My daughter did the dirty, and stabbed me in the throat." Saffy overlooks the ultimatum, and tells her mother she'll be leaving a ticket for her. Saffy tells Edina she should come see the play. Instead, Edina and Patsy stakeout the theater to see who's going in. Justin, Mrs. M., Bo, Marshall, and Bubble take their seats in the audience, and Sarah is backstage helping out. Edina and Patsy decide to risk entering the theater (another hilarious scene), and the play begins. The accounts of Saffy's life have Patsy yelling obscenities toward the stage, but eventually Patsy becomes awestruck when she notices the person playing her. Saffy wanted the play to be presented in a rigid tone, but soon the audience is laughing and the play becomes comic. By the end, Edina and Patsy are having a good time, and find the play acceptable. Edina even runs onstage to embrace the woman who played her. Lill Roughley stars as Jude, the actress who plays Edina in Saffy's play. Emma Pierson stars as Kasha, the actress who not only portrays Saffy in the play, but seems to have a crush on Saffy as well. Miles Western stars as Martin, the actor who appears in drag to portray Patsy for the stage production. The actor bringing the long lost Serge to the stage is John Neale (IMDb and BBC both have the actor's name listed as John Neale, but the show's credits have Josh Neale listed.) Jon Plowman has a cameo as an usher at the theater. Melanie Jessop returns to the show as a policewoman. This episode features an eighties flashback in which a punked-out Edina and Patsy take Saffy to the park. Ashley Clish plays Saffron as a child in the flashback.

Absolutely Fabulous: Menopause (2001) Season 4, Episode 6

A great episode from the fourth series!

[9/10 · 11 April 2007]

"Menopause" is one of the funniest episodes from series four. Bubble has sent very private emails to everyone in Edina's address book by accident, and now the P.R. company is doing badly. Most of Edina's clients have turned to Claudia Bing's agency. Edina's current top client, Twiggy, and her husband (Leigh Lawson, Twiggy's real husband) have been dealing with repeat visits from Mrs. M., and it only seems like a matter of time until Twiggy also leaves Edina's P.R. company. Edina tries to save her company, and attempts to have a meeting via webcam. The meeting is attended by Katy Grin, Catriona, Fleur, and Damon (Antony Cotton), but Edina can't get her side of the webcam to function properly. Edina moves on with her day, and soon she and Patsy are enjoying themselves until Patsy breaks a bone in her arm. Patsy wants to treat the broken bone with her personal pain killers, but Saffy takes over and demands to take Patsy to the hospital. In the meantime, Edina goes to her office where Candy Bender (Tilly Blackwood) is waiting. Claudia Bing (Celia Imrie) shows up at Edina's office with the intention of taking over her competition's company. Soon Twiggy arrives, and announces she's leaving Eddy's company so she can join with Claudia's. Claudia throws a few verbal jabs Edina's way before she leaves, and in a moment of surreal humor, Edina wildly slaps Bubble repeatedly in the face because of all the problems Bubble has caused. Saffy and Patsy have returned from the hospital and gynecologist. Edina learns Patsy not only has osteoporosis, but also has the "honor" of having the lowest bone density on record. Saffy then mentions she has organized a meeting for Menopausals Anonymous, and she forces her mother and Patsy to attend. Catriona is attending the meeting with a woman named Beth De Woodi (Ruby Wax returning to the show as a different character.) Bo and Marshall are still visiting the area, and staying at Edina's. They've given up on their Jewish scheme, and are planning to leave when Bo gets a whiff of interest over the group's meeting. She attends the meeting, but claims Americans don't believe in menopause. The meeting ends with womb prayers, and a group hug that injures Beth De Woodi. Saffy plays nurse as she tends to Patsy's hormone replacement patches, and hands out alternative remedies. Edina returns to an empty office to find Bubble has quit. Damon is still around, and they begin to discuss the future of the company. Claudia Bing intrudes on the conversation, and becomes interested in Edina's plans to save her company. Katy Grin comes in announcing she needs to sell her half of the T.V. unit. Claudia makes a deal with Katy, and very briefly becomes Edina's partner until Edina offloads her half of the T.V. unit. The T.V. unit was expensive to upkeep and losing money, so Claudia's takeover has turned out to be Edina's gain. Edina then feels she's back in business, and immediately attempts to get Lulu a British Airways ad. Saffy is exhausted over the events of the day, and dreams Patsy has become the epitome of purity due to the menopausal therapies. Patsy displays a flair for culinary talent during Saffy's dream. In the dream, Edina and Patsy enjoy dinner while watching Katy Grin and Dale Winton (as himself) sing a duet on television. Patsy then announces she's won a vial of Mick Jagger's sperm through an auction, and plans to impregnate herself. The ending of this episode brings back Patsy and Edina as elderly characters, and features excellent age transformation make-up. A glimpse into the future finds the still-swinging ladies having fun, but facing the unpleasantness of soiled nappies. They also face the dangers of breaking brittle bones, and flying champagne corks!

Absolutely Fabulous: Gay (2002) Season 4, Episode 7

Edina finally catches up with her long lost son!

[8/10 · 10 April 2007]

"Gay" is also known as "Absolutely Fabulous In New York," and was release under the latter title on region 1 DVD. The characters have had a few changes since the fourth season ended, and Edina now likes to wear thong underwear. Patsy's vision seems to be failing her, and she now wears glasses at times. She also works at a new concept fashion store named Jeremy's. Saffron has put extra locks on her bedroom door, and she's even installed a door alarm! Mrs. M. has a nifty mobility scooter, and there's been a lift installed so she can easily get to the downstairs kitchen. Bubble is still Edina's servant, but Edina has decided to use electric shock to keep Bubble in line. Edina, Patsy, Bubble, Catriona, and Fleur have just returned from London's Fashion Week, and they're still abuzz with excitement. The most cringing joke in the history of "Absolutely Fabulous" happens while they're all together, but I won't get into that here. Everyone leaves and Edina still feels chatty. However, Saffy is trying to write in her observations diary, and doesn't feel like conversation. Edina announces her son, Serge, would chat with her if he were there. Bo and Marshall come for a visit, and talk about their new television ministry. They're still following the road of spirituality, and this time they are Christians. We get to see a couple glimpses of their show, "The Epiphany," which they host with a girl named Lola (another character for Jane Horrocks!) Edina asks Marshall where Serge is, and gets a mix of answers from Marshall and Saffy. Edina then realizes all the far away places and excuses have been lies. Through a slip-up Edina learns her son is living in New York City, and she learns he is gay. This revelation brings Edina much joy. Saffy and Marshall won't give any further information on Serge's whereabouts, and Bo is disgruntled over Serge's homosexuality. To everyone's amazement, Marshall exclaims everyone has homosexual feelings. Edina and Patsy break into Saffy's room later that night, and get their first lead to finding Serge on a business card. Edina is very excited because she and Patsy are leaving for New York City's Fashion Week, and now she'll have a chance to find her long lost son. The day has arrived, and Edina and Patsy are once again in New York City. They go to the runway fashions shows, the cocktail gatherings, and search for bling. Bo has arranged for Marhsall to have a date with a big daddy-bear, but she worries he will give in to the temptation of his feelings. Saffy tries to ease Bo's mind by reading her "Cupboard Memoirs." Poor Bubble can't seem to function without Edina around. Edina gets another lead on Serge's whereabouts when they stop at the drop-in center for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered population. They meet a counselor (Whoopi Goldberg), and pose as though they're interested in a same-sex marriage so they can get info on Serge. Luckily, the counselor takes Edina outside so they can talk in private. Patsy then has an opportunity to ransack the counselor's personal files. Patsy is later caught with the files, and the counselor won't give any information unless they submit themselves to a non-legal, same-sex union. The two exchange vows and they're handed a paper, which will lead them to Edina's son. The directions lead them to a bookstore. Edina copes with itchy eyes until she is finally standing face to face with Serge (Josh Hamilton.) They have an emotional reunion, and Edina meets Serge's partner, Martin (Danny Burstein.) Serge still has some unpleasant issues concerning his mother and Patsy, but Edina uses her overbearing corpulence to drag him to a few fashion shows. Martin comes along willingly. The boys get a fashion make-over, and they all go to a couple of nightclubs. Debbie Harry happens to be performing at one of these clubs, and she sings "This Wheel's On Fire" as we see a collage of Eddy, Patsy, Serge, and Martin enjoying Fashion Week. The final stop is a country-western bar, where dancing girls dance on top of a bar ablaze with flaming spirits. Patsy claims she can be a fire dancer, and she gets onto the bar to perform. The night ends with a boom as Patsy and everyone around gets scorched! At the end of the show Edina mentions she has adopted Martin as her new son, and she says he is coming to live with them (so far this hasn't happened.) The Blondie song, "(I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear," can be heard as Edina makes her way through the bookstore while searching for Serge. U.K. television personality Graham Norton makes a cameo. Singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright and fashion designer Jared Gold also have cameos.

Absolutely Fabulous: Donkey (2001) Season 4, Episode 4

My all-time least favorite episode

[6/10 · 10 April 2007]

"Donkey" is my least favorite episode of all. I hate to say it, but I find most of the humor in "Donkey" falls flat. The minor subplot of Patsy removing her hair fringe is not funny at all. Another minor subplot in which Saffy gets a visitor named Taylor is even worse. I've found something to enjoy in every "Ab Fab" character until Taylor came along. Lucky for me, this is the only episode the character is in. A scene where Edina and Saffy argue over Edina possibly ruining her diet seems half-baked. This is also the scene where Edina discovers she's developed a muscle, and the humor just wasn't up to par. Luckily, there are some humorous jokes and gags to be found among the muddle. I also feel this worst episode of "Absolutely Fabulous" is better than having no "Ab Fab" at all. An interesting aspect to this episode is that it incorporates some of the style behind "Sex In The City," and "Ally McBeal." In "Donkey," Edina once again becomes disgusted with her weight. She may be somewhat used to Saffy's insults, but the additional insults and snickers from Katy Grin, Catriona, and Fleur finally push her to do something about it. Patsy even becomes a tad vicious with the overweight remarks. Edina wants to be a race horse instead of a donkey, so she goes on a detox diet and enrolls in a military fitness course. Katy goes along with Edina to document Edina's progress with a camcorder. In the meantime, Patsy experiments with the idea of pinning her hair fringe back from her forehead, and Saffy receives a visit from a past school chum named Taylor (Julian Rhind-Tutt.) Taylor seems to be a user, and he mildly uses Saffy until he wears out his welcome. Candy Bender (Tilly Blackwood) is also on hand with her little doggy, and God (Marianne Faithful) returns to Eddy in a dream. God sings "The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan" while Edina sleeps. This time God is joined by the Devil (Anita Pallenberg.) Eddy manages to lose one stone through dieting, and the often grueling exercise program. However, her weight loss is still not enough to stop the snickers and comments of Katy Grin.

Absolutely Fabulous: Paris (2001) Season 4, Episode 3

Second least favorite episode of all time

[7/10 · 10 April 2007]

"Paris" is one of the weakest episodes in "Ab Fab" history. This episode often seems jumbled when compared to other episodes. However, it still has its charms, humor, and usual "Ab Fab" moments to keep it entertaining. Edina and Patsy take a third trip to France to be part of an intergenerational photo feature titled, "Generation Flex." Edina would rather have someone else play the role of her daughter for the mother-and-daughter part of the shoot, but it's too late to get anyone else. The only thing she can do is bring Saffy along. Saffy reluctantly agrees on going to Paris as a model for the mother-and-daughter shoot. Patsy believes her part of the photo shoot will be more stylish and glamorous, and it gives her an opportunity to reminisce on her past experiences as a fashion model. Patsy knows she'll be working with supermodel Erin O'Connor, and she is quite enthused about it. What she doesn't know is other models from her era are back in demand. She's not too enthused when she finds out Annegret Tree and Daphne Selfe will also be part of the photo layout. She is even less enthusiastic when she's shown the punk-trash outfit she has to wear, which includes a fabricated facial wart as part of the make-up. Bubble has tagged along to Paris dressed in Napoleon uniform garb. She mostly stands on the sidelines, but she does manage to throw an insult Patsy's way. There's more to ruining Patsy's day than Bubble's insult, and the fact that she hates the "fashions" she has to wear. She also has to conceal her age, and compete with Annegret and Daphne. More problems occur when Patsy doesn't follow the photographer's directions. The photographer, Rimmer (Dave Gorman), becomes meanspirited and sarcastic. Edina and Saffy weren't scheduled to model right away, so they use their free time to explore Paris. They can't agree on an itinerary, which leads to bickering. Saffy finally sees the light, and decides to see Paris her mother's way. The planned activities include shopping, dining, and baring their breasts at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Patsy becomes so fed up with the photo session that she walks off. Saffy finds an even worse situation when she exposes her breasts at the top of the Eiffel Tower! Mrs. M. is shown walking in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral during a flashback. Tilly Blackwood returns as Candy Bender, and Christian Lacroix returns in a cameo. Jon Plowman fills in as an extra in a posh restaurant.

Absolutely Fabulous: Fish Farm (2001) Season 4, Episode 2

My third favorite episode from series 4

[9/10 · 10 April 2007]

"Fish Farm" is one of the better episodes from series four. The morning after a Marilyn Manson concert finds Eddy alarmed when she sees a strange man hovering in the garden. Saffy confirms she's having the garden redesigned, and later expresses her wish to have a pebble bubble fountain. Eddy soon learns the gardener's name is Jago (Crispin Bonham-Carter), and finds out he is the brother of an acquaintance who had a lot of money. She finds Jago attractive, and begins to flirt with the younger man. Patsy coaxes Eddy from the nearby utility room. Jago is equally delighted with Eddy's company, and he proposes the two go out on a date. Eddy and Patsy come to realize there could be more involved than the idea of Eddy and Jago becoming a hot couple: There could also be a lot of wealth to benefit from. The two women also plan Eddy's date to include wanton, sexual pleasures. Saffy scoffs at their schemes of enrichment and sex, and later places condoms around her mother's bedroom. The date gives Eddy a chance to try out her new blow-up bra, but slight mishaps occur after she and Jago return from their night out. Eddy becomes giddy and nervous as things become more intimate. Patsy is forced to hide in Eddy's bathroom when the couple enter the bedroom. The couple get more intimate as they share a joint in bed, which leads Eddy to have a drug-induced dream during the course of the night. The next morning finds Patsy still hiding in the bathroom, and Eddy subtly asking Jago about his financial situation. Jago's answer catches Eddy by surprise, and Patsy reveals her presence with an outcry. Dora Bryan returns to the show as a character named Dolly. Dora previously played a character named Millie in "The Last Shout." Dolly and Millie seem to be the exact same character, and no reason is given for the name change. It is also never mentioned if Dolly was being introduced as a new, but similar character. The character is once again chummy with Mrs. M., and the ladies create mild chaos in Edina's household with their shenanigans. The ladies are accompanied by their gentleman friend, Brice (Tim Wylton, who played a character with the same name in Jennifer Saunders' "Mirrorball.")

Absolutely Fabulous: Parralox (2001) Season 4, Episode 1

The fourth series has a decent start

[8/10 · 10 April 2007]

"Parralox" begins in Eddy's kitchen. Eddy's now into yoga and scooters, and her business has expanded to include television production. Saffy is preparing for an important job interview that would involve moving away from home. Mrs. M. drops by to get her email off of Eddy's computer. Patsy arrives with a frozen face. Patsy's been injecting her face with parralox to freeze wrinkles. She thinks Eddy should give it a try. Saffy becomes alarmed and protests, so Eddy "promises" she won't have parralox injections. The character of Katy Grin is introduced. Katy is a business partner of Eddy's, and she's also Bubble's cousin. Katy and Bubble have a brief scene together in this episode. Eddy's slated to appear on "Richard And Judy" the next day, and she's managed to get Twiggy (also in "Menopause") to appear as well. That night finds Eddy and Patsy meeting with Twiggy at a see-and-be-seen nightspot. "It" girl Candy Bender (Tilly Blackwood) is introduced at the club, and the character would appear in "Paris," "Donkey," and "Small Opening." Back at home, Saffy is visited by a very hyper and spastic Sarah. Saffy reports the job interview went very well. The night continues for Eddy and Patsy at the club, and soon Eddy is giving away songs to ex-Boyzone member, Stephen Gately. Patsy tries to keep herself occupied with actor Michael Greco. The night ends back at Eddy's with Eddy deciding to let Patsy give her parralox injections, so she'll look her best on "Richard And Judy." Eddy awakens the next morning to find her entire face is paralyzed. She manages to find Saffy in the kitchen just as Saffy is getting hired for the job. The morning turns out to be a disaster for both of them. Saffy ends up being rejected for the job due to her unwillingness to help her mother while the interviewer is there, and Eddie is replaced by Katy Grin for the "Richard And Judy" appearance. Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan appear as themselves. Antony Cotton debuts on the show as Damon, and repeats the role in "Menopause." Watch the crowd in the nightclub scenes, and you may see a woman who amazingly looks like Madonna (the woman is sitting.)

Absolutely Fabulous: The Last Shout: Part 2 (1996) Season 3, Episode 8

Getting ready for the wedding!

[9/10 · 9 April 2007]

Edina obsesses over her near death experience at the beginning of "The Last Shout, Part 2," but her need for attention only upsets Saffron. Saffy is trying to get the wedding plans together, but chaos keeps interrupting her progress. Mrs. M. has returned with camper/snowbird friends, Mac and Millie (Ed Devereaux and Dora Bryan. Dora Bryan would return in "Fish Farm.") The trio of elders use hip lingo, and often break into song and dance. They're staying in a camper van in front of Edina's house, but they often venture into the house. Bo is also hanging around as she waits for word from Marshall. Marshall finally contacts Bo on the telephone, and Patsy heads off to a fashion show where she meets up with Magda (Kathy Burke.) Paolo brings his very rich parents to Edina's to introduce them to Saffron. Edina tries to impress Paolo's Parents, and Justin attempts to make conversation with them. Paolo's mother (Carmen Du Sautoy) finds she must reject Saffron as a suitable companion for Paolo. Patsy arrives and saves the day when she recognizes Paolo's mother from an adult movie they did in the past. She corners the mother in a bathroom, and reveals who she is by repeating actions and lines from the (fictitious) movie, "Bond Meets Black Emanuelle." Paolo's mother is disgraced and in a panic over the revelation, and she is soon accepting Saffy as part of the family. Saffy then accepts Edina's help to make the wedding a grand affair. They drive around London to find the perfect church for the wedding, and then head to the shop of Christian Lacroix to order Saffy's wedding gown (Christian Lacroix also has a cameo in "Paris.") The day of the big event has arrived. James Dreyfus returns in his role as a hyper hairstylist when the women are getting made up for the wedding. Edina arrives at the church, finding a seat near Patsy, Magda, Catriona (who is Edina's assistant in this episode), Fleur, Mrs. M., Mac and Millie, Oliver, and Bo and Marshall. The wedding commences and Justin walks Saffron down the aisle. Sarah was supposed to trail behind as the maid of honor, but Edina knocked her out of the way in favor of the Gucci girl. The vicar (Calum MacLeod) begins the exchange of vows, but Edina suddenly stops the wedding. Bubble is not in either part of "The Last Shout." It looked like Jon Plowman made a cameo as a pedestrian wearing sunglasses. It is mentioned that Serge can't make the wedding, but he would be attending the reception. Obviously there was no reception since the wedding was stopped. Serge wouldn't have arrived anyway, since Edina doesn't see him until the "Gay" episode.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Last Shout: Part 1 (1996) Season 3, Episode 7

Val d'Isere off-season, a meeting with God, and Saffy gets engaged!

[9/10 · 9 April 2007]

"The Last Shout, Part 1" finds Eddy and Patsy planning a return trip to France. This time the destination is Val d'Isere. Eddy is having a busy day, but she finds some time to go to the gym. Patsy tags along with bottle. Saffy has a boyfriend named Paolo (Tom Hollander.) Paolo is a rich boy with a shady personality, and he's quite oppressive with Saffron. She seems to overlook this, and accepts his proposal for marriage. Justin comes over to visit with Saffy, and soon Eddy and Patsy arrive back home. Patsy is thrilled that Saffy is getting married, but Eddy's world briefly crashes with the announcement. She pulls herself together, and the two continue with their ski resort trip. Eddy tries snowboarding but has a few mishaps. Patsy relaxes for a while, but she gets her workout when she meets a handsome, blonde ski instructor. The ladies go in search of celebrities and good food in the evening. They get cozy in a restaurant while having fondue, but there doesn't seem to be any celebrities around. Back at home, Mrs. M. shows up with Bo. Bo is together with Marshall again, and the two have had some strange events happen as they attempt to get their film project made. Eddy and Patsy head back to the chalet, and they end up having an argument which leaves the room trashed! Eddy and Patsy next attempt to go skiing, but Patsy somehow gets left behind on the ski lift. Eddy's ski adventure goes beyond the bounds of the ski trails, and she has a near death experience when she almost goes over a high mountain cliff. During her near death experience, she goes to heaven and meets God (Marianne Faithful, who would return to play God in "Donkey.") They discuss designers and fashions as an angel (Marcella Detroit) sings nearby. Gods informs Eddy it's not her time to be there, and sends Eddy back to her earthly life. Eddy manages to make her way back to the resort, but Patsy's still stuck on the ski lift.

Absolutely Fabulous: A Life (1998 Video)

A "best of AbFab: Series 1 through 3" featuring some new material

[8/10 · 9 April 2007]

"Ab Fab Moments" may also be known in other regions of the world as "Absolutely Fabulous: A Life." This special was created after it was announced there would be no more episodes of "Absolutely Fabulous" produced. It is composed of original material, and highlights of every episode from series one through three. The original material is set in the charity shop Mrs. M. works in, and features Edina and her mother. Edina is in the shop making a documentary on her life. A topic is brought up from Edina's life, and relating scenes from previous "Absolutely Fabulous" episodes are shown. Edina and her mother don't get along very well as the documentary is being produced. Mrs. M. and the film crew leave the shop while Edina is in the bathroom. Edina comes out to find she's now locked in the miserable charity shop. The film crew left the camera behind, and Edina talks to it as a documentation of her fate. Finally, Edina hits a fire alarm in desperate attempt to be freed from the shop. The highlights of the first three series feature all the major characters, and some guest stars. The ending of the program features the song, "Absolutely Fabulous," by The Pet Shop Boys. A visual collage of the music video and the show's bloopers and outtakes can be seen. There are times when the humor in the original material feels a bit forced, and laughs aren't always guaranteed when Edina is arguing with someone. However, as a whole this special makes a good "best of" for the first three series of the show.

Absolutely Fabulous: The End (1995) Season 3, Episode 6

Disappointments lead to a reunion, and "normality"

[9/10 · 9 April 2007]

"The End" continues the storyline of "Fear," and it was originally going to be the final episode of "Absolutely Fabulous" (hence the title.) Saffy is living the college life with her friends Sarah and Caroline (final episode for Caroline Waldron), Patsy has gone to New York City for the new magazine job, and Edina has moved into a commune. Mrs. M. is in Edina's home, sipping champagne and using Edina's credit card to purchase items off a home shopping network. Patsy has a rough beginning at the magazine's office as she meets the rest of the staff (one staff member is played by comedienne Ruby Wax, who also plays a menopausal in "Menopause." Ruby is the script editor for "Absolutely Fabulous.") Magda (Kathy Burke) enters the office, which comes as some relief to Patsy. Patsy then runs into Marshall's ex-girlfriend, Bo, who is the nurse of an elderly gentleman. She wants to speak to the elderly man, who is the magazine's owner. Bo gets an idea when she finds out how rich the man is, and quickly whisks the man away in his wheelchair. They encounter each other again in Central Park as Bo is marrying the elderly man. The old man dies on the spot, but the vows were "exchanged" (this marriage is never mentioned in further episodes, and Bo would later return to the show reunited with Marshall.) Patsy muddles along and doesn't seem to be enjoying life in The Big Apple. Meanwhile, Edina finds modern commune life is not for her, and she isn't enjoying the people or the activities (one of the commune leaders is played by Mossie Smith, who can also be seen as a different character in the "Huntin', Shootin', And Fishin'" episode.) Saffy also seems to be having a difficult time with her change of life, and discovers campus life isn't always agreeable. Patsy finds some time away from it all on a skyscraper's rooftop. Suddenly, a helicopter rises along the side of the skyscraper. It's Edina looking for Patsy. Patsy is surprised, but also very happy to see her friend. They both return to London, and their bitter words are forgotten. Bubble is now Edina's servant, since Edina couldn't totally terminate Bubble due to contractual reasons. Mrs. M. has been released by the police on the charge of using Edina's credit card, and she's on parole. Saffy comes home and joins the group, but the happy reunion is short-lived when Edina starts to make demands of Saffy. Saffy explodes in anger, and the show's credits role. The final scene takes place twenty-five years later. Edina and Patsy are now senior citizens, but they're still smoking, drinking, and clubbing. Saffy is now the mother of two, and seems to be having difficulties with the children's father (of course this futuristic storyline wouldn't happen this way due to the introduction of the John character in series five.) Saffy now has the house and she tells Edina and Patsy they need to leave, because the children's father is coming for a visit. Elderly Edina and Patsy walk to their adjoining home with some hilarious events happening along the way. The excellent age transformation of Patsy and Edina can also be seen in "Menopause."

Absolutely Fabulous: Fear (1995) Season 3, Episode 5

Arguing, insults, and changes in life are subjects for humor and soap bubble drama

[8/10 · 9 April 2007]

"Fear" and "The End" are basically one episode in two parts. In "Fear," Saffy is now living at college, Edina is having success with her P.R. company merging with an American P.R. company, and Patsy seems to be staying in Edina's home. Patsy is pleased that Saffy has moved out because it reminds her of the good old days, but Edina seems to be a bit lost without Saffy's presence. Patsy leaves for her job at the magazine, but Edina isn't alone in the house for too long because Mrs. M. soon shows up. Singer Lulu is waiting to meet with Edina at the office, and Bubble keeps her occupied with conversation and insults. Edina settles things with Lulu, and then fires Bubble from her position at the P.R. company. Back at home, Edina feels lonely with her daughter living at school. She indulges herself in smoking, drinking, and eating junk food until she passes out. She awakens to find Patsy, Magda (Kathy Burke), Fleur, and Catriona having a meeting in her kitchen. The magazine they worked for has closed its doors for good, and they discuss their futures. Magda accepts a job with a magazine in New York City, and asks Patsy if she'd like to join her. Patsy decides to take the New York job, which leads Patsy and Edina to discuss how their lives are changing. They discuss their ambitions, disappointments, fears, and the topic of aging. Saffy comes back for a visit while Edina and Patsy are having a good laugh. Saffy is angered and repulsed over their behavior. She argues with her mother, and Patsy interjects insults. Edina tells Saffy she feels abandoned with Saffy living at college, and announces she is going to leave the house to go live with people who will understand her. Saffy leaves the room in anger, which propels Edina from that argument into an argument with Patsy. The two have bitter words and Patsy walks out. This episode features Saffy's friends, Sarah and Caroline (Caroline is played by Caroline Waldron.)

Absolutely Fabulous: Jealous (1995) Season 3, Episode 4

Awards, industry lunches, and Claudia "Bloody" Bing!

[8/10 · 8 April 2007]

"Jealous" begins at an industry awards presentation. Edina has been nominated for an award, and Patsy is by her side. Supermodel Naomi Campbell is also at their table, and she's one of the awards presenters. Seated at the next table is Edina's competition, Claudia Bing (Celia Imrie, who would return to play Claudia Bing in "Menopause.") Edina sends Bubble to get a celebrity count, but Bubble blunders and notes sticky taffy pudding orders instead. Bubble makes a new friend named Squeak (Paul Reynolds), who is Claudia's assistant. The two get along and it seems Squeak is a male version of Bubble. Back at home, Saffy invites her psychology lecturer, Gerard (Simon Stokes), in for some tea. The two are flirting while conversing, and Saffy seems to really like him. Edina loses the award to Claudia Bing, and her night is ruined. The next day has Edina visiting Naomi Campbell on the set of a commercial. Claudia is there too, and she taunts Edina. Saffy and teacher Gerard are once again flirting in the kitchen back at home. Mrs. M. comes in and reveals Gerard is married with children. Saffy immediately throws her lecturer out. Edina soon arrives home and Saffy reports she is being bothered by Gerard, who has returned because he forgot his briefcase. Edina punches Gerard in the face, and he leaves quickly (this is one of the only times we see this kind of bonding between Edina and Saffron.) Next comes an industry lunch, and Edina has prepared to give a speech. Her written speech has been misplaced, which leads Claudia and the rest of her peers to taunt Edina. Before she and Patsy leave, Edina makes a speech at random and tells everyone off. She insists they look for her speech in the trash, and it seems they both end up passing out on a mass of garbage. They wake to find they are on a garbage barge on the Thames river. Jon Plowman has a non-speaking cameo on the stage of the awards ceremony. Lulu's voice can be heard as an award presenter.

Absolutely Fabulous: Sex (1995) Season 3, Episode 3

Patsy and Edina try to get down and dirty!

[8/10 · 8 April 2007]

"Sex" begins with Edina wanting more room for her clothing, but Saffy refuses to give up her bedroom. Saffy suggests Serge's room. Patsy and Edina go into Serge's long-vacated room to have a look around. Saffy trails behind and finds a copy of "Razzle" magazine in the room. Patsy is alarmed over the discovery of the porn magazine, which leads us to believe she was once a centerfold. She calms down when she learns the issue of the magazine is not the one in question. The three look at the magazine, and Saffron gets disgusted. Patsy and Edina begin to have a discussion on sex, and their differences on the subject. Edina describes her discomfort and difficulties concerning sex. Patsy suggests they hire a couple of men for a night of sexual exploration. Meanwhile, Saffy has a group of friends over to discuss their work on genetics and ethics. Two of the friends are Sarah and Caroline (Caroline Waldron, who would return as Saffy's college friend in "Fear" and "The End.") Patsy and Edina eventually end up downstairs with Saffy and her group. They disrupt the group's activity with sex talk and the porn magazine. In the evening, Saffy finds her mother reading "The Joy Of Sex." Saffy gets Edina to reveal the sexual romp she and Patsy have planned. Always being the responsible one, Saffy tells her mother she'll get her some contraceptives. The following day has Patsy meeting Edina at the P.R. office to discuss the details of their carnal escapade. Patsy is planning to bring an amateur porn video to spice things up. Edina's hairdresser, Christopher (James Dreyfus, who would return in "The Last Shout"), provides the names of the men to select from. Christopher's companion, David (Ian Gelder), also tries to help. The night of the event has come, and Saffy is at her school doing the genetics and ethics presentation. Christopher and David show up at Edina's with the two guys who will be Patsy and Edina's playmates for the evening. The hairdresser and his companion are allowed to wait in the basement kitchen, because they've got time to waste before David's drag show engagement. Mrs. M. spies on Patsy and Edina's exploits, and eventually gets into the house through the kitchen window. She makes the mistake of thinking David in drag is actually Patsy. Upstairs, Patsy puts in the porn video, but it's realized it isn't the intended video. That means Saffy mistakenly took the porn video to her school presentation! Patsy is in a panic, and guarantees Edina that they need to get the video immediately. Christopher and David get caught up in the drama, and rush them to the college in their car. It's chaos as Patsy, Edina, Christoper, David (still in drag), and Edina's mother search the school. They finally find the room where the presentation is being held, but it's too late because the porn video has already begun to play. Bubble has a very brief scene in this episode.

Absolutely Fabulous: Happy New Year (1995) Season 3, Episode 2

It's New Year's Eve and the gang's all here (except Serge, of course!)

[10/10 · 8 April 2007]

"Happy New Year" is a large-cast episode, and it's always fun to see Eddy and Patsy during the most important times of the year. This New Year's Eve finds Eddy and Patsy getting ready for a major underground dance event. In the meantime, Saffy is preparing food for the family and friends who will be arriving to celebrate. Mrs. M. is already there, but she'll soon be dopey due to all the medication she's taken. Bubble is also at the house, and she's trying to grasp the concept of how a new year begins. She also knows there's a matter of business that brought her to Eddy's, but she can't remember what it is. Justin and Oliver arrive, and Marshall calls Eddy on the phone. Marshall is seen celebrating in his California hot tub with his new girlfriend, Cherysh (Rebecca Front.) Eddy and Cherysh even talk on the phone for a few moments, and Marshall informs Eddy on Serge's whereabouts. As things settle a bit, Bubble exclaims why she's there. She announces Patsy has a sister, and Patsy's sister will be arriving at the house shortly. Eddy is not pleased to learn this! Patsy's sister, Jackie (Kate O'Mara, who returned to play the role in "Cold Turkey"), soon arrives, and the two catch up on the last twenty years. We learn in a flashback that the two haven't always gotten along, but it seems Patsy still idolizes her sister. Jackie is immediately insulting to Saffy, which leads Saffy to run out of the room and find peace in the kitchen with Bubble and a doped-up Mrs. M. Soon Sarah arrives, and she joins the kitchen crowd. Jackie doesn't seem to be the same jet set girl she used to be, but she does manage to fascinate Justin and Oliver. Jackie claims she's too tired to go to the underground dance event, but Patsy keeps trying to find ways to persuade her to go. Besides being tired, Jackie has to constantly use the toilet, and she also vomits a couple of times. Also, Jackie's vision is not so good when she isn't wearing her thick lensed glasses. This leads her to mistakenly eat potpourri instead of the nibbles. She tells Patsy she no longer lives the jet set way of life, and no longer uses drugs. She also tells Patsy of her scheme to open a refuge for stray cats and dogs. Eddy gets disgusted when Jackie keeps delaying their New Year's Eve celebration. Patsy finds she can't cope with her sister's changed personality, and decides to get rid of her. She finally gets Jackie out the door, but the midnight hour is already upon them. This episode briefly features Scott Walker's 1967 U.K. hit, "Jackie."

Absolutely Fabulous: Door Handle (1995) Season 3, Episode 1

Season 3 starts off with a breast check, a lap dog, and a trip to NYC

[9/10 · 8 April 2007]

"Door Handle" starts the third season with the kitchen still burned-out. Saffy pressures Eddy to have it remodeled immediately. Eddy is indecisive on how she wants the kitchen to look. All she can decide on adding to the kitchen is a door handle she has seen somewhere. Mrs. M drops by and continues to steal from her daughter's house, and Bubble arrives with a lap dog instead of a laptop computer. Patsy finds she needs health advice, and goes to Saffy for guidance. Patsy is not familiar with checking her breasts for lumps, so Saffy gives her a hands-on breast check (an absolutely hilarious scene!) Eddy remembers where she's seen the much-wanted door handle, which leads Eddy and Patsy to New York City. The door handle is found and photographed at The Four Seasons Hotel. Eddy and Patsy then venture to St. Mark's Place where Eddy has her bellybutton pierced. Upon arriving home, Eddy discovers Saffy had the kitchen totally remodeled, and learns she had forgotten Saffy's birthday.