I watched this series when it first dropped and found it to be a wonderful experience. I revisited the series yesterday and was more than pleased to find out a second season is dropping soon. I also learned that there was much controversy about the show because of Patty's fat suit and biphobia which I was unaware of. I never even considered it when viewing the series. I want to briefly address the controversy and then review the series. Why is it that when subject matter is examined in the drama genre such as homosexuality in "Brokeback Mountain", mental health in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and suicide in "13 Reasons Why" those examples are praised, win awards and are brilliant? However when subject matter is explored in the comedy / dramedy genre such as biphobia in this series and DID in "The United States of Tara" it seems to touch a nerve and spark controversy. I think the theme is being misunderstood and taken out of context. Just my opinion. I've written hundreds of reviews, which when you break it down is essentially an opinion, for three major sites and never once will you read 'Must See' or 'Don't Watch'. I review the series / film providing my opinion and leave it up to the reader to choose whether to view the series / movie or not. Who am I to possibly deprive someone from enjoyment based on my opinion? It's somewhat narcissistic. Here's a simple analogy. If a person suffers from GERD and decides to try Thai food finding the experience unpleasant would they continue to finish the dish or even better go back for more? I highly doubt it. If a viewer finds a series / film to be upsetting why indulge in it? Now to the series. Gussis has created a sublime dramedy. Excellent direction, cinematography, writing, costume, soundtrack and acting. All of the actors display splendid performances. In particular Ryan and Roberts are superb. The plot revolves around a once voluptuous girl Patty who loses 70 pounds after having taken enough ridicule. There is Bob Armstrong who is a falsely accused disgraced attorney. Patty is hell bent on seeking revenge for all the harassment she suffered. Bob has a penchant for beauty pageants. He sees Patty as his ticket to the show. Bob doesn't know of the vengeance within Patty and is trying to coach Patty while harnessing her out of control behavior. Their ultimate goal is to win the Miss Magic Jesus beauty pageant. They face adversaries from every angle including the reigning champion Magnolia, Bob's nemesis Bob Barnard and Dixie Sinclair to name a few. The series does an earnest job with character development such as Patty's attitude changing somewhat and Nonnie's identity struggle. Although characters seem winsome on the outside we learn that on the inside they are concerned with issues like social status, bi-sexuality, personal history, relationships, religion, bullying and duplicitous behavior to name a few. The series has it's finger on the pulse of what you see isn't always what you get. It is ingenious in that it examines the issues in unique ways. One we learn of each character's inner feelings and thoughts through narration. Two by using a play on words instead of constant vulgar language which is refreshing. The plot is clever, witty, emotional, devious, daft, uproarious and cathartic. There are hilarious scenes. Bob and Bob practice wrestling because Bob Armstrong is trying to connect with his son Brick. There is rib-tickling dialogue. Bob Armstrong addresses Bob Barnard with every adjective beginning with B that one could think of like Bob Boy Barbie Barnard. This is a hysterical, avant-garde, memorable, significant, eccentric and virtuous series. Once again, this is just this viewer's analysis and opinion. It's like "The Breakfast Club" meets "Drop Dead Gorgeous". I wait with confidence that the fun filled joy ride will continue.
