Complete Scripts to Brilliant Writing

Reviewed by D. Recio, SJ, 2009-02-15

Absolutely Fabulous (1992), released in the US (1994), offers viewers a sharp and satirical view of two women who have left an indelible-lipstick-smeared mark on popular culture. Edina Monsoon (Jennifer Saunders), Boomer-age mother with a strong penchant for excess, enjoys a friendship with her partner-in-crime, Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley), a rapidly-aging blonde who considers sexual promiscuity an ongoing contact sport. She is Samantha Jones' older English cousin.

The cast includes Saffron (Julia Sawalha), Edina's overly-restrained daughter, who finds herself frustrated with her mother at every turn, largely because Edina cannot foresee the consequences to her self-indulgent choices. What makes Absolutely Fabulous enjoyable are the antics which Edina and Patsy engage in, often to their detriment, which in this show, is played down carefully. Included among the other characters: Bubble (Jane Horrocks), Edina's incompetent secretary, who cannot organize much less offer structure to Edina's already chaotic existence. Bubble is "bubble-headed" and is played for laughs, largely for her quirky and periodic turns of character. For example, she cannot remember to inform Edina of an impending deadline in the third episode, "France", but she manages to translate perfectly what the Frenchman says to them when he tries to explain that Edina and Patsy have mistakenly assumed lodgings in the wrong place.

This first volume features the complete scripts for each of the six episodes from the first season including: "Fashion", "Fat", "France", "Iso Tank", "Birthday", and "Magazine". The book also includes 16 pages of full-color inserts taken from episodes of the show.

Absolutely Fabulous fans will enjoy reading the brilliant writing which reflects the superior intellect that both Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French, the respective creators, bring to the comedy table. Viewers, when enjoying this very fine comedy, must also remember that it is satire. By its definition, satire not only seeks to make known what it criticizes but it also invites reform. To watch Absolutely Fabulous and to enjoy it for its high-spiritedness is in itself, a great pleasure. But Saunders and French have also suggested that the excesses of these two women, who have too often, known little self-restraint might have to face genuine consequences sooner or later.

In some ways, what makes Absolutely Fabulous enjoyable is the delightful friendship these women share with one another. Occasionally, we are offered glimpses into the past and in doing so, we see how one's childhood affected who these women became. In "Magazine", a brief flashback offers a comedic yet telling sequence featuring Patsy's mother (Eleanor Bron) who was herself, a selfish, highly-libidinous woman prone to resent any sexual competition, particularly from her daughter. When we flash ahead to a retirement home, Patsy's mother is aged and incredibly bitter. Next to her mother, sits a resentful Patsy, complete with 80s hairdo, who listens to a riotously funny if pitch-perfect speech in which her mother fulminates that she has been reduced to reading: "two Barbara Cartlands a month..." What we sometimes miss in watching the show, due to its fever-pitched speed in delivery, we can enjoy a bit more in reading and re-reading these very fine scripts which should delight any fan.

DON'T DO IT

Reviewed by M. Snow, 2006-01-20

I love the show as does one of my best friends. When I saw there were 2 books out, I ordered them for her for xmas. All these are are the scripts from the show. No behind the scenes stuff, no commentary, nothing. They were such a waste of money. You get more info by going to the Ab Fab website.

Absolutely Hilarious

Reviewed by Martyn Richard Jones, 2001-02-06

Hello,

Jennifer Saunders is a comedy genius and this has to be one of her best works to date. It reveals the completely obnoxious side of the quick fix 80's and 90's, with mood shifts that go from bizarre machinations to impulsive, thoughtless and wreckless PR.

Contemporary British comedy at its excruciatingly exacting best.

Regards,

Martyn R Jones

A brilliant example of comedy writing

Reviewed by Anonymous, 1998-06-08

Jennifer Saunders is a comedienne loved all over the world for her dead-on characterizations & biting satire. If you have seen the television show "Absolutely Fabulous," you know how Saunders can inhabit a character and make it her own. Now with this and her follow-up "Absolutely Fabulous 2," you will see just what a wonderful and inspired writer she is. The rapid-fire wit of her writing jumps from the page straight into your psyche. Hilarious characters, well written, and later well performed in the television series. This is a must for any "AbFab" fan, but I also highly recommend it to anyone who loves comedy or likes to read tight, smart & funny character plays.

The full scripts for the first season

Reviewed by Slenten@aol.com, 1998-04-07

This book is the perfect companion for any "AbFab" fan. If you don't know what "AbFab" is, perhaps you should buy the book anyway in order to read some of the best, sharpest, and most right-on satirical sitcom writing since the days of "All in the Family." Edina and Patsy are fashion-obsessed, substance-crazed, self-absorbed Baby Boomers. Saffron is Edina's prim daughter. Fans will find this book interesting by noting how and where the text differs slightly from the actual shows as they were put on tape. Some good bits are included in here that were left out of the final shows; due, I suppose, to time limitations. Well, cheers Jennifer Saunders, thanks a lot, babe!