If you’re on Twitter, or in fact any form of social media, you may have seen numerous alarm bells ringing, and protests occurring over Netflix’s new show, ‘Insatiable’. (I will add straight away, this post is just my opinion formed from watching the show and reading various articles, positive and negative.)
“A bullied teenager turns to beauty pageants as a way to exact her revenge, with the help of a disgraced coach who soon realizes he’s in over his head. … Debby Ryan’s Patty Bladell is ready for her close-up — and her vengeance.”
As described on Netflix.com and with a rating aged 15 the show appears from the offset, and the trailer, to be just another cliche high school story of a fat girl turned thin who is much happier than before.
Therefore, after the initial trailers dropped there was a huge surge and call for the show to be cancelled, for ‘body-shaming’, and a petition was created.
“UPDATED with series creator Lauren Gussis’ statement: The list of signatories on a Change.org petition calling for the cancellation of Netflix’s upcoming series Insatiable continues to grow. As of Tuesday morning, the petition, which accuses the series of “body-shaming”, has gathered more than 120,000 signatures.” – Quote taken from deadline.com here.
What I wanted to see with modern-day media:
Naturally, not wanting to miss out, I watched the trailer. Although there were several red flags flying in my head I didn’t want to just jump on the bandwagon and start immediately hating the show before it was released. Instead, I opted for a different train of thought and hoped for something different. I longed for the show to be one with an important message. That people of all shapes and sizes CAN and DO suffer with body-image issues. Plus, I hoped that it wouldn’t just be ‘body-shaming’ larger girls and women.
A message of normality is something everyone needs to hear and one modern day media does little to support. Let’s reflect on the summer. As much as I find Love Island entertaining and an easy late-night viewing, the fact that the majority of the women and men appearing on the show were of a slimmer or more muscular frame says a lot. Love Island did nothing to promote a wider range of body images and only conformed to stereotypical ‘attractive’ body types. This was something which nearly made 2018 winner Jack Fincham pull out of the show due to insecurities.
I hoped that ‘Insatiable’ would do a good job to identify that everyone, of all shapes and sizes do have body image issues and that it isn’t just a ‘body and fat-shaming’ show which would affect millions.
About the show:
With 12 episodes each an hour long it only took me a few days to get through the series and I won’t lie, in parts I was hooked. The first episode sees ‘Patty’, in her larger form, comfort eat in the presence of her only friend ‘Nonnie’ and getting viciously bullied by her peers. After a nasty encounter with a homeless man in which her jaw gets broken, ‘Patty’ returns as a slimmer figure. This is in time for a court hearing, with disgraced defense attorney Bob Armstrong. He believes he can turn her into a pageant queen to help both his and her image.
Don’t worry, I’m not about to give you a blow by blow account of what occurs in each episode. Just in case you decide to watch it for yourself. What I will say though is that the show presents a confused message with multiple tangents addressed and discovered throughout.
Alarm bells?
Although there are elements within the show which do ring alarm bells and cringing in my seat. There are other elements which had me laughing till my sides hurt and feeling sorry for ‘Patty’s’ character too. They could have done away with the constant mentions of ‘Patty’s’ former weight and dramatic weight loss but then would that not have detracted from the message too?
Yes, she is thin now but throughout there is the message of ‘she used to be this’. Something which only hinders Patty’s own self confidence and mental depiction of herself. She may be thin but she isn’t happy. She remains stuck in the body of her former self which everyone is so happy to remind her of.
This reigns true of modern day society. Newspapers and magazines are so quick to emblazon their front pages with the image of a celebrity who’s gained a few pounds. The same papers will then host a celebration inside of another’s weight loss.
‘Patty’ is overweight and miserable at the start, she ends the series a pageant queen and with an idolized body image, yet remains miserable, having been driven to drastic actions as a result of her own negative perceptions.
Why write this?
After watching the show, I didn’t immediately think ‘I have to write a blog post on this’. I finished it several days ago now but what led me to write one was that I was still seeing people who were point blank refusing to watch the show because of the he-said-she-said issue. I hand on heart believe that although the trailer is rife with controversy. However, I believe the actual show means well with what they’re trying to portray.
My opinions may have changed throughout the show but overall, I didn’t feel it was a show which condoned ‘fat-shaming’. I also think the trailer was incredibly misleading.
It is very easy to jump on the same bandwagon as everyone else when it comes to body image issues. Can you really argue against it though if you aren’t going to actually watch the show and see for yourself?
Posting a poll on Twitter prior to this post led to interesting insights: (As seen at 21.30 20/08/18).
- 41% hadn’t watched it.
- 29% have watched it and thought it wasn’t as controversial as the trailer made out.
- 18% had absolutely no clue what I was talking about.
- 12% have watched it and thought it was as controversial as the trailer showed.
Asking you:
Speaking to one Twitter user, Lelly, she agreed with me on my opinions that the trailer shows a show full of controversy when actually that isn’t exactly true.
“I thought the trailer shows people who fat shame in a bad light. It made me feel sorry for Patty and angry towards the people who were bullying her. So I was surprised to hear that people thought the show itself was fat-shaming.
I have seen the whole show and I do think the trailer was misleading. Not in the same way that others seem to though as I never though the trailer was fat-shaming. The opposite. I did think the show was about Patty getting like for like revenge on her bullies. But it isn’t.
I also thought it was going to be a predictable fat girl gets skinny = life is better. It isn’t that either.”
Lauren Gussis, the series creator also took to Twitter to defend the show, sharing her own experiences in the process.
Photo taken from Twitter.com, linked here.
In my opinion, ‘Insatiable’ may not be winning any awards soon but what it is doing is creating conversation. The often hard to hear messages within the show are being spoken loud and clear. Granted, it won’t be for everybody.
The season ends on a cliffhanger and is actually a very addictive show. I consider it to be an honest and true depiction of what happens day to day. Something people close their ears to avoid. Regardless with what the media may be saying, the show has created a conversation. Without those initial reactions I probably wouldn’t have chosen to watch the show; I am glad I did though.
It may not be your show of choice and that is okay. But, I think what is important is that we don’t judge a book by it’s cover or a Netflix series by it’s trailer. ‘Patty’ at the end of the season is the media’s idea of perfection and yet she’s unhappy. Is that even allowed?
Celebrities who have the ‘perfect’ life aren’t allowed to have their own struggles, they aren’t allowed to be depressed because they ‘have it all’?
Further review:
Insatiable, is at times a hard view, but I think it is one which should be embarked on by many – before a judgement is formed. It should be also noted that Debby Ryan who depicts ‘Patty’ is not without her own insecurities having struggled with her own body image for years.
Speaking to the Independent again, Ryan said:
“…I was drawn to this show’s willingness to go to real places about how difficult and scary it can be to move through the world in a body, whether you’re being praise or criticised for its size, and what it feels like to pray to be ignored because it’s easier than being seen.”
“Patty has the same brain, the same sense of humour and style, soul and heart, the same chucks, but felt like she didn’t matter to anyone until she was thin… she undergoes a physical transformation, but it doesn’t make her happy. We’re not in the business of fatshaming. We’re out to turn a sharp eye on broken, harmful systems that equate thinness with worth.”
– Debby Ryan, speaking to The Independent (Article written by Jack Shepherd).
(The full article can again be found here.)
To conclude:
Whether you choose to watch the show or not, I hope you take away one thing. Realise that although someone may seem ‘perfect’ on the outside, that may not reign true with how they’re really feeling. Be careful with your words and use them wisely. The damage you can do can last forever and be the thing to taunt an individual for years to come.
I hope that with writing this, I haven’t offended or upset anyone. It is an honest opinion of how I viewed the show and I do think people should watch it for themselves. That being said, you are welcome to message me if you have any issues with what I have said or the way I have portrayed the message. Again, it is simply my opinion and how I viewed the show.
Thank you for reading. Let me know your views, if you’ve watch the show or have seen any of the media hype.
I recently finished it the other day and, to be honest, I think a lot of people misjudged it from the trailer, as you said. It only focused on the fat-shaming aspect for a small minority of the time, and it really focused more on so many more poignant topics, including sexuality, the LGBT+ community, relationships (both sexual and familial), adultery, and just general teen angst. I actually really enjoyed it, and it’s a great example of not judging a book by its cover. Thanks for sharing this! X
I agree, as I said I was slightly shocked at the initial trailer but after watching the show it made me realise that everyone certainly over reacted and I think everyone jumped on the same train of thought! Definitely, I hope people who initially judged it have taken the time to watch it just to see what it’s actually about! The ending certainly was NOT what I expected! Thank you for your comment! x
Definitely! I was shocked too by the trailer, but wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt, and actually really loved it – can’t wait for the next series! The ending was certainly a cliff-hanger!
No worries, lovely x
I actually really want to watch it, the trailer felt a lot like (the original) Heathers as it felt like a satirical high school comedy. A couple of years ago I think this show wouldn’t habe received this amount of backlash, people being more considerate of what they say is definitely a great thing but the herd mentality of jumping to a conclusion on a trailer and because everyone else says so is an issue.
I haven’t actually seen Heathers but yes it is definitely that, I think you should watch – certainly don’t let the trailer stop you! Yeah, I agree with you, it’s so easy to see a controversial topic and just agree with what everyone else is saying so as to avoid the criticism if you say otherwise.
I’ll have to use someone elses Netflix account but I’ll watch it soon. Heathers was so good, it was a dark comedy satire of teen suicide in the 80s (with young Winona Ryder) and it was like Insatiable in that in touched on dark topics but made sure you knew it was meant to be satirical. I think people should just judge everything for themselves, if they still think something is bad after watching then fair enough.
Definitely agree! I will definitely have to watch that – that is what Carrie Hope Fletcher recently starred in isn’t it on the West End?
Yeah they made a musical based on it, which isn’t as dark as the film
Oooh okay, the musical intrigued me so I will definitely check out the film. Thank you! x
Incredible post Imogen. I’ve watched a couple of episodes since your poll and am still VERY unsure. It certainly isn’t a case of “be skinny and your problems will be solved” (like the trailer suggested) but a lot of the conversations surrounding her former image (repeatedly calling her “former fatty” etc) really make me cringe. And a lot of the jokes miss the mark – I find Nonnie’s obsession with Patty really jarring and odd, and Patty’s obsession with Bob even more odd. It’s all just a bit off in places. I think I’ll keep watching cos it’s so ridiculous as to be intriguing, but I’m not sure how I’ll feel about it in the end. Was lovely to hear your thoughts though (and thanks for no spoilers). 😊
Thank you Emily! I was very nervous to post as I didn’t want to offend anyone or cause more controversy! No it isn’t, which is what I hoped for and it was certainly not what the trailer suggested which is what made people react the way they did with it.
I do agree though, those are the parts which I find uncomfortable and make me cringe too! I think with Nonnie they are trying to show the conflict and struggles of trying to identify yourself and your sexuality when you’re surrounded by people so sure of themselves (aka Patty with Bob). Yes, the way they changed their relationship is even more strange as the season progressed – you’ll find out if you continue watching.
I was unsure at the start believe me but I found myself hooked and was actually quite annoyed it ended the way it did. As I said, it won’t be for everyone but the premise of this post is simply to try and tell people that it really isn’t AS bad as the trailer makes out – there is actually a deeper message there too. I hope if there is a season 2 that they work on the faults in the first to improve as executed well it could have an incredible impact. Thank you for your amazing comment!
Great article! You do a great job of showing both sides of the coin. I appreciate your willingness to see both arguments so clearly. I haven’t watched Insatiable yet, and quite honestly, I’m not sure if I will. I’m afraid it might stir some anger in me! I hate seeing women depicted in cliche roles. I’m a big fan of Jessica Jones, though, which portrays such strong female leads. Have you seen it? What did you think?
Thank you Jen, that’s lovely to hear. I was nervous to post this because of the backlash I imagined it may receive but I tried to remain objective and see both sides – mainly because I genuinely can see both sides I think that maybe being were quick to judge in this case. That is perfectly fine, I didn’t expect anyone to immediately jump and watch it, it isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea at all and that is more than okay. Oh no, I haven’t? I may have to go and watch that though, thank you for the recommendation! 🙂
Yes! It’s also by Netflix. If you watch Jessica Jones, I’d love to hear what you think!
Perfect! That’s what I’ll be starting tomorrow then! 😀
Wow, amazing post, Dungarees 🙂 You even did a Twitter poll! Someone’s going to university huh!
Anyways, let’s call a spade a spade: I’m fat and I feel in no way offended that such a show is being made. As a matter of fact, I might watch it. I’m not sure how to word my opinion without further offending the offended (lols), but I’d love to know how many of said offended people were overweight/obese themselves? Seems like nowadays public outrage is a new form of entertainment. Not that it’s not always justified.
In this particular case: it’s. not. that. deep.
Hahaha thank you so much Kate – is that my new nickname now? 😉
Shows like this, and 13 Reasons Why, will always spark controversy, it’s just the nature of society nowadays, I think what matters is how we deal with them. Obviously, there will be people who don’t agree with the show for whatever reason and won’t watch it (and that is okay) but I think nowadays it is also very easy for us to jump on the same bandwagon as everyone else to be seen to be fitting it. Often it is easier to fit in than stand out with your own voice.
Thank you for your fab comment and I am more than sure that you are beautiful! <3
Before I begin, I just want to say you’re a talented writer! The structure of this post too, I felt like I was reading an online magazine article or something!
I had seen a lot of talk about ‘Insatiable’, and although I understood to an extent everyone’s initial assumptions from the trailer, I did have a feeling everyone was judging too soon! The controversy did put me off watching it a little, incase I was viewing a show that didn’t deserve it but by the sounds so of it, I think they promote an important message. As she explained herself, her character of Patty is not unhappy, even after losing the weight which people see as an ‘improvement’. They are literally highlighting the fact people need to stop being negative about the outside because what matters is on the inside (:
Especially after reading this post, I’m considering giving it a watch soon! Loved the post and your thoughts. x
Thank you so much, that honestly means the world! Ahh, I did a mini squeal reading that! <3
Completely agree with you, I saw the trailer and did watch it and think 'Oh' but I was hesitant to just throw it aside because of what everyone else was saying about it – we're all allowed our own opinions after all. I definitely think the message they are trying to promote has been lost in both the trailer and in parts the show, as I said there are moments in the show that I was cringing as it didn't sit right with me but I am sure they would have never made a show to offend people and they will learn from their mistakes if there is a second season.
Thank you for your comment, obviously you may not agree with me and that is fine, what I mainly want is people to just give it a try for themselves and not be swayed by the negative (and the positive). Thank you. x
Great post. I hadn’t heard of this show until I read your post! I actually want to watch this for myself as it sounds like it isn’t typically predictable. I love a good cliffhanger. Going to add this show to my binge list.
Thank you so much! Definitely go into it with an open mind and I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for your comment! 🙂
I think the biggest problem about the show (aside from the fat suit, the biphobic language, and using paedophilia as a joke), is the fact that fat women’s voices are being pushed aside, and told their opinions aren’t valid when compared to straight sized women who’ve watched the show.
I’m a bit confused by your comment, how are fat women’s voices being pushed aside and told their opinions aren’t valid?
The show is promoting the message that people of all sizes have body image issues and I think that is something which should be celebrated.
The show is written, produced, directed, and starring only skinny women, or skinny women who have had body issues about being marginally bigger than the ideal (but still straight sized).
The majority of fat women commenting on the show have not watched it and refuse to watch it because it would be detrimental to their mental health. And the only response we’re getting is that we aren’t allowed to voice our opinion on it because “we’re judging a book by its cover” (untrue, we’re judging a book by its synopsis, and it’s absolute fact that if you’re synopsis offends a group, the actual product sure as sh*t is going to be as offensive (if not more).
So, speaking from experience, whenever I say that this show is problematic, straight sized women (who likely have faced issues embracing their body, I’m not disputing that – but it’s not the same as actually being fat) are telling me it’s not fatphobic, and that I (a plus size woman) cannot have an opinion on the show (despite watching the trailer, watching clips, and reading break downs of the events of each episode – and being offended at every turn) and that my opinion is worth less than their because I haven’t watched the full show.
The show may be written by women of a smaller size, yes, but regardless of that I think it is unfair to make a comment and a judgement on their body image issues because of their size now. We don’t know their history and we shouldn’t be judging them for being so open and honest about their battles and experiences. Women of all shapes and sizes do have body image issues, their size does not determine the seriousness of these issues and their size should not come into the matter to hand – please do not also assume that you know me and my history by classifying me as a ‘straight sized woman’.
I would like to remind you that throughout the post I did state that it is my own voice and opinion, I am not telling you not to judge a book by a cover, I am saying I think we shouldn’t, as I believe that is what has happened in this case. I stated: ‘It may not be your show of choice and that is okay, but I think what is important is that we don’t judge a book by its cover or a Netflix series by its trailer.’
Again, this is my own individual opinion which I am entitled too.
I understand and appreciate what you are saying but I believe there is a deeper meaning to the show which I have previously stated. I have never said that you cannot have an opinion, I asked for opinions at the bottom of the post, I simply shared mine and my size has nothing to do with whether or not I think it is ‘fatphobic’. The show does not come across in this way to me in its entirety, I have commented that I do find parts of the show uncomfortable but on the whole I believe it is trying to display a different message (If there were to be a second series I feel they would learn from the mistakes they made in this one).
Again, I have not once said that your opinion is invalid, I am simply putting across mine. Thank you for your comment.
Also, I’d like to point out (though, I’m sure you didn’t mean to) that you are doing exactly what I’m describing. Telling me that the show actually is about promoting body positivity, from a straight sized POV.
I’m sure the show has a positive message for “chunky” girls who are actually straight sized, aka the average girl. But, no show which has it’s main character lose weight unhealthily, and only learn that any size is beautiful after losing weight (and doesn’t at all change her lifestyle upon learning this lesson) is not good rep. Though, from the many reviews and episode break downs detailing the plot and the cliffhanger endings, it doesn’t even manage to provide any substantial body confidence message (I say body confidence instead of body positivity, because BC is for everyone; whereas BP is about marginalised bodies).
I am assuming here that you didn’t read the entirety of my post as if you had you would have realised that 1) Patty lost the weight because she had her jaw wired shut (to repair it after a bad break) so couldn’t eat (that actually happens quite often in a serious injury) and 2) that when Patty is skinny she doesn’t realise that skinny means beautiful because she has the same mentality and body confidence issues that she did have when she was of a larger size. She doesn’t learn as you say that any size is beautiful because she doesn’t see herself as beautiful at either weight.
Body Positivity can and does relate to women of all sizes, body confidence too – I don’t think the two things should be segregated as in turn is that not causing the same issues? I appreciate you are putting forward your opinions and views, like I did in this post, but by doing so and assuming you know my size and my body image history because of the message I put forward in this post – is wrong. Thank you for your comment.
I did know that that happens, and as someone who has suffered from several ED, this show may convince teenage girls that a liquid diet worked for this girl, and so it could work for them.
You’re the one that said the show had a message about women of all sizes being beautiful, which I wasn’t going to outwardly dispute because you may have taken that away from the show as straight sized, but I did say that from my knowledge of the show there is no such message. Thanks for letting me know that the show doesn’t display a body positive message.
I disagree that that will be the message which people take away, it is mentioned in an off hand comment but if you feel that way then that is fine. We are all allowed our opinions.
Did I? I believe what I said is that the show promotes the message that all women of all shapes and sizes have body confidence issues and Patty when she was larger and when she was smaller still couldn’t see herself as beautiful. Why that is, you ask? That is because women are slated in the media whether they are big or small, fat or thin, there is no winning in this day and age – this show shows that everyone can and does have the same body image issues. For you to turn around and invalidate the show (in one reason) based on the fact that the people who made and starred in it are of a slimmer size and because I am speaking up on it when I am of a ‘straight size’ is also an issue in my eyes.
I would like to note that I have spoken to multiple people on this issue and women of a range of sizes have come forward and spoken their views. I understand the show won’t be for everyone, I was simply sharing my opinions, of which my size has nothing to do with. Thank you.
I recognise that all women are slated for their bodies, but that doesn’t mean the body image issues of fat women are the same as straight sized women. And I say this as someone who was straight sized for my childhood and teen years, but throughout this time believed myself to be fat.
I’ve already apologised for misconstruing your openness to hear the opinions of the group’s represented in the show. I did not realise you were only open to their opinions if they were in agreement.
They may not be the same down to every finite detail but on the whole body image issues can be the same, in this instance the show is saying that Patty has the same mentality and opinions on her body which she did when she was both sizes. It obviously differs person to person.
I am not only open to comments which are in agreement, I wouldn’t be having this conversation if I didn’t, you have come forward in your comments and approached the issue in a way I wouldn’t have (which is fine) but in turn you have made judgmental comments which I do not agree with. I understand where you are coming from entirely, but some of my own comments within the post which you have replied back to me are not factually accurate to what I said. I apologise if you took this to mean I was not open to your views, I am, however, so far yours has been the only negative comment and it has been inaccurate at times or offensive to me.
I don’t believe I have been judgemental. I have been stating facts – I am plus sized, you are straight sized, our opinions on the show will be different because we’ve only experienced partial aspects of what the show is presenting, e.g. I’ve been straight sized and plus sized (but in the reverse of Patty’s experiences), I’ve put myself on a liquid diet (but not done so for medical reasons), I’ve experienced eating more when depressed, I’ve used weight loss pills (and subsequently tried to kill myself when they didn’t work), I’ve gone months only eating one meal a day. I’ve experienced the average life of a fat person. It’s sure to be different than the average life of a straight sized person, and in recent years it has been different than when I was straight sized.
I felt you came across as judgmental because you immediately stated I was straight-sized – I may be now but obviously everyone has a history (yours I was obviously unaware of) but I appreciate you speaking to me about it so I can understand more. I never meant to come across in a way which implied I did not want your opinion because it is the opposite to mine, I am more than happy to discuss it with you and actually understand fully how it may be deemed offensive to others not like myself.
Feel free to digress your experiences of not being straight-sized anytime. It would likely validate your views.
And, I did read your article which is why I felt comfortable expressing my opinion – you came across as open to hearing both sides and listening to the people who are portrayed by the show. I’m afraid I misconstrued.
I am open to hearing your views and opinions and within the post I did see both sides of the argument.
What I disagree with is you implying that I am enforcing my opinion onto you because of my size when in actual fact throughout the whole post I have said, my comments are opinion. Thanks again for your comment.
I’ve not ever said you are displaying anything less or more than your own opinion. I was just trying to give some insight that your own opinion will be as influenced by your own experiences and your own body as the opinions of the fat women who the show is supposedly about.
My initial comment was meant to be a compliment to you because you had not done what many fans of the show have done – invalidate the opinions of fat women who refuse to watch the show because they don’t want to relive their own high school opinions, and feel as bad about their bodies as they did as teenagers because of shows like this (like Friends, which everyone is using as an example, and toting as a reason we can’t share our opinions now (because we didn’t complain then, which I would like to point out I could not do because I was a toddler, and would have been harder to do regardless with the lack of avenues and the lack of a community to support each other)).
That is completely fair enough, it came across in your first comment that the post was a means of trying to enforce my opinion on to others (like yourself) which is not what I intended at all!
Oh, I apologise then, I thought you were saying that I had done just that which is where I became defensive as I was confused as to where I implied such a thing. I haven’t seen the comments on Friends but I assume that that is because of Monica? The way Friends was handled was obviously extremely different to now (I do not agree with that in any way btw), people could get away with more then because as you say, there was no one there to argue otherwise. I’m really sorry if I made you feel like your opinion was invalid at all, that’s genuinely not what I meant at all!
No need to apologise – it was more a misunderstanding than anything else, and you’ve definitely been more polite than some of the people who have called me names, which tbf may have made me think less of the show I’m ngl – in that, if these people like it, and are now calling me a fat bitch… yikes.
Thank you. Ah, I see, that’s completely unfair and I would never have spoken to you like that. I am glad we have had this discussion and I thank you for opening up to me in the way that you have, I appreciate that can’t have been the easiest thing. As for the other comments, I know it’s easy for me to say, but please ignore them – don’t let anyone ever try and determine your self worth. Feel free to message me on Twitter if you ever want to discuss anything further.
After ~19 years of being called fat, and similar names, (even when I, as medical fact was not), that will not be a problem. That type of behaviour and language speaks more about those people than it does me.
Very true, I am glad you see it that way. If you ever want to talk further (about this or anything) please feel free to message me on Twitter, I’m glad we had this discussion.
Me, too 😊
Loved your post! I didn’t get around to watching the show yet but I saw some of the controversy. It’s not the first time I’ve seen people react so strongly to a trailer and I honestly find it a bit odd to so harshly judge by just 2 minutes. Netflix hasn’t really given us reason to doubt them so far imho. I would prefer people would watch shows first before getting out the pitchforks 😄
Thank you so much! I know, that’s what I thought, they were also going to show the parts of the show which they think would gather most interest anyway and well, it has done exactly that – whether you agree with the show or not you can’t deny their publicity skills are good as it’s got everyone talking! I agree, I hope this post helps people see that they maybe were too quick to judge and that actually the show may be trying to promote a good message – this season is something to learn from too if there is a second season made. Thank you for your fab comment! 😀
I started watching last week (slowly going through). I was glad to see a post on to just to see an opinion of it. Thanks for showing ‘both sides of the coin”, I think it’s important to see both sides. From what I’ve seen I can agree that she’s still sad, she was even mad at the homeless guy who caused her to lose weight.
I loved reading this.
Thank you, I never wanted to just impress my opinion on others as I do see both sides but I do think the trailer should be taken with a pinch of salt! Glad to hear you enjoyed it! x
I have yet to watch this series and see for myself if what I thought at first will change. This is such an informative and beautifully written post Imogen. I’ll definitely take note of what you said when watching the show. ♥️
Thank you so much Nicka, that means a lot! I tried to see it from both sides and as I said there were sections I didn’t agree with but I think on the whole it’s important to take the trailer with a pinch of salt and also read the back story from the writers / actors too as it definitely helps see a different angle. If you do watch it, I’d love to know your thoughts! <3
I wanted to watch it because I thought the revenge element sounded fun and it was! I enjoyed it and watched the entire series in a day. I think people just like to jump on a band wagon these days.
Definitely agree! I actually can’t wait until the second season (hopefully) comes out, I want to know how they deal with THAT ending! Thank you for sharing your views! 😀
I still have yet to check it out… but thank you for all of the awesome information. I think I might just give it a chance. 🙂
I love your style – great writing!
You’re more than welcome! You may discover half way through that it’s not for you and that’s okay, I just want people to see both sides and realise that maybe it isn’t as bad as people made out! Thank you, that means a lot! 😀 x
I watched the series and came away from it with a sense that it was about a fat girl who got skinny and decided to use the newfound way in which society viewed her as “attractive” in order to punish the people who wronged her. I didn’t get the sense, as a fat woman, that it was shaming her for her previous size- but making (albeit poorly) a sort of dark commentary about the fucked up ways society treats fat women vs skinny ones, and how power (even social power) can go to your head.
That being said, I thought the series was poorly done. Not because of its message, but because the writing just… Sucked in my opinion; it was campy, but in the wrong ways- which is a shame, because I feel like it had a lot of potential to be a genuinely GOOD dark comedy. It just fell short of the mark for me.
I completely understand and see your point, as I said it won’t be for everyone and there are definitely parts which I was uncomfortable with. I definitely agree though that the writing could’ve been 10 x better, it is a shame, if they do decide to write a second I just wish that they learn from their mistakes from this time round. Thank you for sharing your views! 😀
I hope they do too, because I REALLY wanted to like the series. Ah, well. I’m sure there’ll be others, lol.
If you want a good Netflix watch I can’t recommend ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ enough – that’s fab!
I’ve got that one one my list! I won’t have the chance to watch it until next week, but it looks super cute 😀
I’m one of those people that hadn’t heard of this show. I don’t think we can truly judge a show by it’s trailer, but I can also see how people can jump to conclusions. I don’t know if I will watch this show or not, but if I do, I will do it with an open mind.
Haha that doesn’t matter at all, quite a few people hadn’t so you’re not alone – definitely agree, whether anyone chooses to watch it or not they shouldn’t just not watch because of one trailer. Thank you for your comment! 😀
You’ve done a great job Imogen of sharing both opinions on a very sensitive topic. I have not had a chance to see the show, but this is definitely a topic that they took a chance sharing. U have to expect people to have strong opinions or reactions when any type of personal insecurities are having light shone on them.
Thank you, I tried to see both sides of the argument so I am glad that that came across in my piece. Thank you so much for your comment. x