"Season 2, Episode 3"

Claire hosts the Women in Business Awards, where we meet new faces (Belinda, Klare) and unexpectedly reunite with an old friend (The Statue). Fleabag and Belinda have a now-legendary conversation about feminism and flirting over martinis before Fleabag talks faith, friendship and foxes over G&Ts with the Priest. Chrissie and Allie pour a glass or two of red wine and dive in deep.

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this episode of the fleet back situation is brought to you by ST Francis of Assisi. Fox repellent. You know, ST Francis is known as the patron saint of all animals. Except for one, the Fox. It's a little known fact that ST Francis was terrified of foxes because they followed in. His whole life was like they had a pact. Don't let yourself become a fox, boy. You ST Francis of Assisi. Fox repellant. So effective. It will have you saying I thought you were a fox. But you're not

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that we have a complex issue. You don't, Mom, I will be there to Cupcake. Hey, it's another week back for the

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fleet back situation. I'm Kristie More Mallenco torren. And we do want to give you guys a quick heads up right up front that this episode is also sponsored by layer Cake. Malbec. Red wine? Yes. We're enjoying an adult beverage for this episode, I think because she and Belinda have a drink in this episode, we actually honestly, if we're talking about flea bag, we should have been drinking a lot. I know. I think we came to this rather late. Yeah, we should We should have been drinking, Whatever. Whatever their Here's the thing. We're going to start the podcast from someone again. But we're gonna talk about every episode four drinks in super plastic politics, nor drink lots. You want me on the ground, right? So you can just google the fleet. I assist Mission on, and that'll be season two of our podcast get pumped guys. Anyway, So we're drunk. No, are not. No wrong. We're just having fun because it's Here's the thing. I love that We record these on Monday because Monday's always kind of Ah, a Monday. Yeah, And then we get to come and talk about fleabag for, like, two and 1/2 hours. Exactly. So cheers. Yeah. Cheers, everybody s. So what? What happened this week? We got So we're talking about episode three? Yeah. Season to Ah, but first, we just kind of catch up on what's happening this week. Uh, Andrew Scott has been all over the place promoting modern love, which is great for us moderates. Mater has modern love fans, a k Andrew Scott and my love will be out on right Amazon. I'm assigned. I'm on Friday and I think it drops it like Midnight Eastern time, and I definitely will not just be staying awake until it drops off not to watch it. But he did an appearance on this. Siri's called. It's like from Yahoo told Build, Build, Siri's and Phoebe has been on it twice, talking about both episodes of both the seasons of Flea Bag. And So Andrew Scott was on there to talk a little bit about modern love, but also just like about his career. And he took some questions and someone from the Andrew Scott Group at her question. Twitter. Ah, because he's also part of something called the Human Siri's. It's H u M e n, and it's about mental health. But specifically for men. Love. Yeah, so it's like of course, he's part of that. It gets better and better, and so it's that's in its in the UK, but I'm not sure exactly when that's premiering, so we'll just keep watching online for that. Uh, but anyway, it's a really build Siri's. If you haven't seen it already, look it out because it's It's a good, like, long like 50 minute interview, and he's just kind of a little more casual and like loose that he was on Colbert. But you can't see him. Uncle Burt And the Brett Gelman was actually really great. Yes, that was one. He Andrew was a little like cool. Well, he didn't have much time. Was like, five minutes gave Catholicism. And then, like by and Shakespeare Shakespeare not shortening it. Yes. Weird. Breck Coleman was delight, right? Uncle Herman was great. And, um, I guess I really think Andrew Scott segment was just rushed. And Stephen definitely felt more comfortable with another comedian and had a little history, all right, before looking unrecognized. That was pretty funny. I just like that break in was like on this quest to prove that he's a nice guy. He doesn't mean you Look at it. I look at him now, and I'm like, uh, but also like, No, you're a good person. Yeah. He and his beard is way better than it is. He's definitely Martin did not have a stock cleaned up, cleaned up. Then, um, he also and scratched it a couple of like print interviews for the Evening standard. And then I guess there's a men's where blind called Mr Porter that he did some photos for both. Evening standard, Mr Porter. Some new smoke show photo. Real. Real nice. I mean, the clothes, it's all Yeah, great. That's what we're gonna do. Uh, but the best part for me of the Mr Porter interview is he mentioned burn a brown like out of nowhere. Worlds collide. They were just at a cafe. Yes, And there was a lady reading Burn a Brown. And so he caught her book. Whatever. And And this is and he said she writes. So he's like he's like all about Renee Brown. He, like, interrupt, right? Have you to talk about Yeah, which I think he was, like recited to see the book. And so he said she writes a lot about vulnerability. Being vulnerable is how you get ahead. I really, really strongly believe that vulnerability is strong. It's really strong. The more we work, the more I just think every story is in some way concerned with love or the lack of it. And also flea bag. Yeah, like Ali back. This will come up later in this episode, and in the other ones, I will definitely be bringing out burn a brown again. Well, she's very relevant I should just write a thesis. Uh, yeah, this is your thing, you know? I mean, she literally she's a book called Daring Greatly. And because So when they did the build Siri's I tweeted a question about Birdie Brown and especially because modern love is all that love. And so she had literally just that day talked about how she'd been offline for a while because she was feeling this like a loveless nous. And so the so the idea of like, there's just a lot of love listening in the world, And I mean, what's the antidote to that? And so, uh, I had somebody just replied to that of like, Oh, where should I start with her? And so I was saying, Daring greatly is the book that really it's so cliche to say it changed my life, but I was really worried. Raines. Do you think about it? Really Everything because I had just, like, gone through, like, a job loss and had I have always been like high achiever and perfectionist and just felt devastated by, like, this turn of events. So it really just changed my perspective on like accepting flaws and kind of self worth and this idea of whole hearted living that she talks about and I don't like evidence based its research. Yeah, she's a social worker. Yeah, yeah, she's a social worker, and she calls herself like a researcher slash storyteller. And she actually has, ah, Ted talk called The Power of Vulnerability. That was her thing that kind of launched her. Yeah, and so you can look that up on It's got It's like the second highest went viral super viral. But then she even talks about in her Netflix special how the comments on that just like, really hurt her because we were making comments about her weight and huh? Parents, you don't get the point. Yeah, and but her whole thing is that vulnerability is like by making yourself open to other people is what opens up connection because the harder you, the more you talk about her neighbor on more. You see flea bag because it's like the more you put up armor and the more you try to pretend everything's okay and don't let yourself acknowledge weakness. It's actually making you weaker. It's making you unhappy and that when you numb stuff with either menu if leave excuse, like sex or alcohol or drugs or junk food or whatever, like you numb bolos. But you also numb the highs so you never get to. Actually, she always talks about this whole hearted and daring greatly. She kind of ticks through in studying people who are happy, like genuinely happy. What are the qualities they have? Yeah, so and I love that todo around. But I love that that instagram post you made about like she's like, took a step back feeling really loveless. Write that stuff because then she's like showing, Ah, it's like show don't tell. She's showing us that also right. She's gonna She struggles with us as well about this dark time. And I just was like, Yeah, so the fact that he does, he keeps saying what people are like, what attracts you to roles. And he's always like, I'm really just attracted to vulnerability and with these characters, have something vulnerable about them. And so every time you talk about, I was like I should have brought up in a brown. When someone like therapy, I wonder if he knows about you and I should have had him sign a copy. Burn a Brown's book like you definitely would have. He would have that pizza with you if you went up to him. And we're like, Wait, you like? You were right. I love burn a brown. Where you staying? Uh, yeah. And anyway so when I saw that, I just my heart left because I was like, Well, now we have to find a way to talk to you. It's got about a brown. The other thing that came up this week, aside from just constant Andrew Scott updates all the time. Uh, is Vicky Jones new show for HBO called Run is Shooting in Chicago. Right now people have started seeing those that crew around, which is super fine. And I guess Phoebe does have a role in it. Yeah, she's a producer, and she has a look at her, and she got a star. But she's like a recurring her recurring role. She she plays flick. Okay. Really intrigued by that? Let a f l a strange name starting with f l writes a theme. Yeah. Um, yeah, I'm super down, and it's also it's interesting. It's the first time that dry right, which is their theatre company has produced or TV serious okay, because they've only done place. So I guess because they didn't they weren't like producers of Flee back, right? Um, the TV show? Yeah, Super down. Speaking of that, we like producers, the TV show, something that had come up. I'm not sure in what context on Facebook, I think this week about whether fleabag is a BBC show or an Amazon show. And the way that talking about that build Siri's. If you look up the 1st 1 that she did in 2016 talking about season one, she clarifies that BBC paid for the pilot. They produce the pilot. What she said is why the budget was so low. They like no money and and so they produced the pilot. Everybody was so thrilled with it that they wanted to order to Siri's, but they wanted to increase the budget, and that's when they probably shopped it around, but ended up partnering with Amazon. Amazon basically up the budget and was a co producer from episode to through the end of the season one yeah, of season one and season. So basically from the base, So they've always been co producers but in the UK it ran on the BBC on BBC three here it ran on Amazon prime. So sometimes on Facebook I've run into our all call. I'll say like it's an Amazon prime shown people like No, it's not. It's a BBC show. It's actually it's both, Yeah, yeah, well, I don't think people are the Amazon, like did too much, promoting none of season one season one. No, not all season to though they know for sure amped it up. And the other thing people started posting or in l. A. Billboards are up for like, for your consideration billboard on like the Bus Stop shot. And then I think there's another one of him in the robes or something. But, um, and at first this is like, you know, winner of six Emmys, and it's got, like, critic quotes. And at first I was like, Well, Amy's air over. And then I forgot We've got the Golden Globes in January. It will get nominated for all that stuff. And like the Screen Actors Guild awards, is also TV and movies. So money was no. One. There will be more award live chatting and more work to be one. Exactly. So this string is about stopping more things for us to talk about. Yeah, and speaking of also clarifying the difference between something. Yo, yes. So speaking of clarifying things, we also wanted to clarify. We're just like here doing public service for you, have you? Well, this is just a question that's come up more than once. Yes. So the question is, there's the Scriptures. There's also looks that have been right. There's also the script of the play right fleabag. So there's like three separate entities. Yes, so there's 12 of them are the same thing, right? They're both just the play script, but one of them is the special edition, right? That's what it was like releases the pink one would like the cute, the messy hair picture of exactly, um, and that one has, like this lovely intro written by her and like some extra fun stuff where the conversation with her and Vicky jazz and it's like, so delightful you really, really photos. It's a little more of a retrospective like now that they know what it is or anything, right? But then there's another script that's just sort of the script. Um, I accidentally bought that one first. You know, I own both. Anyway, Wait, Chris. He was like, You could borrow mine like God, Anna by it ordered. And look, that's cute. But then the Scriptures is its own thing. That's gonna be all the scripts from all of the TV episode, which is like, Oh, my God, yeah, and she's writing. It's like all the shooting script, so they'll be all the requisite stage direction. And and then I think she's adding supplemental material. And that's what she had mentioned on Seth Meyers. She was finishing as she pulled up to the Emmys. Like writing about how little was said he was like, Well, I hope you changed the by the way. We won 676 months. Um, yes. So all three things are great. Yeah, so that's the difference. So I'm gonna be amazing if I can't wait. I'm a little concerned. My husband actually pointed out he was like, How much does it cost? It must be like a really special collector. So I'm like, it's like 22 boxes like, Oh, it seems like it should be like 100 bucks to be like a leather battle released in my You know what? The Romney will probably do that for, like next Christmas or something. Oh, honestly. Um, and I did just look it up, and it is going to be released November 26 3 19 So, happy Thanksgiving to all. Yeah, uh, well, the Americans. But also I am ready. I don't know about you. I'm ready to get a shit ton of fleabag stuff for Christmas. So that's all you're gonna get because everybody knows that's what I know to. So I'll probably get like for five copies of the Scriptures on whatever. All right? I'm in different rooms of her house. There's always one close by. Yes, Like Kleenex. Mark, you never know what? You never know what you're gonna need one That All right, then we wanted to kind of cover some correction, correction, slash feedback. We've gotten from people discoveries, opportunities for growth. Yes, as they would say, it works. So first we heard from Geraldine on the Facebook group saying that I incorrectly said rectory. We were saying rectory for, like, his office Yes, dressing area. And she said, That's called the vestry, which makes more sense directory is where priests live. So I guess maybe his little apartment we saw would be, I think rectory could also be We're like a group of pre flip I don't know because then the equivalent for nuns is the convent O which. But I don't know that all nuns necessarily live in a convent. Like if three nuns, they're living together at the church. I know what that's called. The convent. I think of a convent is like four nuns, a building where they live in that third deal. You know that those are the technical terms. That's their deal says in the Bible. Jesus says. And they shall live in a convent that will be their deals. E. You're the Catholic Peace out elevator up. See you later. I'm out them all right, so there's that. Then the word tat we had kind of site is just like things laying around or like paraphernalia or whatever. And she said, It's very specifically like what we would just call it John. I think it's It's like it's not. It's not garbage about things you're throwing away, but it's tough. You don't want any more. It's like old things you would donate. Yeah, to charity. Or in this case, I guess, at the fate, which is like a this church festival That apparently is like a very typical thing. Everybody in England's laughing their ass off at us right now. Haha be like us explaining what a birthday. So anyway, the church fate and that the tat was the stuff people will donate for the time Bola, which is like the raffle where they put a zero in a five on different items. And if your raffle ticket matches you in one of the prizes and that there's usually a couple of good prizes like some said bottle of Geraldine's like bottles of wine. Which Khaki would lie is adorable because Khaki had said when we were doing the Saturday Night Live Livestream chat. This was earlier in the night. She was like, My question is, should I have a glass or two before it starts at 8 30 Pacific time? Either way, whatever you answer, I'm gonna have a glass like That's cute. Yeah, she's like a minute. Anyway, I know the rest of it's junk, so that would. That's what God Mother donated her painting for was one of the prizes, which I guess they were seeing, is like the main prize. Right? And I did enjoy the what. Christopher Orgasm painting. Still say it. Don't say it. I did want to point out that, as we're having with come from a very serious conversation on the Facebook group about the definition of tat Oh, yeah, it was creepy. Did this was creepy as Buck, But it's not not unexpected because they are listening to us, right? And they are reading, You know I do. Every night I get a reminder. It's still creepy, which is good. I think we should not get too used to it. If it weren't for flea bag, I would quit Facebook. I had removed Facebook from my phone. Chrissy more until they don't maybe Phoebe will really pointing at her. It's fine. I know. I understand. The group is so delightful that, like fine, 95% of my time on Facebook is our group, the fleabag official group, Fleabag ism and Andrew Scott simply that it's all fleet. I mean, that I literally like when I get a notification. It's from a friend. I'm like, Oh God, you want here? Yeah, Is that? What people? Okay, good to know. No, But when we were talking about the tat, then I looked over and I got a little sidebar ad for, like, events you might like groups you might like or something. And the group was called tat Posh people by and I was like, Cool. Alright, Facebook, you are eight years, you know. Then also like

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who? I guess I

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should have clicked and just it was a suggested that waas It really is funny. Now I'm, like, very intrigued. Yeah. What? What is the tap that posh people buy? I would love to know. It's got 6730 members. I'm looking at it right now. But then I liked that Laura added were Geraldine's description of tat and then your ad about tat posh people by she goes, this is the best description of tat. I love it. Don't you think the line I've got cans of g and T from M s has a very specific British nuance like it's a bit posh. So it's okay to drink at 11 a.m. I like that a lot because he does tack it on at the end Yeah, like I got jean teas for a moment. It's right. Like so it's fine. Like they're nice, right? So I also think they're artisan. Well, And then Geraldine Header actually applied to her and said, I'm just gonna read a transcript. Listen to us. Read. You know that MNS must be delighted and that she'll be writing their adverts soon, but yeah, I think Well, in, actually, I mean, the other sales went way up when they were handing out the G and tease in line. I'm sure reminisce was like, Hey, want about subjects? That was very cute. It was still adorable. I'm not kind on there Who supports responsible? All right. And then another thing. So Geraldine has just been all up in our business. Gerald, I'm just kidding. I love it, but I helped she know it. Z, I'm really, honestly joking, obviously, but because I love hearing, I I feel like I'm learning so much of educational. Yeah, um, like someone else was saying I'm suddenly, like, incorporating like, British speak like I might have done, or you're like, learning all of our American shit. We're learning all your stuff, but she brought up the Church of England. We were talking about the Catholic Church and you know, the relationship to Catholicism because, like Henry, the eighth basically was like, I want to get divorced and Catholic Church with Linda So he just made it make zone was like I could make a church and so that's the Church of England. She said that it's, um it's a little more liberal in terms of like, Was she saying here your priest and get married, right? Uh, yeah. See if he doesn't believe the bread and wine actually physically change into the body and blood of Christ. Most Catholics don't believe that either. Also, you can get divorced, but the priest or Vickers can get married. It works really well. They're able to have normal relationships. I know of some fab C of E. Vickers, old and young, and I haven't heard of child abuse in the C of E church, which we all know the story. There sauce is so good job. King Henry the eighth. I mean, except for the beheading. Yeah, except for that whole, you know, deal just some other shit too. But this one seemed to work out well, no, that's a good point that that there is that that kind of separation there? Um, Anyway, I'm hardly a theological scholar. Clearly that what you're here for. Everybody come for the fleabag. Stay for the intense religious discussion. Uh, last thing we're doing shot out, I want to give a shout out to Clodagh who posted to us and said that this was so flat. She goes, I just want to say you and Allie are the dogs bollock ce, And I was like, I'm just gonna assume that's a compliment. And she said, absolutely is and that it's Ah, it's a swear that she would love to see get broader usage. So so were the dogs for X go forth and use. We should start on a gastropub in Atlanta called the dog's Bollocks Do Well, yeah. Anyway, uh, So, anyway, thank you so much. Everybody. Keep Danning And I posted something kind of sappy on the group because, like, I don't know this week I was just feeling like extra fleabag love and I kind of wanted to say of like, I still get people would be like, Oh, my God, you're obsessed. Or while you're still still flying dragon. You know, still wonderfully dagger like what? And and I have kind of come to learn. And you and I have talked about this like, I want to say this the right way because I don't want to offend anybody. But what people like what they like and like to me, it's fun to have something to be this excited about totally and that in some cases, I feel like the more disdain someone shows you for your passion about something, they kind of wish they had something they were that excited about. So I'm just telling everybody and especially because everybody's listening to a podcast that we're making you like, You like it too. You like it too, and, you know, we fail. Heard we? Obviously, when we started this podcast were like, Who are we talking to? So to know that there are people and my favorite or the comments of people saying I don't have anybody to talk to about it. I feel like I'm understood we got you because that's how like, when we hear from you, it validates us that like, Okay, we're not crazy. Keep validating his guys. We need it, you know, so just I'm I've never really been part of like a real fandom before. I've been like fans of things. I've got a comic cons, and I I'm actually fascinated by the idea of fandom. But like I would go to comic cons and see, like the brown coats for the Firefly fans. And they would talk about like, you know, these communities or we get we get, got together and donated money. And we raised awareness for this charity, and I just kind of never knew what that was like. And I feel that with fleabag like, Don't you feel like, really it's like, Oh, it's people. Well, this connected me with people I haven't talked to in a long time and introduced me to new people I never would have met. I chat on Facebook with your friend from Spanish class. Exactly. Exactly. Uh, my Lord, Yeah, yeah, I've just made connections with, and it's and it's an instant connection because if you have a bag in common, you filter them out. You know, you have kind of shared values and a shared experience and eso thank you. Everybody think we love you is what I want to say. And it's not just cause I've been drinking wine. No, no. Yeah, right. I just Look, I'm a to tell you you're great. Thanks for being awesome. All right, so we are going to take a break sober up now on, and then shove the rest of I'll jump in an alley. Literally did bring the bottle into. That was funny. Right there. It's here, and we got a refill. All right. We will be right back to talk about Episode three Season two. Hey. Okay, we're back, and we're ready to dive into Episode three of season two titled Episode three Written by Phoebe Waller Bridge and directed by Harry Bride Beer and we open. We're back and we're in the tub in the tub. We're listening to the carrier? Yes, with flea bag in the bath reading the Holy Bible. And she is reading turns. Paige gasps and then looks at us disturbed. Very enticing. Yeah, Like what? So let's ah, right off the bat. Yeah. What's she reading? What is she reading? Well, I feel like it's early in the book. Yes, which would suggest Old Testament. So I should know these Jewish. I got not now the is a vengeful, his eventual God. Well, that's what I think is quite shocking. Yeah, I think, uh, and when I looked this up, other people have wondered the same thing. I mean, there's no definitive answer. Clearly, I do think it's interesting that he had said the presets that he had highlighted some passages from her. Is it one of those? I don't think it would be that he'd give her something that's gonna shock her. I don't know. And I would assume, Yeah, I don't know what I would assume about him that I don't know why. Otis, um, his stuff would be from the New Testament, but she might have just been like, I'll start at the beginning. And she does reference later when she when they talk, when she talks about Light came. Yeah, that's all. Genesis. And that creates. Yeah, Exactly like she told us. She started at the beginning. But But that right can of shocked her. No one thing somebody on Reddit would had mentioned that song of songs could be a little on the nose because the quote from there is my dove in the clefts of the rock in the hiding places on the mountainside. Show me your face Let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely Catch for us The fox is the little foxes that ruin the vineyards are vineyards that are in bloom so good and it's because it's also known as Song of Solomon. And it's also it's a collection of love poems spoken alternately by a man and a woman s so that could be appropriate. But I don't. Would she be shocked by that? No, we just That just sounds nice. One thing she could be shocked by because this whenever my husband I we talked about the Bible all the time. But now when I just heard about weird things that are in the Bible, the story of lot D'oh end pretty fucked. And I looked it up and it's Genesis 19 and it was funny because I knew there was something to do with rape. So I literally Googled Bible rape story. Lord got yeah and got a, um, the story of lot and there's actually like some Wikipedia entrance. It's like rape in the Bible and that Genesis 19 features an attempted gang rape, where two angels arrive in Sodom and Lot shows them hospitality. However, the men of the city gathered around lots house and demanded that he give them the two guests so they could rape them lot in response to this, lots like, Hey, look, these are my guests. Take my daughters instead and offers the mob is $200. Paris. I need everybody to know Host got to be a good host. So take my two virgin daughters. The mob's like not into it refuses. Lots offer, but the Angels strike them with blindness and lot, and his family escaped. So that's not great. I could see that. That's pretty shocking. Yeah, and there's, I mean, even just the idea of, like Isaac being willing to sacrifice Abraham. There's

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a lot of

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shocking stuff. There's Cain killing, Able. Even though I would assume she probably she probably knows that one. Yeah, but now I think it's something Old Testament, and there's a lot of weird Old Testament. Well, there's something like Samson and Delilah like, Yeah, well, in part of me, I got I just want to know what passage it was because also, I wonder if she's reacting, knowing that he's the one that highlighted it for her. Well, I don't know. That's what I'm wondering if you think this is something she acts he actually highlight. I don't know that highlight. Like, I really think what's gonna win you over to the cuff houses? Um, is this Old Testament story about a dude given up his daughters to be raped? I mean, is it not? How you Yeah, people. He's not in on it. I don't know. I'm married. Well, yeah, I'm not new on the dating hip to the kids. The day on a completely different note. And I paused the scene when we're as taking notes for the podcast.

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And I noticed there's a cute little

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rubber ducky in the bathroom there, and I just feel I felt like I wanted to personally think done have been hungry for best read. Thank you for the ducky that she would have that little touch. Just a little whimsical knowing her, though. Is it some kind of vibrators? Oh, God, probably. I'm sorry. You

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know what? That's a

spk_0:   29:30
good idea. That probably probably exists. The Internet exists so that certainly eggs? Yeah. Have you seen? Seen Ana. There's that catalog uncommon. Good have I don't know if it's international of uncommon. Good. Have you seen the vibrator? Not close. They have not. It looks like Remember on Mad Men, that pen necklace that Joan would wear It kind of looks like that. It's like a little thin retro. Well, but it's this thin little thing, and it is like the description is like, try to take it with you any time it's discreet and I'm like, I'm sorry, I've never been just like out and about. And men like God Damn, now is the time. Now is the time. And also, this thing is literally the width of a pencil. So I don't I guess it's just for the vibration. Yeah, it's not meant to be a new creation, but it it's just gross is that now everybody who gets the catalog is gonna go. Oh, nice necklace. I get it. And then they also separately have like a little whistle type necklace. It looks very similar, like we don't get those two things mixed up. No, that would be very confusing and disappointed. So this episode is brought to you by the own common goods Nicholas Vibrator. Anyway, I took a riel. That's fine, DJ. I mean, the holidays are gonna be here any minute, and the doctor is a cute little detail moving Kyle's you on moving back. Opening credit. Yeah. And now, Clarence Flea, Bagger in the elevator together. And we see fleabag holding How many seven platters I counted. Yes, of Kanna pays. And Claire tells there, don't talk too much or act like you know anything about the company. Or be clever or funny or be the center of attention. These people are very important to me, So just don't be yourself literally just every time. Like, don't be clever. Don't be funny. Don't be the son of attention. Little to think. Don't be. Yeah, period, Exactly. It's like, Why did you invite me right? And then fleabag naturally responds to that by farting to t. And Claire's mortified and says, I know people in this building, and in comes a woman Hi, Leslie, and smell something and says, That's lovely. What is going on and clear kind of glares at fleabag Fleabag is triumphant. Fun fact, little piece of trivia. The woman Leslie, who looks in that is Jenny Robin thes story producer for the show that she thanked her in her speech. You're she was up there with every letter of Yeah, the script. Yeah, that's that's like a fun little like How many times did they have to do that is when I was watching it recently, I was watching with my husband. He was like, Oh, now that I know that she's like the story pretty so you can tell that she knows that she's like, Oh, this is my seat like, Well, I'm on TV right now. Go, Yeah, I

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think what

spk_0:   32:17
I like about this little moment is that it's a little bit of a callback to the silent retreat, cause Claire, like, puts her hand over her nose like, Oh, and that I mean, naturally, she wouldn't elevator if someone just farted. But I felt it was a callback to the silent retreat. When fleabag uses the bathroom and close like what is wrong with your insides? Like she even expects? Like even the fact that her farts smell bad is like a poor girl needs a probiotic, and but also they don't smell right. And then, you know when she goes, Oh, that's lovely. I can't you know there's the joke. It's kind of like when someone has in a movie, we're like they've peed in the coffee that something like this is the best car I've ever had. So when she's like, Oh, that's lovely I have also started. Could she actually smelling that food? I choose to believe it's the food. Yes. I mean, she's right next to it, right? And their seven platters. I love the contrasts in Phoebe is writing here because we have kind of the sophistication of character development, with Claire revealing all this stuff about, like, her insecurities about flea bag, even being there and don't be yourself. And she's trying. Obviously, this is gonna be a big night for Claire. But then she, you know, also undercuts it with just the sophomoric humor of ah, fart joke. Yeah, like she does. She covered she She's not above a fart, you know, because it's still funny. It still is. And, uh, but still contributes to the character. Exactly. And then you said they you read a theory about why Why did she bring fleabag here? If she just was like, don't do anything right, and I had always. I was just like, Well, no, Like, we saw her make that choice. The godmother said, Oh, you're like a fleet action. Do it. So then she did it, but I was reading This actually is a great vulture article by a woman named Ali Pape. We've called her, says she spells her, fill it the right way. Yeah, um, okay about it at all. Um, but she, uh, theorize that Claire had invited flee back to do the candidates because she knows everything will go wrong. And she thrives off being stressed out and having to fix everything like that. Like when she walks in and she's like, Oh, this is very stressful. Yeah. And I was like, You know, whatever she is, she could be happier. Exactly. So Claire is like telling her it's not yet clear is like telling her to not be yourself. But she knows that is impossible. And she's fine with it. I don't know if I'm interest on that page. I think I think it sort of just flea bag being flea bag and Claire being Claire. Well, yeah, and I think Claire has always kind of up herself by maybe comparing herself to look, at least I'm not as messed up asleep for sure. So having her there might help her look even better by comparison. Yes, to everybody around her, Which is what makes it so infuriating that they actually all adore they actually love her, charms the shit out of him. So now, as they're walking declares office, we're gonna go ahead and just play the clip.

spk_1:   35:06
We have a load of vegetarians to make sure it's clear which ones have a meeting them love surprises have a couple of waitresses for the drinks. So if you could hand around the food better in a quiet room with a nice breeze, you'll have a panic attack. Reese, everyone. She's so happy. This is stressful. Don't be weird about how big my offices What the fuck I know. Are you? It's over the top. I know. Okay, put them on the table. Not that table. Oh, you okay? Course it's just it's just It's a big night and the finish partners are here, so it's all a bit. We'll check the award. Why? Just to make sure it's not pink or anything horrifically female shall load that. Careful with its where thousands not being good. It's perfect. It looks like a bomb. You had its nice Shut up. Okay, don't sit on that. Okay, but those on the posh plates put the war behind Mike phone. Oh, and thank you. You've really, uh, thank you. Don't play with that. Oh, wow.

spk_0:   36:20
Oh, that sound such a satisfying. We talked about that with Jonathan. How? That I mean, I guess we'll get to it, but, oh, what the hell? Do it? Yeah, uh, the shattering, the way that thing shatters. And he said they talked about, like, how does she drop it? How does she hit the table of the floor? But just the fact that it, like I said, it just disintegrate. So, yeah, it's irreparable. Like there's no way she can fake it. And, like glue three. Like exactly. Glass kind of comes back. Yes. It's like I've ever seen that clip of the guy using the water jetpack. And he and he's like and it all

spk_1:   36:57
starts now

spk_0:   36:58
and he goes up and he just goes in like a paraffin goes down, goes straight back down. Yeah, that's what this business is like. Oh, what's that? It's gone, You know, it's out of the box. Said it's not existed. I personally got a little triggered by that because, ah, little baby Allie, I love little bit galley stories. My fourth day of seventh grade at my new school, we had a party and fresh last, like start the year. And we all brought in food. And I brought an Orangina slick French like a French soda, and it only comes in glass bottles. So I'd like four bottles of Orangina and two plastic bags. And I know nobody at the school, and I'm like, walking a home room, and I'm like, I'm gonna cool. We're gonna have a party. Yeah, I'm really cool. And like wearing my American Eagle jeans and I don't know, I don't know what happened. I think I blacked out. But all of a sudden, both bags fall from my hands, totally like obliterate on the floor. Orangina is everywhere. Glasses everywhere. This little motherfucker. Joey, I won't say it's full day. He knows. He knows Hyun issue is he started running up and down the halls yelling

spk_1:   38:09
Alley broke the Orangina. I like seventh

spk_0:   38:14
grades like it's it's not great, but I didn't even know anybody. I was like, Why

spk_1:   38:18
do you know

spk_0:   38:19
my name of all?

spk_1:   38:20
Why do

spk_0:   38:20
you know my name? So I just I've known that feeling of when you break irreparably break glass and it is not ideal. At least I'm over it. You guys, I'm over it. It's fine. But anyway, she she doesn't know Joey's address. It is good throwing Orangina bottle that is house, not Orangina. Anyway, you probably reminded of that moment. That's hilarious. But this whole exchange, we're getting this glue and more of a glimpse now into Claire's dynamic with fleabag. What was interesting is she because remember how Godmother asked her to be a waitress, But I did it, so I didn't really ask her. Just really right? Yeah. So in this case, like Claire's kind of Boston around and liked. But Claire, I think fleabag is trying so hard to get back in here. It's a different dynamic. She wants to help it. She wants to help, and she wants to impress Clare. And the irony is, the better she is that actually makes clear, even angry, because clear once she clicked, all clear, wants his status over flee back and the more fleabag is trying to do nice things for her. It just makes it feel like she's showing up. Claire, right? Like, Oh, cool. You can charm my coworkers too. Great, right? Another thing I thought was funny about the award is that it's worth thousands. Like, I would rather just get the money if I won that thing. That thing is also a huge like not only doesn't look like a sperm, but, like So Jonah would like to put that on your shelf. You'd have to like you have to like that can only go on like a mantle. Yes, it's like Looks like it's like two feet tall. It's ridiculous. I thought the direction in the editing was interesting here. When she goes Oh, it's fine. It looks like a sperm because you would think would get a shot of it. Yeah, but we would see it. Sorry. Shot of sperm. Uh oh, God, I didn't think of that. I'm sorry, but I'm wine. Um, no. You think they would cut to it, but it actually makes for a funnier reveal. When she does lift it out. The CEO, it does look like a sperm Yeah, and then just all it again. Please. I can't do anything right. Don't sit there. Put it on the table. Not that table. No. Portia would assume with that table. It's the biggest one right there. There's that's the table. I did notice when she's telling her like, don't sit in the chair and like, flea bags. Basically like I can't do anything right. She gives her She actually takes, like, a little prayer pose for a second. That kind of puts her hands together and, like, tips her head like, Okay, what is happening here and then, as stressful as everything is here, the most stressful thing for Claire to do is to thank fleabag. And what I thought was also interesting is that she starts to say, like, you really saved the day or something, right? But she But then you could see her backpack and be like, You know what, thank you was hard. It was enough because she knows that was enough, right? And that's and I can't do it. Yeah, like, yeah. I also thought it was so interesting when she's when fleabag says, like, you know, put her in a quiet room with a nice breeze and chill of a panic attack like, Yes, Clearwater Panic. Because then she's like, Think about her life like it's easy to keep moving, moving, moving. And then you have to deal with anything about how your marriage is falling apart and all that stuff, right? Vineland and Claire. Dizziness level Exactly. And so fleabag really has her on that. Yeah, she knows. She knows, like, what's going on right? But she does obviously get it's a genuine buzz that she gets smashed typically thrives, absolutely being busy and important. And yes, well, it makes the right of fixing totally your sense of worth. Yeah, and then about that with the vegetarian vegetarian meals, There's ah lot do, in fact there as well, because I feel like there's a lot that yeah, like, she's definitely what I think. It's funny that fleabag is so into telling, making comments to us about what Claire is saying, that she's not listening at all right? So I didn't think she hears the vegetarian thing. But then also well, I think because we find out later that she stole them. Yeah, so I think she really has no clue what's in what's right and it is just playing along. I think you're right to that. She is not interested in finding out now we're guessing. Doesn't care. Yeah, uh, it is funny that they kind of telegraph when she goes. Oh, she won't want to get anything horrific. Lee. Female. Oh, God. I don't know what could've been. And I know what I was interested is when Claire says like theirs. You know, there's so many. There's a bunch of vegetarian are Finnish people. Vegetarians. Oh, question are is that quite common, or is that just a coincidence? I noticed just their part. I noticed that we have in one finish little really. So let us know. Finish listener. Educator, It's on you. So Yeah, it's literally on Lee. Uh, that's hilarious. I, um there was something. Oh, another reference to her hair. Your hair looks nice. Yeah, and she's kind of shut up like she thinks it's Ah, another like a dick. Yeah, she's kind of poking at her. She is genuinely trying to pump her up totally. But that's just like how they can't. They can't do that. That's not how they work. So now the statute or the not the statue. The So Now the award is in distress is more, though we see fleabag running out of the building with this dramatic music playing, It's not the Curie, it's It's something, you know. Yeah, that's just something else. And, uh, she does Slow down, Look up. Look, you got up and down. I did like that. There's always time. She's Yeah, impulse. Hello? Where? Somebody. And then we're watching her across London. And she's just running like crazy and getting disheveled and then come and then kind of runs back the other direction in the same shots we just saw and then comes into the office building, gives us a big thumbs like I did it and then gets in and, uh, puts the award box on the table. Yeah, job done, breathing heavily and then picks of a platter of food. Walk around with it and clears like Where have you been? And said she had to go get the vegetarian by quick on her feet. You're sweating so much, it's attention, graphing. And then she goes. It's only on one side, which I was like, What? Why? Like what? You tend to sweat more on once I were you carrying the bag on the one side. Yeah, I think she was just I just overthought doing her best to be like downplaying the city is not as bad as Don't worry, it's just both sides. Who does that? You know, I love I think this is such a beautifully and whimsically Sean zine because like, we're standing still and she just crosses the shot every through as she goes through. It's kind of from a distance. Yeah, exactly. And we stay still be watched, and I just love that she gets I also just love that she gets ready because Wilson very sweaty lady, it's just nice to feel reference. I couldn't confirm, but it's only on one side, but, um yeah, and I What I thought was when he's a couple, listen, you know what 15 watches Later, I put the captions on, and the captions make it very clear that she is is breathing heavily with, like exhales, exhales, heavy breathing like every five seconds like you get in. I know, right? Well, I think the direction to is like it the from a distance and still and like, is so much funnier than if it had been, like hand held in a chaotic Because you see that the rest of the world is just going along with everything in the contrast of her, just like, panicked running through. And it gives you a sense of distance to of like, how far she had to run to go get this thing and why she would be so sweaty. Jack, she looks great when she comes back. I think I just got off the shower. Uh, but then the confidence of her thumbs up like like, nailed. I got it. It's gonna be terrible, but it's gonna be fine. It's all good. Don't worry, guys, because we know her. We know it's probably not gonna be grill. So then we move along. Fleabag is catering, just like sweating on one side, she Claire introduces her to Sylvia. She's gonna be Prince present the award. When you hear her, me introduce her, get her on stage. Which like side note. I was like, Why does something have to baby sit? Sophie is big girl woman Fine. And Sylvia asked. The appetizer has shellfish fleabag like thinks

spk_1:   46:21
about a physic

spk_0:   46:22
and then just says no and you're like, Oh, this is not gonna end what? Like a soon? Because she says they, like Sylvia's fucked. Yeah, this for sure that this is a plot point. Um, Sylvia and her colleagues were talking about how floor CEOs have been fired to have been taken to court. It's just sad. We felt like a family and then fleabag drugs especially said when you have to tell your family not to touch each other up by the photocopier and everybody laughs. But Claire's like, Fuck you like your taking my state, you know you're about yeah, like, stop making jokes. Not being stopping yourself right? Um, then Claire's the Belinda's coming. Don't speak to Belinda. Belinda approaches, greets Claire. I like I really loved their back and forth because it was so respectfully like they both think very highly of you. And I really enjoyed that. God, you're tasteful. And then Claire just goes

spk_1:   47:13
like, I can you answer things like that.

spk_0:   47:16
Maybe I should start then. Valinda s If the, uh, canopies are meaty, fleabag stares at her because Claire said not to talk to her. So, like, let's just be more awkward about it. Um, there's no like No. Say something, you idiot. Say something. Um, fleabag says no. I think they have gorge et in them. And Belinda's so great. I love cards, yet you can treat them appallingly and they still grow themes. So let's break it down. Break it down. First of all, Kristen's Scott time wonderful to see her. I'm assuming she works a lot more in the U. K. Maybe then she has here because I it took me a second to place her, and I realized it's Kristin Scott Thomas. I think initially my husband goes, Oh, that's Kristin Davis And I was like, I know that's not Kristin Davis. I do know sex is Yeah, I know every Stone Davis Very well. So Kristin Scott Thomas Fantastic. And I really wish she had won the Emmy for this whole scene. I may have Jamie is great, but this was such a standout in a standout season of television, totally. But I like, at least for me, we could already tell something about Belinda because clear, so worried about all the vegetarians. And Belinda's first question is like, Are these meetings can I? Because I took it as like I didn't take it as do these have meat in them? Because I can't have them. It's like I want I'm hungry because then when even when she goes Oh, their core Jets, she takes like three of them. Yeah, like she's not away like Like who? Yummy food. So I was kind of like, All right, there's a girl after my own heart, right? But then the reference. So here, Cor Jet zucchini. Yes, which we had to look up. I went down a big lot. Very long rabbit. You do. I do. I do that ever. So was it on the Internet? Was No. I read a book. I went in a library. I got the look of the jury decimal system for bought. No, here's here's the deal with Cord yet, guys, Chris jet is zucchini, but it's not that simple. Or is it so difference between Dot Net is a website is a website that we know about now and told me that core jet is a young, smaller zucchini than when it grows big. Bigger? It's called a zucchini. And then when it grows even bigger, it's called a marrow. Which kind of goes Max, I think of like bone marrow. Um, that's fine. But then I did further research, and I read the comments, which is actually never a good idea, but in this case, it was fine. It got heat. It got very intense, actually, as common bikini twitter brutal. It's really done. This is why we can't have nice things because three comments and someone alluded to putting a gun in their mouth because one of the other commenters was so boring. And I think it was an article about You are odd beauty, age of difference between dot Know that alone is the reason to put a gun in here more already. If you know what, don't bring it back. So I did learn, though from the comments that a couple of British people were like this just gave literally this just gave me a chuckle because apparently we're just trying too hard and courage. It is just the term they use in the UK for zucchini. It's like averaging and eggplant, right? Isn't that another one? So I actually did not know that. I think so. So I think I'm learning so much about words. Vegetables, um then a bunch of people from a bunch of different countries started commenting about their word persecuting with Did you know in Kenya they say course yet. Oh, but now you. So now you do know There you go. So, um anyway, point being actually have no conclusion, but I will have taken to it. Now that we know all that. What I like about that comment about you can treat them appallingly I still grow is that it plays into the theme of resilient. Yes, that we see in flea bag of She's been treated appallingly by life by her family by her own demons that by herself, by herself. And so she's. But she's still growing and, you know it is true that is that it? Yes, it's really nice sentiment. And anybody who either has tried to garden or has friends who garden knows that zucchini will grow anywhere in any condition because people are constantly pushing free zucchini and nobody really likes nobody's like, Wow, I can't wait. Eo is worth the zucchini. So but yeah, I thought that was a nice, nice touch there. And also just her attitude of like, this was just a casual kind of funny joke. like we just kind of see right away. Why? She and flea bag, you're gonna hit it off because there's just kind of air of whimsy and fun about her compared to Claire and all the other people there. Yeah. Yes. So now we see Claire looking around, you know, parties going on, But she's not having fun. Eyes are darting, everything's darting around. And so we're gonna play the clip where we find out what is on her mind. Where Who?

spk_1:   52:28
She seems lovely. Yeah, she's great. He's a nervous about I'm not nervous. I've been completely Oh. Oh, of course. It's my job. This is my case. Ring. She's a system. Hi. I ate a sausage. All of them think it was approved. 15 years of vegetarianism like Mama. You should call them back. Oh, that's funny. Have you two know each other partners? Business pants way? Don't get to see each other. I'm being Thank you. Admire a I'm going to get a drink. Do you want anything? Oh, uh, champagne, please. Just when I'm with you. Good. Fucking crazy tonight, then. Mm. What is it? No, no, I was not. What did he say? Oh, just Uh uh. I just said, Let's go fuck like crazy tonight. Oh, God. Uh, okay, shut up. He is a very good businessman. He's just socially sort of once. Then shut up. Please don't. Please don't con cope. Okay? Okay. What's his name? What's his name? Class. Oh, his name is Claire. Don't. Oh, God. I have to announce. Okay, Mingle. Don't talk to anyone. I'm not in love with him. Okay?

spk_0:   54:28
Okay, okay. I just realized something. The reason she was so concerned about vegetarians Is she specifically concerned about Claire? You are. She doesn't care about. I really just Justus. We were watching it when he said 15 years of vegetarianism gone. That's the only person she cared. But she tried to play it. It's like we have a lot of vegetarians here, okay? Making me think things about finished people. Exactly. So are very lister killing off the hook. And yes. Yeah, so that just hit me. So Claire is played by a Swedish actor named Christian Hilberg who apparently does does mostly sweeter stuff. Okay, But man, this Swedish actors like all those scars. Guardsman, They're nice. They're all it's all like that. I think his Twitter is chill. Berg. Oh, that that love. It's not that hard to come up with a dig it. Yeah, I like Claire. He's just like he just kind. There's something he's so funny in these stores. Claire very supportive, very supportive and just plays off because even so, the whole like, let's go fucking crazy tonight. Me clear, obviously, is just her mind. I also had forgotten a note on here that she goes. This is my carrot caterer. This She's the sister she missed. Well, she mixes it up instead of saying, This is my sister. She's the caterer. Thought this is my caterer. She's the sister of my caterer. Yeah, because she's just She's so flustered. Completely So. The fact that he also she's already said something kind of impulsive. Let's go fucking crazy tonight. Yeah, which is which was really right. Okay, but then he has to come over. He puts her on the spot like No, wait. What did you say? That is the death certificate again. That's actually the nightmare. And then she says, Let's go fuck like crazy tonight. Make it worse. Just his. Okay, I know so. But I like he plays it off in life, and we don't know what their relationship is at this point. We don't know if they've actually been together. Maybe think not. I think it's just been very flirty. I have no idea. I'm very naive little Catholic. I don't know. I don't know. Also the fact that when she orders a champagne, he goes off the wagon s. So we know she has been off the wagon now, But clearly, when she was with Claire, she was still saying Sober wear third thing with Martin. But then she plays it off like only when I'm with you there. And she like ha ha ha. Like her voice gets very low like she's really? Yes, all the more mortifying to for her to be losing control like this in front of fleabag. I know you know. She hates it. Oh, it's killing her especially cause it's just giving fleabag ammo. Oh, for sure. Which is, like, What's his name? Claire. I also think that it's, you know, it's obviously funny gag that his name is Claire, but also she's learning to love herself throughout this whole show. True. And she loves Claire, right? So I think there's symbolism there. Yeah, for sure. On top of it, being a funny when we when that joke was when we saw that goes for the first time or no, maybe not the first time. I think maybe when my husband's not for the first time you just turned me was like Is everybody in this show that has a name called Claire was like, I mean, that's the running That's the majority at this point. Yes, yeah, at least 20% of the name characters. Yeah, I also think here, even though she's kind of clear season, is like, Oh, I'm just arming her with this, like, embarrassing info, I think flea bags genuinely happy she liked pumps her eyebrows like she's And also what what? What I was thinking about is that it's it's unusual to us to see clear out of her element, like so uncomfortable and kind of being sexy with somebody but sleep. I grew up with her. She saw Claire go out in a spandex funding for the Christmas party, right? She knows, but she knows Claire can kind of do these kind of funky little weird off yapping, so she knows, and she has also probably just seen her, obviously, like bury the part of herself that was fun and youthful and and now is happy to see that coming back out like she knows who her sister can be. And that's why she and Fury it's Martin so much because she'll always know Claire better than he does. And she can see why he is not good for her. Yeah, totally, Totally. So he spends it as you're not good for her, right? So then we move along to the awards presentation. So Claire begins. She lists the nominees. Clearly, her head is somewhere else. And so she says, Claire Court hand. Or, however says it. Yeah, corn and whatever And then and

spk_1:   59:08
she covers. It was

spk_0:   59:08
pretty okay, like there's been a mistake like it's not be what she just said his name because it was on her mind. Yeah, because, see, I took it as it was like because it sounds like a woman's name. They included him. I I think you might be more right. She looks right at him. She's not looking at the list when she says it, and because Elizabeth Sorkin and sounds like Gordon and sounds of saying, I think you're right. So I took it as, like, a total mistake. Especially cause she said cock work. Yeah, I think you're here because you're right. You're right. Out. I just keeps a coin, Allie. I am keeping point keeping tally anyway. Um, but yes, she that is like riel. Claire, get your shit together. Um, so, yeah, Then she goes through the schedule with fleabag Haskell. Like cock work. Excuse me. Cock work. Clear your breathing. You cannot not say it. And then believe that goes to get

spk_1:   1:0:00
Sylvia vomiting in the bathroom,

spk_0:   1:0:03
which is this gonna sound effects were really two on the money. I'm not good with that stuff, I Then we move, you know, she realizes that that's gonna be a problem. We moved back to Claire announcing a huge thanks to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John for coming up with this award. And for LinkedIn for connecting as all this evening and beyond. Tour. American listeners that's linked in took me, like, four times to figure that out. It took me a second. Genuinely was like, Okay, so that's interesting. Yeah. Um and then clear called up Sylvia who won her own women who work doing, Ah Child, the Table award to present the award and flee. But it's such a good yes, such good physical comedy. When fleabag signals to her, she's like, mouthing know she's in there, she's. And then she, like, swipes her hand across her throat and Claire goes, melds dead. No, she's not dead. She's puke, like the way you just go ahead. And she's just dead. Well, the way she does her hand, it's like a shower pew coming out of her mind. That's what it kind of was like. So then and then, I thought was interesting that fleabag offers like I'll do. Yeah, and clothes like no girl. Yeah, this is my zone. This is my place. I got it. Claire just does a little presentation. It doesn't go over extremely well, uses flea bags, joke about the cop or the, um, that the copy and shuts up by the photocopy photocopier and people laugh, which you know she hates and fleabag mouth funny to her, which, you know, she hates even more. And then Claire calls Belinda's name, she wins it. And I love that Elizabeth Sorkin Joe's fuck's sake. So let's dive in. Yeah, well, I love the shot of Claire just beaming while Claire is talking, you know, and he's holding to drink, So he's clearly holding her drink for her, and he's like, ready for her outside. And then even when she says his name and he's got to go, he just plays everything off. So because she could do no wrong, it's like he's so enamored with her. He really is. And, um, so that I love the little nod to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John come in for? Well, there's two things here because Matthew, Mark, Luke and John obviously wrote the Gospels of the New Testament. So I think it's just a funny little illusion, too. This whole religious theme of the show, definitely. But then even saying for coming up with this award, which I hadn't heard the first time. Then, after hearing Belinda's later speech, that will get too. But the idea that this is just so arbitrary they just came up with this award could tell it like a bone. They're throwing it like it makes Harbert or whatever look good, because they're honoring women. But you're like, actually, maybe four men frame up with this award for women. Exactly. They decide, Like that's like That's what patriarchy is a man, right? The men decide and take care of the lesser creatures like the women and the Children. And, like that's That's what this is about. It's like, Let's honor them. That'll shut him up for I mean, especially having heard that they've had, obviously, some kind of like they've also had sexual harassment shoes that past year word exists, Right? So it's kind of like we'll get this a woman's awarded. Yeah, we're all good. Don't cancel it out. And the fact that that Elizabeth Sorkin cares so much about how My God, I know this arbitrary, stupid award that four dudes came up with it. You know what I know? Also, here's a trivia affect. The lives of the circuit is played by Sara Hammond, another producer. So? So they just like, basically we're late here. We have some big party. You guys want to be in it? Well, they probably if they did, they all work together dry right where they are, the protectors and stuff. Yeah, um I did, uh, I did enjoy when fleabag see Sylvia vomiting and crap. It's clear she's very annoyed that she didn't get away with the budget. Yeah, and like, not gonna wear with, like, you know, announce separating the food on cheese. And when the cash flows, she really almost made it out. The captioning does say crap. I actually thought she said crab like there was crab in there. But crap makes more sense both. They could both work. And here again when Claire, when fleabag offers and goes, I'll come up and do it. Yeah, because so what? You pointed out. She tells two of her own jokes, and they both bombs. Except there's one fleabag laughs. She's the only one laughing yet, Which almost wheat. It's sweet, but it also cut. It calls attention to the fact that nobody was laughing. Yeah, and so then when she Sylvia's obviously predisposed and even that looks kind of funny of like, you know, we shouldn't be surprised. He's busy, and nobody laughs that when she offers to do it, she again is like I'm helping. I wanna help later. You're in a spot right now, and it's actually kind of my fault, right? Let me help you. And Claire sees it again is a threat of like, you're just gonna push me out of the spotlight, right? So, like, No, this is nine. And the way she goes, No, I'll do it. And then you under her breast, she goes, I could do it. Which I was like I mean, I know it's a TV show and it's you take it with the greatest, you know, you like, suspend your disbelief and let her have this moment to herself. But if somebody stood up there and just I can dio they definitely are. But that's such a key thing that she is. She's determined not to let fleabag overshadow her, even though she knows fleabag will probably be better at it. And that's why she doesn't want to. But I can't do This is my realm. This is where I shine. Yeah, she's here as a guest helping me, and that's it. She's in front of Claire. I mean, she's just wanting everything to go Well, right? Uh, I was, I had thought, written down a point to when Elizabeth Sorkin's fuck's sake, even though it's kind of a throwaway joke. But it also the fact that she cares so much about this pointless award, and we find out later, like Belinda has this confidence about her. And she, we know later like doesn't care about this award. Thinks it's ridiculous that that attitude is probably why she is successful, totally. And it's almost a little bit of a microcosm for Claire and Flea Bag, because Claire is trying, trying, trying like everything is effort too much, maintain an image and just kind of perpetuate this achievement that she's built for herself. Very stressful because she's very success was so successful. And whereas Fleabag seems to just kind of flipped through life and not put any effort in anything and always comes out on top in in Claire's eyes, yeah, yeah, totally, Even though flea bags looking at Claire is like while she has all these examine all, you have it all. You have all the success that I don't have right and like a stable life. Yeah, I also before we move on, I wanted to. You would mention that like, um, Sylvia is gets to present because she won the women who work award and like that's even worse than the women in business like Oh good, you have a job you managed to get really like also, women who don't have jobs work like always. I mean, honestly, I think they were probably just like That's some good alliteration. Let's do that. Yeah, right. It really is very pointed. So then now Claire goes to open the award by announces, Belinda goes to open the war box and finds the statue. Oh my God, This was the biggest laugh I think my husband had during the whole show, and I'll get to why in a second. But so she's obviously mortified. Doesn't want to give it to Belinda that she's kind of even like Eladio Politic kind of seems amused by it, even though she's a little surprised and then even makes a quip of I was going to say it's a bit on the nose, but she doesn't seem to have one. So now here's another kindred thing with fleabag. Where she has playing soft makes a quick joke. She's just a very charming Yeah, yeah, So now Clarence Lee beggar racing out of the room, the elevator. Claire's pissed. It's you know it's fine. It's not fine. I awarded her with a pair of tits, especially after she didn't want it to be overtly feminine. And here's some boobs. I like your note to the way the angle that she pulls it out. It looks extra boots. So movie. It's like the boobs were kind of sad and a little like, very. Which would that made me wonder, Because Jonathan Polgreen our interview, talked about how they lost the original statue from Season one. So they had to make new ones prison, too. And some of the proportions were off right? And when he said that I was like, Okay, because it's like, a little bigger. It's like I'm not like with and height, but I didn't think like they gave her an extra cup. Maybe, like, made a little perkier. It worked for this job. So then she says, chase her down. It's a stolen piece of art and stolen, most recently by Claire. Yeah, you're right. Then Claire comes up to them and says, You're brilliant. I love the joke. And, uh so I didn't think it was that funny because he saved that money. Yeah, and then kind of sarcastically, Can you go my love? And then she's the one waiting for the over. Take the stairs, take the stairs. So in my like many, many feces about why jokes are funny, the so the statue reveal. I guess it was my husband's loudest Ella. Well, right, this whole thing and I feel like it's perfectly executed cause it's like this perfect storm of comedy writing. So part of it is that it's the first time we're seeing it this season, so we've gone two and 1/2 episodes without seeing it. I actually went back and looked at the previously before montage to see if it was in there. It is. They mentioned that he stole the statue. There's like a flash of it. It's a flash of it. So it's not top of mind when it suddenly there and you have. So you have this instant recognition of like, Oh my God, that's the statue. Be This was her. I've got this, like that thumbs up like it's all good was I wouldn't got the statue of a naked woman's body for the women in business, Then, realizing Claire is about to hand this to someone as a woman and business award and knowing Claire is mortified by that. So you've got character development. You've got just a funny sight gag. You've got the anticipation about what's about to happen. Recognition of what's happened in the past, all hitting. It will shock. Just also just a shock that you're seeing this thing again. Yeah, it's I'm really sad that I'll never experience this reveal again for the first time because it's that instant lightbulb. Yeah, exploding. And it's kind of like it's like similar to when Martin gives her the statue and seven the gold shoes that you see the flash of goal, right? It's like another reveal, the other surprising. That's twice now that Claire has been given the statue totally inappropriate context and, like, really doesn't want Thio, anyone she liked. OK, well, right at the time, I thought it was something he had procured for her. Not stolen. Yes, from flea bag, uh, so and also her face when they're taking the picture. Because not only has she handed this to her now, but photographers coming over to capture this moment forever, and she actually says later, all deal with the photographer like she's obviously going to erase this whole moment from existence. This will not exist. Yeah, And then again when Belinda makes the joke about the statue and like, she doesn't seem, you know, I'd say it's on the nose, but she doesn't seem to have one. She's again, like fleabag, where she can roll with the punches, roll off and come up with a really witty line really quickly. Totally. I honestly, I thought was interesting is that Claire says, Go get it. It's a stolen piece of art on Guy was just like, Oh, you're not just gonna, like, let it kind of go away. Like I was actually kind of surprised that Claire decided we needed to go get it back, glued the statue in our lives Still Yeah, because it's not even an, like raise it up with Belinda and make it a whole thing. I just kind of like, Oh, I thought you were just gonna maybe let it go. Yeah, that's a good question. Maybe because it could at some point come back or as long as she knows where it is. Even though it's stolen, she's still better that way. She still has kind of control over it. Yeah, yeah, it wasn't like, Oh, that was humiliating. That we gave that to her. It's like, No, it's stolen, stolen. I can't I can't do that to Belinda I. And then I think it's what two things I think are funny only to, um, But first of all, what I started to notice on repeat watches that Claire and Claire say each other's names. Oh, the gun there like Claire Claire and like it's like they ended with sentences. They just say it all the time. And then what I thought was interesting is when she says, like, Can you go? My love never called her mind. We've never seen her call her my love, Who's just putting on, I mean, as usual. But she's like, kind of putting on a show, trying to project like the relationship she wants with her sister, Montu, that Claire's their toe what, like, you know, just kind of trying to control the narrative. Yeah, um, when it kind of is a foreshadowing for later, like the nicer she's being to flee back then I was like, she's pissed. You got Meeks. I'm totally Yeah, good point. And also get out of here because he likes me. And you are not like you cannot charm him. You cannot enchant him right here. For me, this is mine, right? He's my name. Yeah, and like downplaying the joke and like, right? No, I think this is all my money. So now we, uh, she's this waltz. Music is back and she runs out to kind and she kind of starts following Belinda and she looks back and then finally turns around. She goes, I'm trained in martial arts. It's just the basics. But it's enough, and fleabag explains, she needs to take the ward back. It's a stolen piece of art. It's not really an award. It's all my fault. I can explain. And then Bullet asks, Is this a long story? And we hear this thunder rumble, and she was sort of and I like the twist here that would now see them in the bar because first of all, quick observation, Brenda's jacket is fire. It's so it's like this last. That's why she appreciates that Claire is so tasteful because she's also tasteful. Yes, and I like when fleabag tries to play it off because I work at Harvests. She's like her, but it's like she knows it's wrong. But know this twist that you think she's annoyed when she's like, Is it a long story? I kind of thought was gonna be like, I don't have time for this is a woman in business. But instead, she's the kind of lady who wants to go have a drink if you're gonna hear a long stay exactly like it. Well, if you're gonna tell you like cool, I want you to tell it to me. We may as well assume alcohol. Yeah. So we're gonna play a lot of this scene, but we're gonna start with the first part

spk_1:   1:14:03
and she still doesn't know you have it as Gloria's. I think you did exactly the right thing. I think you'll be any personal things back. Women's congratulations. Oh, it's in fantasizing Bullocks. What do you think? It's good that No, no, it's ghetto izing. It's a subsection of success. Last fucking shortens table. Why did you go? Because I've been also not too desperate. Thank you. Yeah. Are you a lesbian? Not strictly. You can I call films, So I want your favorite period film. Carrie. God, you are a tonic. What do you do? You award in business. I want a Cafe au Good for you. Did you make the cannabis? No, actually, I stole them.

spk_0:   1:15:10
E like that. She's just straight up honest about that. Yeah, because she's in a point. She's in a conversation. Our she knows this is someone who's not judging her in any way. And she likes what she has to say. She's a tonic that I remember. You texted me. Oh, that's I mean, I honestly if somebody tells me you are a tonic in that tone of voice, I can die happy like that was I had to text you because I was just like this. But this is phenomenal. Well, it's such a twist to how fleabag is usually perceived. She's usually perceived is like the agitator in the instigator in like this acidic bad, Yeah, present. And now here she's saying, Oh, you're a tonic like a very welcome audience. You're welcome and you know you're this just feels so much better And like this is almost a healing like how this stuff that we're not used to hearing about flea bag totally s. So it's like refreshing for everybody. Well, and it reveals the type of people Belinda's used to dealing with because she's you stealing people like Claire, who are all trying to impress her and are all buttoned up and trying so hard. And whereas blend obviously she's just kind of got this, like, authentic nature about her. And she knows who she is, knows who she is. And she seems to value honesty and, you know, just natural self confidence. So for her flea bags, just this breath of fresh air. Yeah, I love that. And I thought it was so interesting because they really set up flea bag as relating to us in that conversation when they talk about its infantilizing bullocks, you know, like, because we're supposed to think this was like I was her, you know, fleabag like, Well, I r isn't it good? Thio honor these people are these women and, you know, So we're sort of, like on that side of the conversation and then blend is like, No, wake up. Yeah, I like that. You're part of the patriarchy. Yeah, this whole scene. First of all, it's just a masterclass. Everything of acting, writing, direction, design, cinematography, the works, and this also kind And I was already in the in the tank for the show, but it just really kept cranking the dial because not only first of all, this is an original point of view about women's awards and at least one I have not seen portrayed very much. And it showed me that Phoebe is amore layered, complex feminist than just yet. Slap a trophy on it. And that is progress, like she's really forcing us to question what these things mean. Do they actually have value? Are they almost a step backwards? So that, to me, was so talk about a tonic, really refreshing and also, like thought provoking? Yes, like it. Didn't you stop and go? Oh, yeah, And like, there's no men, Best men in Business Award. No, it's, You know, that would be stupid, right? And and I could, you know, there's her even saying, Don't you think it's good, like there are kind of two sides to that argument like, Well, if women aren't getting recognized by anybody, let's go ahead and recognize that lower the pool of applicants, I guess, or just call out that, you know, There, there, there, there. Yeah, And you know, there's this kind of empowerment of other women supporting women. Yeah, if you are the minority in the group, then you do have to all kind of help each other. At least that's kind of the party line, you know, and, um, not saying that it's not a good one, but that's But maybe the conventional wisdom is a better way to put that. Yeah, but I actually had experience like I have felt this of not even just no sir like women's awards. But whenever there's like a you know, women leaders or women this and it's like in a way, the more you call attention to it. Aren't you just reinforcing that? That that separate? That that's your, you know, reinforcing that you are not part of just business. Yes, and I remember at my old company I actually my boss came. He's like, Oh, I nominated you for this leadership event in New York and I was thrilled. I was like, Oh, my gosh, thank you. And so then I got the information. It was specifically a women's leadership then, and I immediately was disappointed because I was kind of like, Well, why can't we? Why can't we just be part of the way it takes it away a little. Yeah, and I know there At that event, they were kind of saying how women will change how they present themselves, they won't be as authentic. Or sometimes there are issues that they want to discuss, that if it's a coed room, they are gonna hold themselves back. And if you have a shared experience of being a woman, being in an all female environment can help you express. That's legit, too. And I can completely see that. But I even remember, like the CFO of the company came down to, like, give 1/2 hour presentation about the financials of the business or something, and it just felt a little like I'm gonna go down and talk to the girls. Yes, tell them a little bit about the money. And part of me is like, Why isn't CFO a woman like her? And I guess you could have done this at the whole own debate about while the way you get to that is women learning how to empower each other angle and having a relationship navigate business. It's It's a complex issue, but the way she goes, Oh, it's ghetto izing. It's the Children's table of awards. I thought it was, like, just a refreshing nail on the head to you because we just struggled for Celeste four minutes to see even. Yeah, about are you really She like, Yeah, puts it down. And there's also a little bit of, like, ideal world versus reality. And I remember So we both Did you go to journalism school? Yeah. So? And I remember learning when you're talking about, like, sexual orientation or race or gender. To a certain at that point, certainly this was, you know, 25 years ago, we were in the gender discussion. I got, I got the gender. Yeah, but specifically it was really like racial or sexual orientation. It was like, You don't mention it in the story unless it's relevant to the story. So unless you're doing a story about, you know, a racial protest or some kind of controversy, then if it's relevant to mention race than you do otherwise if you're just doing a story about like I don't know, some guy won an award some award or, like, you know, the opening of a new store or something like it doesn't matter if the manager is Hispanic or white or black like he's the manager of the store, right? Or she know, right? She didn't catch yourself, and they, um and so I've always kind of seen that Justin interactions like when we're at our job, it doesn't matter if the person is male or female, who is writing an article. It's like their mouths right and radical or they're doing this. And so I should engage with them on that level. Maybe that's reductive, I don't know. But I think it's It doesn't have to necessarily be the defining factor, right? And that's actually that's also what I love about this scene. Is that when she they discussed that she's a lesbian and she asked, and and Phoebe and Flea bags like Not strictly which was that interesting answer? No, actually did. Um, surprised, because I did some research and I, I feel like not strictly would not have been my choice of words. So I was like, Is this some British thing that that it's like a colloquialism? Yeah, and so I like kind of dove in, and it's just exactly what you think it is. But what I did enjoy with the dictionary dictionary defines not strictly a dictionary defines strictly as, like, used for emphasizing that something is exactly or on Lee, a particular type of thing, which is like what we're talking about, right? And I enjoy the Phoebe makes it clear that fleabag isn't exactly only a particular type of things. She's not strictly a lesbian, she's not strictly straight. She's a CI, contains multitudes, and it's just nice to see that, like there's a character who has a different, more vig sexuality on the spectrum. And it's not the thing. The defining thing about her right? It doesn't change the way we don't hear the word bisexual. We don't hear any of that. It's just like, No, this is what I d'oh What do you do like That's like That was just really refreshing. Any think? I don't know, it's what I thought was nice is like You see a character that it's just she's not totally binary, but that's not dealing characteristic. It's just a trait like how she has a birthmark or where's the hell out of a jumpsuit. It's just one more thing. Yeah, it's kinda like there was a picture of her. I forget who it was with. But if it was an actress or somebody who was wearing a shirt that said Female is not a genre because it is it's just And Andrew Scott has extra talked about this in terms of being gang and how he said this in multiple interviews that it's we're at a point in society now where it's not treated as a flaw. But he goes, it's also not a virtue, or it's not something that's not talent you can cultivate. Yeah, and sector. It's just a characteristic of who you are. And he has come at it from the angle that, like you can play anything and you can have chemistry with with Phoebe Waller Bridge and literally yeah and that. And I feel like it's the same way in this case, were like you said, it's It's not a defining part of her personality. It's just just yeah, and her phrasing of Not strictly, I can't tell if, like she is thinking she might want to try to seduce her. And so she's making it seem like I'm mostly lesbian because that what you would call a strictly, not strictly to me would be like I'm primarily was being, But every now and then I sleep with a dude. Even I think she might be the inverse I I just took it is like I'm very like she's a very sexual person. She's probably done a lot of different things. Yeah, but right. It doesn't become Let me define exactly this rigid thing, right? Uh, and then all right, I know everyone loves this Carrie joke about what's your favorite period? I found it a little, like, out of place. Almost like, Why did she suddenly bring up anything? That a conversational transition was weird? Because she goes, uh, not strictly. And then she goes, Do you like is that when she goes, Do you like old man? That's just like you. Yeah. Do you like old films? And I Okay, maybe she is kind of playing it up to see, like, do we have a lot in common? Do we share an interest? I was kind of like, Oh, cool. Or just like doing ice breakers now, like all right, what is your favorite vacation? Yeah, If you could lose one of your senses, if you could have a super eso. The fact that she goes, What's your favorite period film? And because Carrie So it is a funny joke, but it's funny. One of our listeners sent an email. Uh, her name is Amy, and she was saying when she watched this for the first time, she was watching with her husband. And she goes, When do you said What's your favorite period? Films? She actually said out loud, Kerry I punch lines that go and help her husband was like, How did you know that? And so is like, basically Amy's on save Wadley wavelength. It's Phoebe Waller Bridge. So good on you. Yeah, that's very impressive. Talk about like, yeah, just be done with the world at that point. My drug Get it? Yeah. Yeah, I just I in this whole scene, I kind of would drop this joke. I'll see. I just think I wish they transitioned it a bit. I wish it like somehow it's only like to it because I love it. It just seemed very abrupt. Um, but I also removed When also when So then Belinda asks fleabag, you know, Are you What about you? Are you a woman in business? And fleabag says, Oh, I want a cafe. And I love that cause Belinda's legitimately impressed cause she knows that that's the real women in business. Is running a small business? Yes, and I It was nice because nobody else reacts well to the cafe. Like your little restaurant. You know, both she and priests really validated, like Virginia. And there's a little bit I had written here, too. When, um, guys, we don't just wing these, Believe it or not, I know that in a way, the priest is kind of a tonic to flee back. He's kind of that calming presence that, like, has her down and, you know, takes her out, right? Everybody else? Yeah, exactly. And, uh, yeah. Now we know for sure she stole the canopy 100% Which I'm like. Old habits die hard, I guess. I think so. I don't know where she stole them from. Probably that same place. Maybe. I mean, the fact that she had him on trays and stuff, but yeah, I think that's why she don't know. Exactly. Good. All right, now we're gonna play this clip because we're going to get into this amazing monologue that that Belinda gives after fleabag asks or how old she is. Instant classic

spk_1:   1:27:28
Hold the 58 new 33 0 don't worry. It does get better. I promise. I promise. Listen, I was in an airplane today and I realized I have been longing to say women with pain built it. It's our physical destiny, period pains, sore boobs, childbirth. You know, we carry it within ourselves throughout our lives. Men don't. They have to seek it out. They invented these gods and demons and things are so they feel guilty about things because something we do very well on our way. Then they create war so they can feel things and touch each other. And when there aren't any wars, they play rugby, and we have it going on in here. Inside, we have pain on a cycle for years and years and years. And then just when you feel you are making peace with, it'll happen. The menopause comes, the fucking menopause comes on. It is the most wonderful fucking thing in the world. And yes, you entire pelvic floor crumbles and you get fucking heart and that no one cares. But then I'm afraid No longer a slave, no longer a machine with parts. You're just a person in business. I was told it was horrendous and has surrenders, But then it's magnificent. Something's room for two.

spk_0:   1:29:12
Okay, I think this is the best thing she rights in the whole series. I agree. And I would love when we talked to her someday. Yeah. I want to know that the writing, the detailed writing process of this did she struggle with this? Did this just flow out? Dr. Mom about it? Like she said she was, like, 32 33 when she wrote it? Probably it. Yeah, it almost feels like this should have been written by the older person. So she really does have this weird old soul nature about her where she and I think she just has unbelievable empathy. She just she she feels everybody's stories. She Yeah, which obviously is a writer, is You're pretty much, you know. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. I mean, the fact that we know she's almost exactly 25 years older than her, And at first when she kind of goes off like I almost read it is like, Oh, you're way too young for me. You're O or something. But then this idea of like, Oh, it does get better. That so that was I'm 30. I'm 43 just come right on open. But I had turned 30 in March, and I was actually surprised about her reaction to, like, 33 0 it gets better because I built up in my head over the last, you know, like eight months or so, like no thirties air. Good, because I saw Belinda's reaction as more of a reaction being in your twenties because I have, like, I built myself up like, No, your twenties are crazy and it's not running. You got it right. You're running around and it's terrible. You're still figuring out how to be a person, and it's like, stressful and blonde. And in your thirties, things come down and you get more settled in your more confident And I've heard this from people do, like ever heard. That is a thing. So I was kind of like, Well, what are you saying? That it's just, like all terrible until medical,

spk_1:   1:30:57
You taking this away from

spk_0:   1:30:58
me? Okay, I thought I had it nailed. I thought I was good. I I think it's I mean and I'm saying that someone's 43 we know we have listeners who are older than that. I think every decade, obviously you have a new perspective and you know, they have to write you look, you just keep learning or shit like and you know what? It might depend on your outlook or you're kind of just general personality on your thoughts about aging. I don't think everybody loves the physical effects of getting older, but mentally I mean, there are certain things that I was like I wouldn't trade what I thought. At 25 I know even I would be certifiably figures. Yeah, And you know, when someone's listening to me at 43 ring like, Oh, you know what a baby, Right? And you realize, you know, there's that cliche about every age you are like you always look back. You're always the youngest you're ever gonna be. Oh, and you know, you look back like, you know, 10 years, you'll look back and you're like, Oh, my God, why did I think I was fat? Why did I think I was like, totally I looked great, like That's the best all ever look and I was delightful and interesting. Hey, and there is something that the fact that she blended feels so. It's like self assured and confident. And I mean, the priest is to some extent as well. But you know what Fleabag feels like. She's struggling and wants people to tell her what to do because he's making mistakes. I think it will reach a certain age where you're like life is about mistakes and you have already made the mistakes and you realize you didn't lose. Everything in life can end and the world didn't come to an end. Yeah, So you and you also as you get older, I think you more bad because bad things have happened to you. You appreciate good things more. And, you know, I bring up a lot, you know, losing my mom. I mean, obviously, that was a terrible event. And, um, would not wish that on anybody. Frankly, but it's happened to millions of people. Um, but at the same time, they're like, I almost wish I always had this fantasy sometimes of, like, you wish you could, like, go to God. Whoever be like we learned the lessons. Point taken, we got it. Our perspective is back our where our priorities are straight. So let's just undo that, right? It's all good now and we'll just move forward. And because even when Mom was sick, she would. She said it, like, totally changed her outlook about, like, her physical vanity. And, you know, just the blessing you that aging is a privilege that most people a lot of people never get to fulfill. So, you know, there's that idealistic point of view when someone's like another birthday and you're like, Yeah, like, congrats. Good on you. But I'm not unrealistic where it's like, Yeah, I look sometimes ago. My God is my neck not Why is it down there? You know, like I got boobs were supposed to be on your chest. Your stomach. So there are those elements were kind of like this part's not great. Um, but yeah, I insert all of which to say I like what I like here is her. I feel like the scene is filled with things you don't normally see on TV. One is a woman over 50 talking, talking? Yeah, in an intelligent way And is not the butt of a joke. Yeah, She's actually like amazing she's super cool and is giving the perspective that aging is better. Yes, being older is better and just speaking positively about menopause. It all torment menopause. And that's another twist where she was, it's the most. And we've heard every cliche about it being horrible and depressing and your dried up and your whatever. So the fact that she was the most wonderful thing I love end up pause, pause, right? It's almost like this building waiting for You're like, OK, I know. I know. It's terrible. Yeah, and that she comes back with it being like, phenomenal and that physically it is horrendous. But this idea that you're liberated from, she calls a glorious Yeah, like how wonderful you have that and that, Uh, yeah, and you're free. And you you're on a machine with parts and, you know, you could just be ah, person. I read this article one time. I honestly forget the details, but shoot, This woman was talking about how people think menopause is is the change like that's the thing that changed when in reality it's like being childbearing. Age is the crazy change because you've got hormones running around. You're like making all these decisions, You're frantic. You can, like, produce a child. It's nuts. And so then, like you go when menopause happens and you go back to just stability, not having hormones like Dr your life, huh? I think that's a really interesting way to think about it. One for women to so much of your child bearing years is am I gonna have a baby? Should I have a baby? Should have another baby. Am I out of time? Like there's that anxiety all the time about what those parts are gonna let you do And like, how long is the shop going to stay open? And I literally just for the first time two days ago, I had the thought Should I

spk_1:   1:35:53
freeze my eggs?

spk_0:   1:35:54
And I thought about it like, five years ago. But I was like, No, I don't have to do that, you know, like ever. But I think I got like, some instagram bad, and I was like, Oh, fuck, This is relevant now. Yeah, shit. And you have. It is amazing how you'll be kind of just tripping along and every day's the same. And then it is all of a sudden something kind of hits you and you know where you go to the doctor and they show you that fun chart that is like a like you're so after 30. But yeah, but but the anxiety over it And I think the freedom from that cause I remember, like you talk about turning 30. I basically went through, like, a nervous not quite a nervous breakdown, but I was really depressed when I turned 28 0 because it was like like basically my twenties air coming to an end. Yeah, and I'm going to do something in my twenties. I have to do it now. Remember, this was actually a male friend of mine when he was leaving his twenties. He's like, I What I don't like is that I'm moving past the age where if I achieve something great, I'd be called a Wonder kin Exceptional. Now it's just No, that's what you do. And I used to think that for a long time, cause like, right after college, friends of mine had started having kids, and I was like, Oh, they're starting so young. And then every time someone had a kid Oh, my God, They're starting So you have someone like No, People have kids around 30. That's what I'm That's what's happening to me. Now. I'm like,

spk_1:   1:37:10
Oh, my God,

spk_0:   1:37:10
You're pregnant. That's crazy. Oh, grown up. They do, I guess. Okay, this is what people do. And actually, this is rather late for right, historically, but it's fine. There's no rush. So there's some of that. And like when I turned 30 I almost was like, the sigh of relief. I won't have to worry about turning 30. I have that at 27. Yeah, because I was like, Oh, my God, I'm in my late 20. Yeah, yeah, Little late. I know thes years Dio hit you. Well, we were just saying that about what I was saying seeing Kristin Scott Thomas. Yeah. You know, you realize how years just start flying by Because not saying Oh, she looked She just did look older to me. I think she works more, Probably in the UK, But I made it. You were to say this to the thought, but I had not seen her. Sounds like the English Patient. Yeah, I mean, and then you start to go. Oh, my God. The patient was 25 years ago, I saw that that means that I am 25 years older than I was, you know, So it all this stuff catches up with you. But it's reassuring to see this portrayal that the advantage of getting older Oprah says this all the time, is that you do. You start to realize what's actually important, what's not. And there's Ah, there's a piece that comes with that. Yeah, absolutely. And I Yeah. Anyway, So this was like the best scene of all time wrapping that up. One thing I read this tweet by at my grain that said When Kristin Scott Thomas I know right? When Kristin Scott Thomas was announced for the season of fleabag, I naturally assumed she'd be playing God. Having watched that magnificent, magnificent, having watched that magnificent scene in the cocktail bar, I see no reason to revise my and I loved it. Yeah, I did want O doubt is that one thing that I think is interesting and we talked about this we first watched it is that Belinda has been waiting to share this information sort of signature because I haven't said this. I've been waiting like she's kind of like, you'll have to excuse me like I might just go right. And because so, you know, clearly she doesn't have a lot of close friends. We know she's single like she's. And maybe that starts on a plane. She travels all the time. Right? So it's all about work, work, work, work for her. Um but it does seem very I'm sort of like, led me to be like, yes. Must be so isolating, being a woman in an industry that still is run by men even now. When she was getting started, it was certainly run by men. Right? And I thought, and especially she had to come out as gay on top of that, Like, damn with a strong woman. Yeah. Wow. And we see that she doesn't connect to any of the people she works with, right? You know, they're just not her type, right? All right, then we're goingto go ahead and finish out because we just can't do justice to this. So we're gonna finish out this scene where she's telling you to get back to the party and flirt.

spk_1:   1:40:00
It is not a party until someone flirts with you on that. Anyone she thing about getting older is that people don't flat with you anymore. No, really. Not with danger. I miss walking into a room and not knowing there's a sort of energy Dare do know to take that for granted. There is nothing more exciting than a room full of people except most people. Walt, she is. Look at me. This people we've got, people are We've got to grab the night by its nipples and go with someone. No, that's no. Oh, I wish you were my type. You take this, talk back to my party and go and find someone actually do that with, you know? Fine. Honestly. Yeah. Call me Austin. I'm gonna get back to my room on, have one more martini, And if you need anything, tell me anything you can ever. You wanted your range except the best woman in business. It's just cause she's exhausted. 33 isn't exactly on what had Jesus done by 33. Tight. Exactly. So get out there and flirt.

spk_0:   1:41:36
Okay, also. Excellent. Let's just bask in that from you. So I it feels like a turn here where she's just talk about how we're talking about confidence she felt it was, like, so empowered women. And then she's like the real shit thing about getting older is people don't flirt with you anymore. But I didn't take it as it may be, this is also works for. It's not like, Oh, I'm not I don't feel worthy of being flirted with. It's that other people don't find me worthy to be too forward because they're judging me on this. That's my initial looks so much because you feel great. Oh, yeah, uh, I remember my mom made a comment, and when she was in her forties that she said a friend of hers had made this observation. My mom was starting to tell the story, and she goes, You know, the hard thing about being in your forties, I've noticed, is like, If I met the mall are from out, you know, you're just walking down the street and you just kind of become and her friend literally finish the sentence and she goes invisible was like Yes, like people don't turn and notice you. You don't see men look at you like there is something where you're just not, you know, blend and appealing option anymore you don't stand out. Yeah, it's almost like that. Do you see that inside Amy Schumer. Did you watch that? Yes. That sketch. What? It was like Tina Fey and Julia Louis Dreyfus at the picnic. Somebody it was ever celebrate their last fuckable day. It's almost like that. Where you and this is what fleabag has been terrifying right this way are addressing it. Specifically, her biggest fear is losing her sexual attractiveness. Yes, at least in season one. That was her biggest fear. So now she's kind of being told by someone like, Well, yeah, that actually is kind of true. But I think the overall take away from the scene is that it's okay. Yeah, you can actually still be phenomenal, because look at Belinda. She's incredible. She's incredible and still attractive and confident. And I felt like it. It came, you know, It really goes back to theme that that fleabag values or social capital over everything you know, she's doing so much. It must feel like blowing her fucking mind to talk to somebody so confident and an attractive as Belinda reassurance yet who who, like, recognizes that s devalued. And now she's living her life and just and it's okay in the fact that she doesn't want to have sex with her, right? You know, and I because it wasn't a rejection. I didn't see it. It's like it's you know, what a difference between this scene and like with two broken where he's like, Well, no, we're not gonna have sex. And she just was so like, No, why hurt fucking? Oh, yeah, And here it's like she's seeing that. Oh, as you get older, it's like, Yeah, you might not be a sexually attractive by traditional definitions, but it's not gonna matter. Yeah, you're you know, she's like she's at an age where she the fact of like having a quiet night to herself with a martini in a hotel room sounds just as appealing. Yes, and what is not more right, I think what's interesting about that, too, is that she talks about Belinda talks about like that buzz in the room of the excitement of being flirted with, and that's what she really likes. And when she's offered sex, you says no and that's goes really back to what fleabag first episode on the toilet. Talking about how she liked loves the drama of sex, of the intrigue in the diner. Like the energy. Yeah, but like, not so much the physical act of it, right? Like their kind. They both like, dig that, you know, electric feeling. Yeah, and then whatever. What happens next is just, you know, a side thing, right? Right, Right. And they're kind of past that at this point. Yeah. Yeah. And I thought to and she goes, you know, grab the night by its number, doesn't go flirt like, you know, she's kind of giving her advice, and I It made me think of that. Old. Remember that old song that was called it was called wear sunscreen. It was a Bosley Urban song. It was actually it was a guy just narrating a song. No, um, I should have cued it up, but it's It was based on a column. If you look it up, if you just look up, wear sunscreen or wear sunscreen speech. Um, it was this columnist the Chicago Tribune name, very chic. And this actually got forwarded around erroneously as a Kurt Vonnegut commencement speech. But it ran. It wasn't it was a speech. And it was this columnist, saying if she were to give a commencement speech, this is what she would give it. It was just kind of this laundry list of advice, and her thing was like wear sunscreen because actually, that's the only thing that's been proven. Yeah, everything else I want to tell you is just my own and a head stuff like, you know, live in New York once. But leave before it makes you hard and live in Northern California once. But leave before makes you saw him like Take care of your knees. Um, you get to know your parents like all these different things, and one of them was like be patient with people who give advice but like be wary of who's giving it and that this was lying, I always remember was Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth. So I to me that might be a long way to go to just say I think Berlin is kind of like That's what I miss about youth. Yeah, is that excitement of flirting with somebody and you have to go do it. Go do it. Yeah, if anything, go do it for me. And I think that's why. Another reason she rejects her because she knows she's not a good choice for flea bag in this moment. Yeah, and I even even though here she's just flirted with her and she's kind of trying to seduce her. I think there's a little bit of a motherly dynamic. You see that she misses having that older woman in her life who is giving her that constant perspective, really? So I think maybe it's even a little confusing for her that she's drawn to her for that. Totally. Yeah, that's yeah, I I saw that, too, because I like she's what? She's being warm and encouraging. And she's funky, like you think her mother probably like You know, we would like, sort of been characterized. Yeah, as you know, right? Just a lot of the qualities her mother's been described exactly, Belinda and bodies, um, I Let's see Well, the Jesus reference when she goes, you know you by 33 died? Yes. So get out there. This is I'm sure a stretch I probably hurt myself stretch into this one. But the idea that life is short and like Boo was probably around that time that she died. So but also and also, you know, religion, religion and hate. But I know a priest sort of pushing that. One thing I wanted to talk about is the people are all we've got thing, because that is just the theme of the show. Yeah, one of but a pretty central one. And also probably the one true statement in the history of mankind. Yeah, you think about humankind, e how money works of literature and art have been made about the fact that, like no man is an island, right? All we have are each other. All we have is each other, like human connection. It takes a village is a one. Yeah, exactly. And there's nothing else of the guaranteed. Like we're just co existing with these humans on this planet. We're all fucked up. We don't know. All we can do is be fucked up together and like, and it's annoying because people are annoying and they never do quite what you want them to do, right. But like we're the only things that are there. So you just have to make the best of it. And I like search. I always think it looks Arch says Hell is other people. And I think that flea bags has subscribed to this. Yeah, Tensy so far, she certainly used to be like her only friend was Boo right? They like hell was everybody else except for them on their little heaven island, right? And so that she didn't develop other relationships. Um, and now that she has to, she goes inside her head about it like she doesn't even reach out to other people. Right? Um and so I just think that that just I don't know what else is nice is like, There's nothing like having a hard time to realize how important people are in your life. Yeah, And that's also such a theme for her to to realize, OK, I have to go back with my family, have toe like this is where Claire is important to me, this is where I turn, and that's just, like, refreshing. And it it's it's heartwarming. It gives you it gets her fate. You see her, get her faith in people back a bit right, and this kind of underscores all that. And it's it's the cycle because if people have faith in you and they show you forgiveness, then you will show and you kind of start you get in the cycle where you realize, and this is going back to burn a brown who is, if you know in that recognizing vulnerability and recognizing imperfection. If you kind of grant that grace to other people than you, if you grant it to yourself first, you'll grant it to other people, and you start to realize that a lot of the things you may be the things that annoy you or make you angry about other people a lot of times it's because they're exhibiting traits that you don't know. And so the more you can kind of realize that if you could give them the benefit of the doubt, assume positive intent and that that's gonna end up being more wholehearted for you. She's got a great metaphor, though, because her 0.2 is that you has to be the right people. You don't just walk up to a total stranger and be like, Hey, here's a soul, my vulnerable inner parts of me, The wiki that finished to that. But she has this analogy of the marble jar. And you talked. Talked about the idea. Yeah, and how you know, people are doing good things. They're putting more and more marbles in, and then they take a few out, you know, And so someone like Claire, her sister, has a lot of marbles in the jar, you know, and fleabag does, too. And so they the more they realise they have to kind of forgive each other the and then forgive themselves. Yeah, because there's more good marbles and bad forgiveness. Keep saying that It's the whole thing. We also another British ism. We had to look, I had to watch us with the captions. Yeah, it can't be our state out. It took us, like for listen to it four times and then allons like, just turn on the captions. And then we were like, Well, not with that. Exactly. I looked it up and I asked you, and we were like, I can't be bothered. Yes, please. I can't be bothered, I think which is what I thought was kind of an interesting response because some of it, but it's like getting off your ass to do something. So it's like, Why can't be ours? Yeah, like, I'm not gonna put in the effort to write off my ass to do that. So the fact that that's her response to just, like, exhausting I'm tired. That's nine. I take it or leave. It really can't be borrowing binge Netflix. Yeah. Uh, so another fun expression we've picked up. Yeah. All right. Now. Yeah. All right. Now we're gonna go to another clip because it's just so much better to hear them say it. So now fleabag comes back and joins Claire in her gigantic office. It's huge.

spk_1:   1:52:15
You, Uh oh. Hi. You might be smoking Finland. Ah, no, I just something if you think Go ahead on. Belinda gave me her card. That's great. What? She's furious. Ready? Yes. It was a great night. Everything went smoothly in the end. And if one loved the counter pace. Really? I'm a dead woman. Really? Yes. Really? Yes. It was a great night. She's gonna blow. I just have a feeling I would have come up with my own joke if you hadn't put that one in my head. I have my own jokes. I am funny. I am interesting. I knew I should have brought you here. What do you mean? Interesting? You just think you can do whatever you like. Say one of you, like steal. What have you like? Kiss whoever you like. He kissed. May I know, you know, then what remains, But because you're going, you'll always be fine. You'll always be interesting with your quirky cafe and a dead best friend. You just make me feel like I failed. If you mention the size of my office, I will scream. I just thought we were hanging out. Just his friends. We're not friends. We are sisters. Get your own friends.

spk_0:   1:53:45
Ouch. Wolf. A little chilly in here. So she went from Don't talk to Belinda to hearing Bloody gave me her card. I charmed her. Yeah, I win. Right? And we get the sense that probably clear does not have Belinda's card. Not too late. Caller. Whenever she feels like. No, I mean, I think that's all it's like. This was a building. This this got built up like there was a lot of steps till Claire got to this point. Like Klare with a K left. It's Lee bags joke. And she has, you know, Fleet Fighting Flea Bag has a successful cafe, and she's not stressed out. And the canopies were actually good. And the meeting with hot misogynists didn't make clear fields attractive issue because her hair wasn't quick trade and he wanted flea bags number. Yeah, exactly. And so that's just sort of like the last straw. Like everything helps build her conclusion that fleabag is everything. It clears the boring one. And you could tell. I mean, I'm sure that's also rooted in their childhood, and it goes, are back. And I do everything right by the book. Exactly. And I work hard and you just skid by escape by and everything just works out for you, right? And you found some good quotes again by our friend Allie paper in Vulture said So yet is the big. The huge reveal is that Claire knows right fleabag didn't kiss Martin. She believed her from the beginning. And so I loved what Ali Pape said is she manufactured their year long rift entirely out of jealousy. Bond like boom like, because because you really you have to wonder and fleabag assets to then she's like Then why? Why didn't why have I been alone? Yeah,

spk_1:   1:55:22
why have I been

spk_0:   1:55:23
alone? If you knew this wasn't even my fault, right? And that also that, like that just kind of sucks in general, that's like something I think that happens with women and relationships is the women do not get believed, but that's a whole other thing. But I do. What Ali paper also said is like Claire wants the freedom to be like fleabag, successfully fumbling through what she sees a charmed life. While Claire must carefully plan everything, she has her own petty jealousies and crushes. But she's always had to be the adult in the room, even the slightest grass but harnessing flea bags, wildness like stealing her office joke about 40 photocopier groping feels like theft. Like she can't own that. She can't even take that. And that's just I don't know. That's what's been interesting. Interesting revelation. Yeah, and makes me wonder what Martin said to her between episodes five and six because she went from the end of Episode five and season one saying like I'm leaving him, I don't have taken Finland. I'm giving you the money for your cafe and I've stolen the statue like she was just everything Fleabag wanted her to be in that moment. Obviously, she went home to Martin. Something happened, and she shows up with this exhibition like, Nope, where together? And I believe him and peace out. Like so I some he did something and, you know, I talked to Alan about and he said he must have done some version of this speech he did does at the end of this season. But it worked, you know, and probably spun it as like, your sister is a terrible influence on you. You're never as happy when she's around and, like, called out all the things that superficially are true because Claire does get riled up by flea bag. But it's because Fleabag calls her on her bullshit and makes her realize she is not happy. So the more she ultimately good. But yeah, she gets what she needs. And it's more Rayburn a brown cracking through the armor stuff, Yes, but that if fleabag is not around, she could go back to pretending. Everything's so totally like every I mean with every other character to write so it was easier for her to just believe that she can still just skate along better without flea bag and that fleabag has bounced back from she doesn't have. Claire doesn't have bad things to have been resilient toward overcome, overcome, but Fleabag has. So her life's shitty anyway. She's practiced, right? So let her just deal with this. She's better at it than I am. Yeah, and I liked what you said when you know when Claire says you just make me feel like I failed right back to burn A Yeah, because on the surface she has not failed. She's a successful as you could be on paper, right? But she talks a lot about like that when you come to chase all these external validators of your worth. Yeah, and had a lot of people. Yeah, that people who have self worth actually just give themselves permission to have it. Yeah, they just have it in eight. Lee. Yes, or they have. You know, it's been nurtured in them or whatever. When we talk about podcast, we talk about that shepherd a lot. Who's also flee back Fan who we would Dax. Yeah, I hate to have to have you on the show. Uh, but he has the ring. Kristen. So Dax Shepard has a podcast called armchair expert, but he talks a lot about he himself, a cz. He was just starting in Hollywood because the more you think, Oh, I'm unhappy because I don't have a job or I'm happy because I don't have a spouse or I'm unhappy because I don't have this amazing house or whatever and that if I get that, then I'll be happy. So, like someone like Claire, it's like, Well, once I become a, you know, senior vice president. Unless I have this massive office, I'll be happy, and I'm not. So it's something. There's something different that's missing, whereas fleabag kind of is a little, has this more free spirit and kind of takes life as it comes. And because of that, she is more resilient and has a little more success in terms of her own, like happiness in her personality and living this kind of wellness, like living an interesting life because she's kind of just open to adventure and whatever, it's not trying to control it all. Exactly. The more you try to control it, the more you're going to struggle. Yep. And versus because you can't You can't control control. The only thing I'm gonna have control is your reaction to something. Exactly. And so if you react to it by letting it hit you and going through it and feeling your feelings, then you're gonna come out better on the end. But if you're, like, clear, you just keep bottling it up, burying it. And I've just basically never been better, right? I know on the priest knows that's not Then you're just gonna be constantly you're gonna feel like you're failing because something is still not there. Yeah, totally. Whereas fleabag has the opposite point of view and is like, you have everything people would want, you are successful. And so when she brings up her office, that is the wrong note to hit with Claire. Because Claire knows she's got a big yes, but she also knows she's really unhappy. Oh, yeah, Yeah. I hope I did burn a burr on justice. There. Sounded beautiful to me. All right, so now we're gonna go to another clip of Oh, I think the fact to sew her harsh line about I'll get your knots. We're not friends. We're sisters. Go get your own friends That you'd allied paper today. Alec had another solid line, and she said Fleabag lives in a world of potential best friends. So Claire will refuse to be anything more than her sister in Claire's eyes and click. Yeah, in Claire's eyes. Because fleabag just charming and she gets out. She's just friends with everybody. She had a whole nice drink with Belinda. Got her card blah, blah. So Claire is like, No, I'm not gonna, like give you this easy thing like you. You don't have to work that hard. Go get it yourself, right? Like I'm not giving you this. You don't need this. Not that. Really. That was interesting to me. Yeah, I think the harshness of that interaction also then, is what propels flee back to go to the priests. Oh, for sure to go to the church because that she sees potentially even a friend, I think, beyond being attracted to him. Yeah, but there's a connection that is right. Yeah, she's She needs somebody she connects with. Yeah, um, and so up sheet, you know, here she shows up knocking on the doors into them. Connect.

spk_1:   2:1:38
Yeah. Oh, sorry. I don't have your number. And it doesn't come out any time with you and see you. Sure. I just This is a bit embarrassing, but recently have really enjoyed going to bed at 9 30 0 shit. Well, it's fine. I could see GMT. Are you okay? Yeah. Yeah, I just fancied a drink and a priest and a job. Maybe. Don't. That's my job. We'll have to be quiet, though. Because partners Bit of a sad tyrant things. Papa loves it here. So I beg you, beg. Okay, let's go. Some great toys. True. I just I couldn't help it. I just want to little inconsistent. Okay, Sure. So the world is made in seven days on on the first day light came on in a few days later, the sun came. Get this ridiculous. Thank you. Receive that fact. It's poetry. Its moral code. It's for interpretation. Was working God's plan for us. What's going on for you? I believe God meant for me to love people and differently. I believe I'm supposed to love people as a father. We can make that a father of many. I'll go up to three smoke t then. Okay. To

spk_0:   2:3:13
Ah, OK, lot happening here. Yes, uh, verse of all he's so excited to see. I know. And he's wearing a little Buffalo Bill T shirt. I don't know why that amuses me. It's just you. And also the fact that who doesn't love someone who appreciates a good night saying that he goes to and the going to bed at 9 30 because it's a little bit embarrassing, he says he enjoys it. It's also a little sign of loneliness of like delivery. Got nothing else to do so as well. I'm talking about feeling refreshed. Yeah, Uh, all right. Where do you want to start? So I I feel like there's a lot leading her to go to him, and there's different factors, but I feel like she feels very rejected by Claire. She's learned that Claire believes there. Martin didn't concern but Claire still angry. So she's like, Why have I have been alone and miserable for the last year? Great. So she's gonna go. So part of me was like, Okay, she's gonna go back to old pattern because she's desperate and she's really pissed off and she's she's upset because then what's the whole point of all of her hurt? Like the whole year, you know? And so I think that could lead you into going back to old patterns and just seeking out sex, or at least that feeling that, like Belinda was talking about where there's, like the electricity, that buzz in the air, um, which there definitely is code for sure, even you could just watch it. But on the other hand, I think there's also she knows, that the priest in her have a connection like we're talking about. And so in some ways it's like good self care girl like Wait a Goto, a comforting, like, supportive figure who you want, but but who's very supportive, you know, because if she was falling into old habits, she would go find a stranger true and just have anonymous group. So we think she is feeling that emotional connection, and it is a vulnerable moment to like, because I think she also knows she's very likely to get hurt by him just in the fact that he is unavailable to her. Oh, totally. And even if down deep, she's hoping, and we're all hoping that might change and he might have, Ah, big life change for her. But I think she knows there's a good chance this is gonna hurt. But she's still gonna go for it because the benefit of that connection with him is stronger than that. And Belinda did tell her to go do it. Just have that night by the nipple. The nipples have been grabbed only, I thought. Also so cute. How happy the Priestess, Caesar and what is cute, too. He has these childlike moments because like there's not sexual at all. No, it's not like Come on, Like that's my sexy voice. Everybody made amazing. I have to explain that to you. It's amazing. Well, Mariel it then, but that giddy and like. He waives her in, and it's like I said, he's about to have a have a sleepover, but not the adult kind. Exactly like it's like big guys like jumping. I get to be on top like it is very sweet and innocent, and we know how lonely he is. And it's so have end the fact that Pam lives. There was a bit of a sound tie

spk_1:   2:6:20
in the evenings

spk_0:   2:6:21
that I mean, I would think he's her boss. No. Yeah, but But she's scared of her. She lives. She lives there. And you would think there b f f's and yet hang out together. We're not at all. She's not. Hang out and drink G and T's kind of guy, although speaking of the GMT is what I did find interesting is that when she's like, you know, I just fancied a chat and a and a priest and, you know, a drink. He's like, Oh, that's home. That's my job. Like considers drinking part of the job. And we know there's alcohol issues. Child of alcoholics, that whole thing. But he's right. He liked built that right, And he was like, Oh, yeah, that's what I do, Okay, Won't even calls. That is like, Oh, I see the GMT is like, Yeah, yeah, there they are like, Oh, well, you have to come in because you did bring those. Let's get those go. I know, I know. Yeah, And where else? What else to do? Well, what I would like to add okay with the Bible consistencies thing. Um, when you talk about like the world was made in seven days and light came before the sun. Yeah, and I was like, Yeah,

spk_1:   2:7:22
what's up with that?

spk_0:   2:7:24
Did you look something up? I didn't my know it all husband who actually just, like, really like space go university stuff. He was like, Well, actually, actually, really, um, light did come before the sun because our son is a relatively young star. Son is four billion years old, but the universe is 12 university. You need the universe. The universe is 12 billion years old, according to best estimate. So it actually makes sense that if you think of it like that, you're thinking it's very like, Oh, are more solar system is the only one. Yeah, but no, there's stars. There's others like light mimics out there. Okay, So and that's definitely what the people that were writing the Bible. That's what they say. If you're a literal if you believe the Bible literally that the earth is only 6000 years old. Truth. So so you know, Gotcha. Just if you're late enough. Well, my favorite thing one of my favorite things about the priest is that he is always a step ahead of her, and she I think feels like I'm gonna get you with all these inconsistencies. He's like, Bring it on. Yeah, here we go. You know, just say it. I'm ready. Yeah, and and then his answer is just like of course, it's not literal. Yeah, like love that. Yeah, like its poetry and its its And I mean, there are definitely fundamentalists, but I think most people do see it as a metaphor. And he least that's how he's taking it, like moral code. I love that. It's just a example of how to be in things to keep in mind, right? I thought that was very refreshing. Yeah, it's guidance. It's not Emmanuel, right? Exactly. And I think right, especially that story about what, Mike was that not a manual. Okay, good. All right. I also find it kind of charming and revealing when she said, What's God's plan for you? His voice kind of goes down and gets a little softer, and he kind of like, I feel like he kind of rumbles through this like I meant to of people is no father like he just kind of we'll get through it. Yeah, and maybe he's not entirely. And this is probably what he has been struggling with these past few days after realizing he's attracted to her. And he's almost like sheepish to come out and say it in front of her because he's maybe not believing it 100% right now. Yeah, like he's telling himself. Yeah, too. And not very convincingly. Yeah, and this feels like the most direct now that they are flirting where she calls out, like, let's have kids Thio And he just rolls with it, too. Yeah, and they're you know, it's a flirt where they're definitely moving on to like, Okay, we obviously are a man and a woman, and we are in this room together, and we're interested in each other. And I like that because they've been having this conversation the whole time. Yeah, like through you know, not so many words, but like the whole time, their relationship has sort of been like Are you attracted to me? Oh, we're a We're your You feel this. I feel this like it's very back and forth and, like, sort of twitter on there. I kind of way. And I was thinking that Maur thinking back on when she first shows up at the church, and he after he gets flustered. And obviously, But when he sees when he goes, Hello? Yeah, that he made. Probably when he gave her the address, assumed he would not see her again on, and certainly she was under no obligation to show up. And the fact that she did is like a signal to him of, like, Okay, she's not completely dismissing me. Yeah. So, uh, when he sees her is like, Hello? Almost like you came. Yeah, I That tells me something about you. Oh, she's It's totally it's she's admitting, like I'm interested, right? Um and not just the words of Christ. Um, I That's what When she says, Like, what we can arrange that for the that it just was like, satisfying. It's kind of thank you for just addressing the ship's yes, um, the night you're finally having this conversation right? Addressing the celibacy in the room? Yes. Then All right. So now we, uh, hear from Pam, who is not happy.

spk_1:   2:11:27
Oh, shit. You know, happy. I think I should become a Catholic know. Don't you that I like that you believe in a meaningless existence, and you're good for me. You make me question my faith. And I've never felt closer to God. He was our It wasn't a fox with it. I think I was in a fox showing something. Oh, God, about it's a fox up in. Funny folks have been after me for years. It's like to have a pact or something. I'm not king. I was on a toilet, a toilet of a train on when the train stopped, a fucking fox tried to get through the window of a train. Its face was in the window on once when I was at a monastery, I woke up just feeling a bit weird. Like that would be a fox about on a fox was sitting on your needs, my window looking at me like this, pointing at me like you or watching you were having you lucky. Good. Got that? Yeah. You could be a folks boy. By now we will know what happened to them.

spk_0:   2:12:32
A box boy Fox, One of the dreaded fox boy. So I feel like that little exchange, amigos. We're having you. I feel a tiny bit of sexual overtone there. Yeah, but then when she was lucky God, get their first. It's a little like is it God, or is it me like, was it gonna be a Fox boy? Even if there was a choice, there was two different things so we could delve into deep about the meaning of the fox vulture did a really good breakdown of like what it could mean. Yeah, even getting into, like some of those past events he describes that basically is the priest representing like sexual temptation and that, you know he's describing begin to the plot of a train. It's like, What was he doing in the alone in the toilet of a train? Go to the bathroom? I don't know. But that implying he could have been doing something else. And then, you know, if he's in a bedroom in a monastery. Maybe something was happening there that the fox showed up. Yeah, that's a lot of speculation, if you you know what, But when you want somebody to be true, right, you just say it. You know, sometimes the words on a podcast. Uh and then you know, the the idea that they're out in the garden. One has said, like a garden eating kind of temptation thing here, but yeah, this first instance of the Fox kind of comes up when he's saying, like, I've never felt closer to God, you fuck you And they share a laugh on. And it's a little bit of a moment. And I think that's like this first rustling. Yeah, like, Nope. Remember me? I'm your baggage. Just a reminder. Like something's happening here. Yeah. So Inter alert alert. Exactly. Yeah. You know, he says you should become a Catholic is like, No, you're good for me. I

spk_1:   2:14:09
thought that was

spk_0:   2:14:09
good, because you make me question my faith, and it's like, you can say that about just like, Oh, because you're an atheist. But also, it's because you're making me question my face. Yes. You're making me question is all of my life choices right now, right? And one thing I thought also is interesting. Is that, like, one of the downsides of having the church tell him what to do in control him and, you know, take over those decisions of his life means you gotta live with Pam. Sound tyrant, like your life is not your own. When you get you know, like when you give up control of your life. Then, of course, give up. Control your life. There's it's easier. But there are downsides. Yes, every every path has. The downside has a downside. I think, uh, I think he should have won an Emmy just for I woke up just feeling a bit weird. Like there might be a fox ago. I love it. I Even when I knew the Emmy nominations were coming, I imagine this being the clip they showed in the ceremony was like, I was gonna be so great, they're gonna show this Fox slip. I was gonna love it. No, they didn't show any clips today. They did of the supporting for some reason. Okay. I don't know why they didn't do it for lead. It was weird. We keeping you up? Yeah, Slightly yawning. It's fine. Wine definitely wasn't the line looking wine anyway. All right, so now, uh, he comes back after seeing this part, figuring out stuff, the fox situation.

spk_1:   2:15:36
Okay, Okay. You're going blind because the folks seeing because of the God thing, you're obsessed. But there. Do you have doubts? Yes, of course. Every day is part of the deal. I just don't think I could do it. Especially the what? Cenovus? What's a working for about Oh, sorry. What they want from me. So are you celibacy go.

spk_0:   2:16:16
Okay. I'm gonna stop it here. Yeah, that I was gonna suggest that because he sits down closer to her each time. Yeah. Some people think that's manipulative and that he is playing this little game about the fox. Oh, I think there's a way to squeeze. I think

spk_1:   2:16:32
closer. He's scared of fucks. Yeah, he's just a what? This voices.

spk_0:   2:16:39
Yeah. Then that little linger before she says celibacy. Like they won't know what she's about to say. She has to say it. Yeah, vulture. They did that collection of, like, the horniest gifts from sleep. And must they even said they're, like about a little eye fucking before a CZ. We sit and talk. Yeah, and then she assumes she says, celibacy that fox Russell's again, like it's like I'm cute. Not so, uh, under the radar. Yeah, and I love the direction here where it switches to a handheld when he's running around about the fox because and we don't see it a lot in this in the whole show and I think it really plays into that chaos in his head of like, Everything's just kind of off balance. Yeah, and the fondled, jumbled And whatever you think the fox symbolizes, he is just not thinking straight. Yeah, and the celibacy discussion he has had that he is ready for this. Yeah, She thinks she's saying something like kind of shockingly Oh, you know, let's talk about some of this and he's just like, Yep. Looks like you don't think this is what I've been thinking about it nonstop since the moment I met you. Are you kidding? I'm a priest. I think about celibacy. Yeah, every single day and later we learn in a minute. Why, like that's one of the big reasons he is a priest, Right? Because sex got too complicated, right? So yes, So let's hear that part of the conversation.

spk_1:   2:18:00
I just I couldn't give up sex forever. Let's just do two. Celibacy is a lot less complicated romantic relationships. What if you meet someone you like? A tall country can laugh and give them Bibles and hope that eventually leave me alone. What if you meet someone you love? What kind of sex I know that's what you think you want from me. But it's not. It won't bring any goods. I've been there many times before. I find this many, many times. How many sons? Many.

spk_0:   2:19:02
Okay, he doesn't want to open up to much to her. No, but we're hearing a little more about his past. Yes, in that. And it's kind of a lot. Actually, it's Yeah. I mean, he doesn't want to get too specific, but it lets her know that you I've been down this road, too, and I kind of like that. It means like she doesn't have the upper hand on him sexually. No early. She's not like she's not the only like, you know he's not. He's like, virginal. Yeah, right. Like, Oh, I'm so taken by your sexual prowess, right? But yeah, the and hurt interest in wanting to know how many times she's like, Oh, how like me are you totally. And also like, sort of adjust? What's your number? Yeah, exactly. Exactly like kind of just feeling that out well, and I think her ed, I find it funny that he catches her off guard by just saying coming right out, saying like we're not gonna have said no. I don't know if she thinks she's seducing him with this. Like, Well, what do you do with someone you like, Right. Which he? What's your answer? Going to be? The And he basically told her I like you because he describes everything he just did with her. Like I laugh and talk and drink and give them Bibles and hope they leave me alone. Because if if you left me alone, this would all be decided for me, which I took very literally. Allie was like,

spk_1:   2:20:23
I was like, Well, that means that's why he doesn't be friends.

spk_0:   2:20:26
He just wants people to go away

spk_1:   2:20:28
hoping they fade away. Well, uh, but But

spk_0:   2:20:32
he's handed up rivals all these people. How does everybody? But I guess that's that. Just mean that just like no one's trying to pursue. You must be running babbles. But then that means no one's really trying to pursue a relationship with him at all. Yeah, he I think I think it's just it's okay. It's just his way of saying like I do like you. Yeah, but and then when she pushes it further of like, what if it's someone you love and noticed. He doesn't say like, Oh, we're not in love. He is just like he doesn't say. I don't know implies like I do, but we're not gonna have that. He goes right to the physical. Yeah, and and the fact when he goes you enough, no good will come out of it. So that plays into a lot of things where, I mean, that's the reason she gave up sex for a year or whatever. But to tell the therapist not, you know, I didn't bring anything good. Exactly. And in fact, brought actively brought back. Yes. And also, in a way, if he thinks podcast to be called in a way because I say it all the time. But if they hadn't had sex, could they have still stayed in each other's lives? I mean, I think it was a natural progression. They weren't. Yeah, I think they just know that attention would have just had to call me. Had to call me at some point. But in a way, it was It did kind of mark, like the end of their relationship. Totally. But e I don't know. Yeah, well, I'm what I liked what you said is that, like he knows that she which because he knows her, he can see her. And he knows that what she needs is an emotional connection and not not the physical. He also thinks at this point, she just had a miscarriage heat. If you look through it with that lens, that is an interesting ones. Yeah, maybe she's not in a position where this is what she needs in her life. And even the fact that she's interested in him might imply that like she does. Yeah. Trying to get over the Yeah, that's a lot of time. There might also be a little bit with him of I'm not gonna be another like conquest of yours. I'm not your like sex project that this puzzle you're going to figure out yes, and maybe is also telling himself like we're not going. I think a lot of it is. I think he really he he feels so good about himself telling her we're not gonna have sex. I've decided Well, uh, like it's like she says we won't last a week. That's it. Yeah, acknowledging it, they're letting it. It's gonna just came to mind is khakis comment about when Claire and Martin at the dinner talk about how they've stopped drinking? They just feel so much better and have so much more energy. And she's like smugness of like people who think they figured it out yet. I'm not saying he's being smug, but he's heavily being like the wiser figure. I'm wise. Yes, I have learned this. And trust me, I have decided right, this is me bestowing my experience and wisdom on you exactly again. He's not being condescending about, but there is a little bit of even though we later he obviously doesn't have figured it out, you know? So I also think when you know when he goes many times and we learned that we learn sort of why he's with the church and me. His informed his decision to make this life choice and also shows us how similar they are. Um, I don't know. It makes me think I go back and forth. I can never decide if he's weak or strong for giving his all to the church, and I think it's it's probably both. I think that's just like the human condition, But it does make. You're like, OK, are you weak because you just decided to, like, literally let go and let God right? Or you strong Because you've made a decision that you know is right for you And you live a healthy life that way, and you move on. Like what? What's better? Taking control, taking, um, like, agency move of your life or just finding something that works? Yeah. Don't Even it might not be ones good ones bad. They're just different, but one with maybe a The time he made that decision he was in a place of, like, I just need something that had to tell me what to down. This is all this is as good an option is any. Yeah, And the strength comes in staying there. Yeah, going through something committees and commit and being tested in a way like this, because, yeah, he could easily just turn his back on it. Yeah, um, yeah, e. I think it just shows Everybody's got their way to deal with something totally and yeah, and he chose this. And, um, we need, I believe when he says he's found peace in it. Yeah. I mean, you and So I think it's in there. We'll get into this with the next episode with the whole confessional scene. Yeah, well, the idea of kind of the vulnerability of just acknowledging a higher power to yourself that that you can't control everything and that once you kind of give into that, that's where you start to actually have a little more agency over your life because you're not trying to control everything. Yeah, uh, when you surf the waves instead of fight them nice, that's that's my That's my jam. Okay, so let's go ahead and finish this. This is my favorite scene, but this'll whole. This whole part is my favorite scene of the show.

spk_1:   2:25:31
I'd really like to be your friend. Let's be your friend too. Lost a week. What was that? What? Where'd you just go? What? It is one sword there. Good. No. Okay, Theo.

spk_0:   2:26:21
Good note to end on. Yes. Where they see the fox? Yes. Throughout this whole scene, we have more of that lingering editing. Yeah, and that lull between I mean, we played the clip separate, but every says many. And, um and then there's just this law and she how I think she does Look at us and then before he says I really like to be your friend and the fact that we're just feeling all of these beets and all of these awkward were there with them silences. It's more that intimacy that makes us so connected to both of them. Totally. I What I love is when he says, like, we I just I'd really like to be your friend. That's a recipe for dessert. I mean, immediately, you're like, all right, you're fucked looking literally because he can't because he can't just let her go. He has to be friends with her, and neither of them have any friends. So this is actually a really big deal for both of them. Yeah, but now she knows that he doesn't want a letter not be in his life. And he knows what? What? He's going to D'oh! Just like the therapist said, You're you know, everybody knows what they're gonna d'oh, right? Like I think I I saw that from her perspective as her being like, Oh, he's okay. He's really he's got it. He's mine. Oh, like he knows what he's gonna dio. He said we're gonna be friends, OK? He wants me to be in his life. That means he's along this path of us. But then when she says will last a week. Yeah, I took that to mean like this. We can't just be friends. Oh, I thought you were gonna have sex in a week. Oh, I thought that men will let our friendship will last a week. Interesting. In that along a moment. I thought you meant like this. A Latin Okay. Yeah. Way more sense. No, I thought that was like, No, we're gonna jump each other in a week. Oh, okay. I guess I thought it was like, Well, last a week in this will fizzle out, maybe. Okay, that makes way more sense on. And I feel

spk_1:   2:28:16
so No, it's open to interpretation. I think

spk_0:   2:28:20
it is. Yeah, that Okay, now I'm with it. Is the sexiest friends. Oh, never. I mean, yeah, I Yeah. So then the moment that turns everybody's head or jumped as when she says to us will last a week and he goes, What was that? I literally moved closer on my couch. I jumped back because I'm exposed. He saw me. He slides you knows I'm here. It was so I had a quick moment where I thought I was. This gonna be a gimmick where he was like, Who are you talking to like that? He actually heard what she said, but it's not. It's he just sees her disengage, and he and we know because we've seen, you know, he's she's been in his sight line before and done it, so he's probably started to notice it. Yeah, this was notices her. He really actually is present with her. Yes. And the fact that in this moment in this whole idea of the turning this fourth wall thing on its head like this, Yes. Phoebe has said this was kind of when she figured out what season two was gonna be because she had thought in season one, this fourth wall was gonna was kind of like, But by the end, when it's revealed what she's done, that we've lost her, she's lost us. We've lost trust in her. She's disappointed us, whatever, and in a way, like she's betrayed us because she's presented this image of who she was. And then we find out. So she kind of was like Why would they be back with me for another season? So when she came up with this angle of like, what if somebody else sees it? And it's somebody who she's in love with like that Really? I think Got the wheels turn, huh? I mean, it works. Yeah, and it's honestly more intimate than if they had started kissing. Oh, yeah, because we're part of it, were part of it. And it's the emotional intimacy of him really truly seeing her versus just another person to Yes. And what I like is that they're just like sitting in there. She's just sitting in silence for a second. So it's not like she's, like, talking and then stops and turns to us, eh? So he he knows the difference between her sitting in silence, engaged with him and her sitting in silence, engaged with us, right? And that that you really are you paying attention to that? A Imagine? Yeah, we really tuned in. Yeah, that was really That was a really special moment. I feel like because it just was like because we're part of we've been watching. And then all of a sudden we were in it. Yeah, like that. Yeah, that was a magical. It changed him as a character. It changed their dynamic. It was just magical. It was probably maybe one of the best moments of television. Oh, this year. Totally. Then also, there's no judgment in his tone. It's genuine curiosity. And I I felt like he's asking, like, where did you just go without taking me? Like I want to be where you are, right? So I don't Where did you Why did you go away from me? Yeah, it's a little not quite selfish, but no, he wants me part of it cause he said he likes her. Yeah, he wants to do what she does. She does and recognizes that she is using this kind of defence mechanism to disengage for moments. That might be tough. Yeah. Yeah. Even though he's somebody who believes in God and who prays, So get in a way, kind of has his own quote unquote like invisible friend. He talks too, right? So maybe that's also another reason he sees that she is not present, right? What I also liked is that here's my here's my theory, but she she talks to us and he notices. And I think what if that made him fall even more in love with her? And then we get the fox. Oh, right. So, like, immediately, he kind of falls a little bit harder Fox time. Really? There she sees it to the fox. She sees it too, which is a low, interesting. Yes. Uh, the punctuation that of that moment is perfect. And have you heard the behind the scene story where I guess they were offered, like, a visual cue for, like, whereto have their eye line and for timing. And I guess they were like, No, we'll just kind of wing it. And like, every take, they were in perfect sync, which is just cause these two are pros and and totally present with each other. And that's Yeah, that's actually that's really amazing to just randomly Yeah, they both reacted that Have that in a sense of timing. Of what? This is when we should do it. And then the editing Gary donor like, it's such a good it just cuts it off. Right, Gino? Yes, because so you're still startled, like with them? Yeah, and then it's gone. And they were into the wrong Yeah, because the curies what played when she showed up at the the decided to go right to that says, Yeah. Yeah. And now we're back. Kind of back to this, like, rock. Like, Whoa. Yeah. Uh, it's every episode of the season just gets better and better. And, uh, yeah, well, that wraps up. We've been talking about it for three hours. Almost sober. Now, I like that. It's taking us as long to talk about a single episode as it would take to watch. All six of isn't too. Yep, That's our goal. I have nothing to say about that's expected expansion. Welcome. Ready? Yeah. So thanks for hanging in with us for the this. Ah, this'll very detailed discussion, but it's more. That's why we're all here. Yeah, right. Yeah. All right. We'll be back next week to talk about episode four or five. Things start cranking. You think this was long? There's so much to talk about. But in the meantime, in the meantime, you can find us on our website at flea bag podcast dot com. If you would like to leave us a voicemail that we may play in a future episode, you could do that on our website as well. Totally free. Just like leaving a void. Like making a voice recording on your phone. Um, we're on instagram at flea bag situation podcast. You can find our Facebook group just search for the fleabag situation. Um, and we're at twit. We're on Twitter at fleabag podcast. And you could also email us at the fleabag situation at gmail dot com and totally make our days because it's just, like, really, really delightful to hear from you. And I think this episode has a lot of things that are open to interpretation. No, Tell us. I would love to hear alternate theories or things we missed or vehement disagreements. Yes, What it is what it really is. A TEM Bhola. What was last episode? That was a correction for episode. Just kidding are correct. It's time to sign off. Get a strong cup of coffee and a bedtime. Uh, yeah. We've missed our bedtime of 9 30 All right, Thanks, Allie. Thanks, Christy. You guys see you all next week. Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 99 where sunscreen If I could offer you only one tip for the future sunscreen would be. Yet a long term. Benefits of sunscreen have be improved by scientists. Where is the rest of my advice? Has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience? I will dispense this advice now. Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they faded. Trust me, 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself. Call in a way you can't grasp now. How much possibility lady for you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you Imagine.

spk_1:   2:36:15
Don't worry about the future or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. Riel Troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind kind that blindsides you at 4 p.m. On some idle Tuesday. Do one thing every day. That scares saying, Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours Flaws. Don't waste your time on jealous. Sometimes you're ahead. Sometimes you're beyond Race is long. In the end, Tony with yourself remember compliments you received. Forget the insults. You succeeded in doing this. Tell me. Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements. Stretch. Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. Most interesting people I know didn't know what 22 that they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't get plenty of counsel. He kind of needs you miss them. Maybe you'll

spk_0:   2:37:39
marry. Maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have Children. Maybe you won't, baby, you'll divorce it. 40. Maybe you'll dance the funky chicken under 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself. Either your choices or half a chance. So are everybody else's. Enjoy your

spk_1:   2:38:01
body. Use it every way you can be afraid of it or what other people think of it is the greatest instrument you'll ever dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own little. Read the directions even if you don't follow them. Not three beauty magazines.

spk_0:   2:38:20
They will only make you feel ugly.

spk_1:   2:38:29
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be God's good. Nice to your siblings. Air your best link to your past people most likely to stick future. I understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few, she told on work hard to bridge gaps in geography and lifestyle. The older you get more, you need people of new. I live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard live in Northern California once. But leave before it makes you soft travel. Accept certain in a legal truths. Prices will rise. Politicians will flatter you. Two will get over. And when you do, you fantasize that when you were young, prices reasonable. Politicians were noble and Children respected their elders. I respect your elders. Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, baby. You'll have a wealthy spouse, but you never know when either one might run up that mess too much with your hair. Or by the time you're 40 will look any five. Be careful whose advice you buy but be patient with those supply advice form of nostalgia expensing. It is a way of fishing the past from the disposal wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts on recycling it more than it's worth. But trust me on the sunscreen.