Fleabag: How TV’s ‘Hot Mess’ Normalises Vulnerability

• Salena Qureshi 26020084
• Oct 28, 2024
• 3 min read

Fleabag- an unreserved examination of contemporary womanhood, vulnerability, self-worth, and the complex messiness of interpersonal relationships- embodied by the character Fleabag herself, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The show’s multi-layered storytelling style has spurred discussions about how women are portrayed in the media and the importance of vulnerability, especially in questioning conventional gender norms.

Fleabag is the epitome of the “hot mess” cliché- describing a character who is enmeshed in a vicious cycle of self-destruction despite her brilliance and charm. However, Fleabag employs this trope as a critical tool rather than a punchline, in contrast to earlier iterations of media feeding off of this narrative. Although she frequently acts impulsively and destructively, the show exposes the underlying trauma and grief that motivate these decisions. Fleabag is relatable due to her broken relationships and her battle with guilt over the death of her best friend Boo, but it also forces viewers to think about the causes of her self-destructive actions. The show challenges viewers to consider why society frequently rejects “messy” women as morally deficient or irredeemable by revealing Fleabag’s internal struggles and self-judgments. Through revealing the layers of her self-doubt and impetuous actions, Fleabag challenges the double standard society imposes on women to always be composed and likeable. The show highlights the unfair moral scrutiny women face for displaying emotional and personal complexities, subtly criticizing how women who deviate from these ideals are frequently branded as broken or unworthy of empathy.

Further, Fleabag’s character defies the cliché of the “strong female lead.” She lives in a grey area that feels relatable rather than being an extreme “good girl” or an extreme “bad girl.” She exhibits the kind of complex narrative that is typically saved for male characters in media because she is flawed, grieving, and occasionally incredibly unlikeable. This representation offers a nuanced, unvarnished, and unrepentant glimpse into a woman’s inner life, defying the tendency of traditional media to simplify female characters. Fleabag’s method of character development demonstrates that women are not limited to specific labels and can have multiple dimensions. The series challenges viewers to reconsider their own prejudices and assessments by candidly displaying Fleabag’s hardships and challenging society’s expectation that women should act in a way that is “acceptable” to men.

Fleabag is one of the only shows that continuously breaks the fourth wall, opening a window into the characters inner thoughts and feelings. Fleabag transforms her audience into silent allies in her personal struggles- allowing her to confide in them and invite them into her world, clearing out a pathway to acknowledge her feelings of shame, guilt, and desire without continuing the façade she puts on in social situations. This method is particularly effective at capturing the vulnerability of women because it subverts the conventional media dichotomy that depicts women as either strong heroines or tragically damaged individuals. Fleabag is neither completely in control nor defeated; she is incredibly flawed but makes an effort, vacillating between hope and despair. The show challenges one-dimensional representations by showcasing her disjointed thoughts and emotional highs and lows, proving that women can be both strong and vulnerable at the same time. Fleabag is one of the few female characters who is permitted to exist as complicated, contradictory, and incredibly human since the fourth wall becomes a place where she can freely express the messiness of her life.

Fleabag challenges stereotypes, celebrates the strength of vulnerability, and depicts womanhood with unvarnished honesty, presenting a woman who is unapologetically messy, resilient, and profoundly human by accepting her flaws and complexity, defying the simplistic ideals of strength or like-ability that are frequently imposed on female characters. Fleabag- a freeing story that embraces flaws; Fleabag- a reminder that genuine strength comes from having the courage to be who we are in a world of media that frequently idealizes perfection.