TV
DERRY GIRLS In its very first scene ‘Dreams,’ by the Cranberries, plays whilst Erin Quinn introduces us to her life. Slowly we realise that this story is just as much about the characters as it is about the place. Welcome to Derry. The series, now beginning to film its third season, started as a small Northern Irish sitcom based on the experiences of its show’s creator Lisa McGee. The show follows Erin and her pals on their many adventures during the 1990s, as she puts it herself, in “a place called Derry. Or Londonderry, depending on your persuasion.” As someone who hasn’t had the exceptional experience of encountering an Irish accent in their life, how melodic and quick witted the Northern Irish accent can be took me by surprise. Now there’s no going back. I’ve never watched a show that measures up to how comedically diverse Derry Girls is. I nearly cried when the first season ended. You can imagine me neck deep in this show’s second season only to find out that its finale was episode 6. Taking a look back at season one, we are thrust quite literally into the life of Erin. A little self-obsessed, we come to the awakening that although she may think the world revolves around her, this story can’t be told without the crazy people surrounding her. Living with her tight knit family, Erin finds a lot to be embarrassed about and to be fair they find a lot to be embarrassed about her! Granda Joe, played by the ferocious Ian McElhinney, who if you’ve watched Game of Thrones, will be unrecognisable and hilariously wonderful in this role. Then Ma Mary and Da Gerry who are incredibly well cast as Erin’s parents, by portraying characteristics which are the only explanation for her actions. Then, airheaded Aunt Sarah, who takes tanning to another level, and the mother of Erin’s just as airheaded and loveable cousin Orla. Fun fact: try spotting Orla in each of her scenes, she’s always at the back doing something strange! And that leads us to Erin and Orla’s wacky group of friends. Clare Devlin, a little blonde with big brains and a surprising ability to consume copious amounts of energy drinks under extreme study pressure. Then Michelle Mallon who is one shit-talking extraordinaire and, under the impressionable guise of a tough talker, is actually quite the sweetheart once you get her feeling guilty enough. And the constant target of Michelle’s sarcasm is her British cousin James Maguire who moves to Derry in the very first episode, and unwillingly attends the all-girls Catholic high school the others go to. Just watch the first episode, trust me it is crazy but so addictive!
58 || REPEAT OFFENDERS
