Netflix Review - Feel Good Season 2

After the critical success that was the first season, Feel Good is back for a second. I take a look to see how it holds up.

Written by Mae Martin (who also stars) and Joe Hampson, the first season of Feel Good followed Mae as they pursue a career in comedy whilst also trying to maintain their sobriety – and that’s when they meet Charlotte Ritchie’s George, a teacher who has only ever been in heterosexual relationships.
Over the six episodes, that were initially commissioned by Channel 4, Mae struggles with the relationship and their addiction issues as George exacerbates things as she hides their relationship from her friends and family. The series left off with George and Mae getting back together after a tumultuous series of events however a sense of something being unresolved lingers.

The series, after not being recommissioned by Channel 4, was picked up by Netflix who looked after the international release of the first season, and season two does not pull any punches. As Mae and George’s complicated love story continues, Mae must also come to terms with the ghosts from her past while George tries to reinvent her present.

Now I was a big fan of season 1 – it was cute in ways, brutal and impactful in others, and felt like a well-made low-key show that I enjoyed. The word “underrated” wouldn’t go amiss in describing it. Season 2 feels different – in a good way. Any fault that season 1 had, season 2 has completely smoothed out those rough edges. It’s funnier; it’s sexier; it’s more insightful; the series has really reached its full potential.

All this is anchored by two phenomenal central performances by Martin and Ritchie. Martin received a BAFTA nomination (which, as of the date I’m writing this, is pending a result) for their performance in the first season and I’m certain we’ll see them on the list again next year, hopefully this time joined by Ritchie. They more than excel in their roles – completely capturing the sincerity necessary for the story whilst also carrying the comedy alongside.

They are joined by an exceptional supporting cast, with Lisa Kudrow, Adrian Lukis and Phil Burgers all returning in their roles are Mae’s parents and George’s housemate respectively – and being hilarious while doing it. The new season sees Anthony Head and Jordan Stephens joining, among others – with Stephens nailing the earnest woke millennial vibe.

I found myself constantly laughing aloud throughout which has been for me the most joyous part of the experience – the comedy feels so natural and completely genius so I take my hat off to Martin and Hampson for nailing it. And that brings me onto the way the writers have dealt with the sensitive subject matter that is central to the series. Never has the issues discussed in Feel Good felt more relevant within the public sphere. Even Mae’s gender identity is approached with great insight and humour – as they claim to identify as “an Adam Driver or Ryan Gosling” these days.

In no way is the issues or situations in the series approached with anything other than a complex and very real understanding of the grey areas that permeate life. The characters are so well realised and their development undertaken with such honesty – I haven’t watched a more satisfying series in a long time.

While the first season felt low-key, this second one doesn’t. There is no fear or uncertainty – it’s a big word to throw around but I’d say it’s perfect, and deserves all the hype it’s bound to get.