My Mad Fat Diary

My Mad Fat Diary, a comedy drama, follows the story of Rae Earl, a troubled sixteen year old girl, recently out of a psychiatric unit after a mental breakdown and trying to return to normal life. The series is narrated in diary form by Rae, after her therapist suggests keeping a diary to help put her head round things. It strikes the perfect balance between serious and funny, and features relatable themes like music, fitting in, body confidence issues, making new friends, family struggles, boys and food.

The series is set in Lincolnshire in the mid 1990's, the first season following Rae through the summer holidays after her release from hospital, the second through college.

I enjoyed this series because it is nothing like any other TV shows I've ever seen, as it deals with very serious issues in a humourous way. I also enjoyed how music plays such a large part in the series, both in the Britpop soundtrack and as a major part of the plot. Rae is a big fan of Oasis and the Stone Roses, and during the first series she uses her love of these bands to make friends with characters Archie and Finn.

I also like the diary theme is explored further as Rae's doodles fly off the pages and become special effects used to exaggerate her emotions, describe what she thinks of the other characters and to highlight important points. This also helps give the audience a deeper understanding of Rae's personality.

Rae isn't a stereotypical feminine main character. She's fat, rude, moody, vulnerable and one of the most likeable characters I've ever seen on television. Her honesty and recklessness charms you and the way she sees the world and other people is hilarious. The other main characters are all very likeable, with their own unique personalities, quirks and insecurities. Whereas in some TV programs you find that some characters are less developed than others , in My Mad Fat Diary everyone gets equal treatment. Rae's 'gang', as she calls it, consists of Chloe-bitchy, confident and popular; Izzie-shy and innocent;Archie-Finn, Rae's love interest, who is outspoken and fascinated by Rae who thinks he is insanely out of her league and claims she will never understand why he likes her. The actors fit their characters so well that sometimes you forget they are playing a part. Despite being very different they all share similar traits and I believe they will appeal to most audiences.

I really enjoy My Mad Fat Diary as it deals full on with awkward subjects that most shows are too scared to address. Its appeal reaches beyond teenagers as many adults will relate to the experiences of these, from their own pasts.