Ep 1. Cleanin'

Absolutely Fabulous, commonly referred to as Ab Fab, is a British television sitcom created by Jennifer Saunders, who plays one of the lead characters, alongside Joanna Lumley. The show premiered in 1992 and amassed a strong following due to its irreverent and satirical take on the fashion industry, modern culture, and the dynamic of a dysfunctional yet comically intertwined relationship between a daughter and her mother. Throughout its run, the series became iconic for its sharp wit, extravagant characters, and over-the-top scenarios.

Season 5 of Absolutely Fabulous continues to follow the champagne-fueled misadventures of Edina "Eddy" Monsoon, a fad-chasing, career-minded PR agent with a penchant for the finer things in life, and her best friend Patsy Stone, a fashion magazine editor whose outrageous behavior and lust for a life of glitz and glamour parallel Eddy's own escapades.

Episode 1 of the fifth season, entitled Cleanin', revolves around the theme of orderliness and self-improvement—a stark contrast to the protagonists' usual extravagance and chaotic lifestyle. The episode kicks off with the aftermath of one of Eddy and Patsy's typically unruly soirees. With the new day comes a revelation for Eddy: a sudden and uncharacteristic compulsion to embrace cleanliness and organization in her life.

Eddy is struck by the need to tame the disorder that habitually surrounds her. This newfound obsession with cleanliness might be seen as going against her character's established laissez-faire approach to domestic responsibilities, leading to hilarious scenarios where this self-proclaimed queen of excess attempts to navigate the mundane world of home organization and sanitation with her unique brand of humor and lack of housekeeping skills.

This episode sees Eddy trying to conquer the chaos within her expansive and stylish London home. The clutter and untidiness that usually goes unnoticed—or accepted as the norm—become a source of distress for her, as she embarks on an impulsive crusade against dust, debris, and disarray. Eddy's daughter, Saffron "Saffy" Monsoon, skeptical and usually the voice of reason amidst her mother's and Patsy's shenanigans, observes this new development with a blend of amusement and incredulity, wondering how long this phase will last.

Patsy, on the other hand, finds Eddy's sudden obsession with cleanliness puzzling and a bore, viewing it as a potential threat to their hedonistic lifestyle of carefree indulgence. Patsy's reaction is a comedic highlight, tempering Eddy's neurotic energy with her dismissive and cynical demeanor. The duo's interaction forms the backbone of the episode's comedy, as they clash and collaborate in the face of this new domestic challenge.

The episode introduces a procession of recurring characters, from Eddy's long-suffering mother to her eccentric assistant, each reacting to the clean-up in their unique way, further amplifying the show's satirical take on upper-middle-class London life. Their responses to Eddy's predicament add layers of humor and complication, as her drive for cleanliness inevitably disrupts their entangled lives.

True to Absolutely Fabulous's style, the episode is peppered with cultural references, sharp one-liners, and physical comedy, all while tackling the fears and aspirations linked with self-improvement and change. The show's signature fashion-centric backdrop remains, with Eddy and Patsy's love for designer labels and high society still at the forefront, despite the episode's domestic theme.

As Eddy dives deeper into her cleaning frenzy, viewers are treated to the juxtaposition of her glamorous lifestyle against her inept attempts at traditional housewifery. The comedic tension is heightened by the prospect of a visit from an important and judgemental figure in Eddy's life, lending urgency to her mission to transform her home into an impeccable haven.

Cleanin' explores the theme of transformation and questions whether a leopard really can change its spots, especially when that leopard thrives on a steady diet of champagne and unrestrained self-indulgence. The episode's narrative arc teasingly leads Eddy and Patsy through a series of attempts at deviation from their norm, creating anticipation for the eventual outcome. Will Eddy and Patsy succeed in their quest for cleanliness, or will their inherent natures win out?

Overall, the episode provides an entertaining and humorous take on the concept of self-improvement, self-deception, and the value of personal change. It sticks to the show's successful formula of blending comedy with character-driven storytelling, ensuring that fans of Absolutely Fabulous will find Cleanin' a worthy addition to the canon of Eddy and Patsy's timeless escapades.