'Derry Girls' is more than a wee bit funny
I love women in comedy, I love the Irish, and I want to be a Derry Girl.
I have been in desperate need of a new show that is funny, witty, charming, delightful. The kind of show you need when you’re looking for a guaranteed laugh. The show that’s not too serious, but if it’s not too much to ask, a perfect comedic webbing that’s complex and yet can laugh at itself.
I’m obviously talking about Derry Girls. A show that follows five teenagers, Erin, Clare, Michelle, Orla, and James, in 90s Ireland. Along with Erin’s family and the beloved, hilarious Sister Michael and several other recurring characters that contribute to the misadventures of the kids and their own lives. It’s a pretty big cast for a show that is quite short compared to most, with only three seasons each with six episodes except the final which includes a 48 minute seventh episode. But every 30 minute episode delivers the most quotable lines, a bit of Irish history or culture, an excellent soundtrack, and of course time with the funniest cast of girls.
I wanted to dive into a bit more about what a lovable show this is as well as explore some things more in depth that make it so great. If you haven’t seen it, it’s currently streaming on Netflix.
It’s quotable and expands your vocabulary.
It’s been so long since I’ve watched a show as quotable as Derry Girls. Additionally, you will find a slew of slang and phrases that have integrated themselves into my own vocabulary and you would be hard pressed to not find yourself quoting them once you’ve started just the first episode.
Derry Girl Slang Words and my interpreted definition as an American that has done minimal research on Irish Vocab
“wain” and the plural “waens” meaning child or children
“Wee” meaning little, commonly used to describe in a loving manner, the wee English boy and the wee lesbian.
“Craic” or “Crack” has a variety of uses. To describe something as nice looking (cracking clavicle for instance). Also one could be a Crack Killer which indicates they are killing the fun/vibe.
“Ride” also has several meanings. Can be used to describe someone as attractive (He’s a total ride), describing that one would like to have sexual relations (I’m looking for a hot ride).
“Jesus Wept” perhaps has more religious undertones but with a similar connotation as Dear God or Oh Dear or Heaven Help Me.
“Feck” used interchangeably with another four-letter “F”-word
“Dick” important to note is pronounced ‘Deck’ in the Irish accent which really gives it a new punch. Used the same (don’t a be dick, she’s a dick but she’s my dick)
It’s Historical
Ireland at this time is in what’s known as The Troubles, which is a civil war of sorts. Although the time of the Troubles spanned over 60 years in Ireland’s history, the show is set toward the end of the conflict. From my limited understanding, the conflict was mostly disputing being part of the UK or being their own, independent entity. Additionally, the conflict was further complicated by its religious ties, the Protestants who were pro-UK and the Catholics who were pro-Ireland only. This provides a backdrop that spurns much commentary in the show as real historical events are often in the background of the fictional storylines. In one episode, the Catholic main characters visit with Protestant boys to build peace and understanding between the two groups, and also to meet hot rides (boys).
Under the wrong lens, framing comedy around a conflict that plagued Ireland for decades might seem strange. But arguably, it's the perfect offset. There’s nothing like humor to lighten heavy times. It’s one way to understand how the times were. There might be a civil war going on, but teenagers will still get into that silly mischief that they do at that age. It’s finding humanity in times of strife. And what is comedy without the opposition of suffering or hardship.
It’s got the funniest girl group and James.
The main cast of friends are what really makes this show shine. As someone who proclaims being funny and having a sense of humor as some of the top traits that quality humans can have, each girl and even James does their best comedic acting. Every expression feels so real and in the moment, you would think you’re watching a live show. And I love a cast of funny women-- that feel like they could have been your friends in high school going through all the struggles of teenagers. Their friendship feels sincere and they all have amazing chemistry together.
It’s got the 90s soundtrack with Irish flair.
The 90s are iconic, and music might just be the element of 90s elements. Rap is making serious headway into the mainstream at this time, but alternative rock was also having its moment. Particularly with a little Irish rock band known as The Cranberries.
I think The Cranberries will most closely tie to the representation of this show for me. At one point in the season 1 finale, the parents watching tragic and violent news in the latest of incidents happening during the Troubles and The Cranberries’ Dreams starts to play. The final moments of the episode alternate between the parent’s reactions and the girls dancing on stage at a talent show having the most innocent experience of childhood, joy in the moment where nothing else matters. I had chills!
The whimsical instrumental ‘Dreams’ playing across juxtaposing events is jarring and yet brings hope. And what lyrics are more teenager-coded then the opening lines of “Oh, my life is changing every day / In every possible way.”
It’s got a flaw or two but who doesn’t.
I think my biggest critic of the show is that sometimes things are just glossed over too quickly, and we could have used more time with the girls to develop them. I don’t feel like any of the characters are flat because they are funny and charismatic in loveable ways but they could have been more fleshed out as people. We don’t get much insight into their goals or ambitions or the trajectory of their lives. Things sometimes just happen and are never talked about again. One example includes when James comes to the rescue after Erin is stood up at prom. It happens in about 15 seconds and then we don’t get much else. I would have loved more time with all the characters to know them better, but I also appreciate the gift of conciseness that we don’t see often.
Derry Girls is punchy, both in its writing and acting, but also in its plots that have just moments to push the point across. Ireland is struggling, but the youth are still going on in life. Those happy moments exist in the midst of struggle, change, and unrest.
Have you seen Derry Girls? I need to know your favorite line if so (if you can narrow it down because I have many). If you end up watching it after reading this, I would love to know your thoughts as well.
See you later this week for Sunday’s ‘Watching, Reading, Doing’ where I’m talking about a much more eerie and scary show on Netflix, whether or not I’ll finish Donna Tartt’s The Secret, and my first thoughts on Taylor’s new album.
I love this show so much! I can’t decide who’s my favorite character because i love them all. Even James. lol