“He’s an evil bastard!” Too real.
Aside from the wonderful performances and direction from Michael Lennox, one of the main reasons why Derry Girls works so well is because the show’s creator, Lisa McGee, just writes about what she knows.
Of course, observations like the differences between Catholics and Protestants, boring uncles, Orange Order parades, ‘punt purses’, chipper politics, religious statues, and the wee Ethiopian lad from Ballybofey are distinctly Irish, but McGee’s talents are clear to see.
The gifted writer is able to take things that seem very parochial and make them feel universal. Derry Girls might revolve around the lives of five teenagers in Ireland, but it’s appeal is global.
Aside from this, McGee also has a wonderful gift at identifying the little things in daily life that every person can relate to.
For example, how much of your own parents do you see in Ma Mary’s neurosis? You’ve probably got a mate that’s as mouthy as Michelle. Ever disobeyed your parents by sneaking out of the house? The list goes on.
Much like the best comedies around, McGee has always written from the heart and the headlines.
On this note, the escaped polar bear that featured in the most recent episode seemed all too real for some people, especially since a red panda and a few chimpanzees have recently escaped from Belfast Zoo.
Granted, the script for McGee’s comedy was probably written before these real life escapes but fans of Derry Girls couldn’t help but get a kick out of the plot which saw when art imitated life.
The poor polar bear.
Not only was he unable to get a ticket for Take That, but his presence also saw Granda Joe lock the door, grab a tranquilliser gun, and spread Holy Water in the Quinn’s house!
A polar bear spotted in Coleraine and soon to hold the whole town of Derry to ransom. It’s not as far fetched as you’d think!
In the words of Aunt Sarah “he’s an evil bastard!”
Ireland, eh?
"like a polar bear is going to rock up at a Take That concert"#DerryGirls
— Frances Harkin (@Frank11Guinness) March 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/pedroloaf/status/1108118898468114432
Polar Bears did actually break out of Belfast Zoo in February 1997. Jesus I love this show #DerryGirls
— Enda Lynch (@austinstacksabu) March 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/s_spencerwrites/status/1108119206992756737
https://twitter.com/AliceDiver/status/1108117438275686401
https://twitter.com/EmmaT1995/status/1108120049930383361
Are they coming for their history project or to check up on Peter the Polar Bear? #DerryGirls pic.twitter.com/nbdZSzNik5
— Ulster Museum (@UlsterMuseum) March 19, 2019
honestly i fully believe that orla mccool could wrestle a polar bear and win #DerryGirls
— elise 🇵🇸 (@miaelsters) March 19, 2019
A polar bear in Coleraine 😂 #DerryGirls
— Claire Christian (@Tiny_Dancer26) March 19, 2019
“That might be the polar bear..
Yeah, because they’re known for their impeccable behaviour” 😂 #DerryGirls
— Denise Harding (@DeniseHRocks) March 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/nigel_kalra/status/1108120975734984706
Anyone who thinks that an Irish mother wouldn’t stop her children going to a concert because of an escaped Polar Bear does not have an Irish mother. #DerryGirls
— Lisa McElherron (@Lisamcelherron) March 19, 2019
Feck best episode yet. Between bomb scares, polar bears and Take That. And sure who hasn’t forgotten a cousin or two in their time. #DerryGirls
— Lisa Buckley (@Lisa__Buckley) March 19, 2019
Code red, a polar bear and Take That. Epic episode @LisaMMcGee Roaring here. #derrygirls
— Sharon Dempsey (@svjdempz) March 19, 2019
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