First off, Coughlan is brilliant as Maggie. She's nothing like the mild-mannered Penelope that I've seen on Bridgerton. Rather, she's a bit of a mess—but a delightful one, thanks to the natural wit and charm that Coughlan brings to the role. For instance, in the first episode, when she visits her alma mater to give a talk, she secretly plans to sleep with her former teacher. And when Eddie tries to throw her a surprise birthday party, Maggie tries to sabotage it. Still, despite her problematic choices, I empathize with Maggie because she's trying to regain control and live a full life, without being defined by her condition.
I also love the genuine bond between her and Eddie. I mean, when these two share the screen, sparks fly, because they have the kind of lasting friendship that feels more like sisterhood. They're unflinchingly honest with each other, but supportive and unapologetically silly. Perhaps the one scene that perfectly sums up their dynamic is when Eddie drops Maggie off (after their chaotic adventure at Maggie's old school) and tells her, "You're a nightmare." In response, Maggie smiles brightly and says, "But you love me!"
Without giving away any major spoilers, I can say that the show does a fantastic job of addressing how even the strongest friendships can get messy and complicated. It also captures the unique experiences of how millennials deal with relationships, career struggles, weird family dynamics and mental health. But I especially appreciate how it tackles heavy topics with smart humor, making it both heartbreaking and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.
One word of warning: There are definitely a few cringe-worthy scenes. (Two words: Rat Motel.) So, if you're like me and you're more sensitive to grosser moments, I recommend skipping the snacks as you watch.
