Alright, look. I’ll admit, romantic dramas are a guilty pleasure of mine. I get so attached to characters and the relationships they form and yeah, ew girly emotions, I know. But most of the relationships shown in shows like this are toxic. The arguing, the cheating, the flirting behind each others backs, the snooping, all that is totally toxic and usually at the forefront of these shows. Not to mention the bad portrayal of things such as mental illnesses and family subplots
That being said…
“Normal People”, a hulu and BBC series based on the books by Sally Rooney…while the relationship between the two main characters was still toxic in its own ways, the actions displayed are SO different from what is considered the norm, making this in my opinion, the best relationship drama out right now.
First, the relationship. The two main characters, Marianne and Connell, meet in school and begin a casual hook-up centered relationship in secret. Connell is a jock and Marianne is sort of the black sheep with an attitude, so neither of them are too focused on going public with anything. While this causes emotional stress on both of them, the feelings between the two of them are so genuine no matter what. The first season follows them off and on and every interaction they have is the most genuine and honest interaction. I need season two and honestly I may get the books just because I am THAT eager for more.
Second, there is a part of this show in which a minor character dies by suicide. There are many shows that handle this and handle it in a very disturbing and triggering way, yeah, I’m looking at you “13 Reasons Why”, square up. “Normal People” is the first, and I mean FIRST show to handle the very vast and confusing situation in a healthy and real way. Through emotional support and suicide awareness trainings, I have learned that it is detrimental to use the word “commit” as it often has a positive undertone. Someone is committed to something and often that is good. So it is recommended to use “died by suicide” or “was lost to suicide” and this show follows Connell through the loss of a friend in this way. His therapist uses the correct terminology, viewers watch Connell’s struggle and the ways that this impacts him, we see how the funeral impacts those around him as well. I stand by this portrayal of the situation as one of, if not the healthiest ones ever.
Overall, this show just holds it down. Sure there is a lot of sexual scenes but honestly, thats the point in the beginning. It sets the foundation for their relationship growth. You are instantly attached to these characters and their emotional turmoil. It’s so easy to believe these are real people and are going through real things. As someone who has been a part of a toxic and humiliating relationship situation, seeing a relationship like the one shared between Connell and Marianne gives hope that genuine people do exist and really can be found. I highly suggest checking this show out, it’s honestly such a great showing of growth and consequence and I think that’s an incredibly valid thing for people to see.
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