Ep 4. Iso Tank

Patsy's big break arrives when she is asked to organise a fashion show for designer Huki Muki. Eddy is excited about the proposal and plans to attend the event with her daughter Saffy.

As the day of the fashion show approaches, Eddy and Patsy's stress levels begin to rise. The pressure is on, not least because Patsy seems to have connections in the fashion world, but because Eddy is convinced that Huki Muki could be her gateway (finally) to A-list status.

Saffy also plans to attend the show, but with a far different goal - making sure her mother doesn't humiliate her again in front of her peers. The last time they attended an event, Eddy showed up in a flamboyant, jaw-dropping outfit that left Saffy mortified. This time she's determined to make sure it doesn't happen.

The show itself proves to be a chaotic affair with Huki Muki being kidnapped by terrorists, threatening the event's success. Matters only escalate when Eddy suffers a personal crisis, causing her to hit the bottle.

Despite the chaos, the fashion show ultimately goes ahead, albeit with a few unexpected twists and turns. The end result is no redemption for Eddy though, as she continues to (inadvertently) embarrass her daughter.

'Iso Tank' is the classic AbFab episode that fans continue to cherish and reference nearly twenty years after its premiere. The episode delves further into Eddy's insecurity about her stature (or lack thereof) in the fashion world and how she is willing to risk everything for a chance at A-list status.

Meanwhile, Saffy remains the voice of reason amidst all the chaos. Though often the butt of Eddy's jokes, she proves that she can be a valuable ally in the business world, being the only character with any real understanding of budgeting, work ethic and professionalism.

The episode, like most of AbFab's first season, is a wonderful snapshot of 90s fashion and culture. It's all about the bold and experimental with fashion, taking risks, and daring to be different. It's a time capsule that pop culture enthusiasts and fashionistas will appreciate.

With 'Iso Tank,' AbFab's fourth episode, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley had hit the sweet spot between satire and slapstick. As the series progressed, the writing became more absurdist, but this episode remains one of the most iconic, blending humour with just the right dose of self-awareness.