Ep 1. Big Bad World

My Mad Fat Diary is a British coming-of-age comedy-drama television show set in the mid-90s. The show revolves around the life of a teenage girl, Rae, who has struggled with mental health issues, body image, and social anxiety. In season 1, episode 1 titled "Big Bad World," we are introduced to Rae and her world.

The episode opens with a montage of a young Rae growing up, showing pictures of her as a child with her family, then transitioning to her adolescent years. Rae's voice-over tells us that her life changed when she went to secondary school and she started feeling like she didn't fit in.

We then meet Rae as a 16-year-old, when she's released from a psychiatric hospital, where she spent four months after attempting suicide. Rae's mother picks her up and takes her to see her therapist, Kester, who encourages Rae to start writing in a diary to record her thoughts. Kester also wants Rae to start attending her local mental health support group, but she's hesitant.

Rae's mum seems keen to hide the fact that Rae has been in a psychiatric hospital from her friends, insisting on taking her shopping for new clothes and not telling anyone where she's been. Rae is nervous about going back to school, but after a pep talk from her supportive and sassy friend, Chloe, she decides to attend a party with her.

At the party, Rae's anxiety takes over, and she finds herself feeling like she doesn't fit in. She ends up hiding in the bathroom, where she's confronted by the queen bee of her school, Tix. Rae is traumatized when Tix slams her fingers in the bathroom door and verbally abuses her. Rae's old friend Archie finds her and takes her home, where she breaks down in tears, feeling like nobody understands her.

The episode ends with a scene of Rae sitting in her bedroom, beginning to write in her diary, reflecting on the night's events. She's struggling to find her place in the world and feels like everything is against her.

Overall, the first episode of My Mad Fat Diary does an excellent job of introducing us to Rae and her struggles. We get a glimpse into her family life, her friendships, and her mental health issues. The show explores themes of body image, self-esteem, and bullying, tackling difficult subjects with sensitivity and humor. Sharon Rooney's portrayal of Rae is both honest and relatable, making her a character that many viewers will root for. The first episode sets the tone for the rest of the series, focusing on Rae's journey towards self-acceptance and personal growth.