Normal People [BBC - RTE] - [**SPOILERS**]

Sardonicat

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Is Marianne suppose to be sex mad, a nympho

Sex mad because she has slept with 2 people by the end of episode six, both of whom she is in a relationship with? Do you think a nymphomaniac = female who doesn't hate sex?

Lisha

Lisha wrote: »

Possibly a result of having an abusive plank for a father. And his broken mother lets him away with it.

He wasnt so good when he had to keep Arya and the Hound out of Kings Landing :pac:

http://lisarichards.ie/actorsm/frank-blake-actor#.Xrw7KGg2rIV

Sittingpretty

PTH2009 wrote: »

Bit the bullet and watched the whole series . Acting was decent but following the timeline was a bit confusing

Few scenes should of went a different way. Doesn't paint Trinity students in a good way (all rich posh twats)

Overall decent series bit underwhelming at times

How did you watch the whole series? Where are all episodes available?

PTH2009

Sittingpretty wrote: »

How did you watch the whole series? Where are all episodes available?

Android app that's a clue

Better Than Christ

Andrew00 wrote: »

Only people who seem to rate this show are British and Irish college girls aka fiat 500 twitter

The only people who don't seem to rate it at all are the usual contrary misanthropes on here. I don't think I've ever seen an Irish drama series so generally well-received before.

MoonUnit75

Better Than Christ wrote: »

The only people who don't seem to rate it at all are the usual contrary misanthropes on here. I don't think I've ever seen an Irish drama series so generally well-received before.

I don’t know, Love/Hate was required viewing for a lot more people I think but it was unpredictable, had plot lines and many of the supporting characters were well developed so it may not have been up to intellectual standards.
I also remember one from years ago called ‘Love is the Drug’ that I and others seem to have considered fairly highly, but that’s a long time ago!

It’s not that it’s a bad show. It is miles better than Fair City. It’s beautifully shot, it does have mood and some pretty emotional set pieces. But it seems so contrived in the way the storyline tries to build up momentum and then cut it from under the characters. It starts to go round in predictable circles and the supporting characters are just cardboard cut-out stereotypes. If you were listening to someone explain the storyline it would be like one of those annoying conversations between two mutual friends going on and on about a couple you barely care about.

It reminds me of Grey’s Anatomy where an unlikely situation or misunderstanding you would solve over a text or have a laugh about in real life is contrived into this massive, traumatic drama over nothing.

I also find it quite preachy which puts me off.

Wombatman

Look, I loved the series, but it's OK not to like it too, if it doesn't float your boat. If you think Fair City has more going for it, than Normal People, then that's what you think.

Feel free to come on here and give your honest opinion. Hopefully when it comes to 'art', and how it speaks to you, we can just agree to disagree, because of it subjective nature.

Yesterday somebody said you need to be of a particular intellect to appreciate the show. I think the show is more visceral and should appeal to ones emotions rather than intellect. It not like it's a TED talk on Quantum Computing or anything.

Fred Cryton

Are we really supposed to believe that Conall fella got 600 points and is studying English at Trinity? Has he manged to string more than 4 words together in a sentence? Can you imagine him doing Shakespeare?

And why does he break down in tears like a little wimp every now and then?

Beechwoodspark

Fred Cryton wrote: »

Are we really supposed to believe that Conall fella got 600 points and is studying English at Trinity? Has he manged to string more than 4 words together in a sentence? Can you imagine him doing Shakespeare?

And why does he break down in tears like a little wimp every now and then?

As I say on another thread it’s totally unbelievable.

He supposedly is on or just above the poverty line. His single mother is a cleaner in his secret girlfriends mansion -gah...even just typing that.. such cliched tripe.

As you say he can barely get a sentence out. All mumbling and incoherent yet apparently a high flier academically

Add the car on top of it all. Unrealistic and certainly not normal people !

fryup

missed it, what was on view? a mickey or a fanny? or both?

AndrewJRenko

Fred Cryton wrote: »

Are we really supposed to believe that Conall fella got 600 points and is studying English at Trinity? Has he manged to string more than 4 words together in a sentence? Can you imagine him doing Shakespeare?

And why does he break down in tears like a little wimp every now and then?

He got his 600 points through written exams. Any oral components, like Irish is largely a memory test.

That's a completely different skill set to having the confidence and emotional intelligence to have conversations with people who, from his point of view, are of a different class.

And you were trolling about the 'little wimp' thing, right?

Beechwoodspark

fryup wrote: »

missed it, what was on view? a mickey or a fanny? or both?

Both In diff scenes

Sleepy

Deleted User wrote: »

Why is Marianne's brother such an embittered asshole?

I thought the actor playing him conveyed this quite well, and the conversations around him, and even those between himself and Marianne weren't that subtle about painting the reason for his resentment of her.

He's gone straight from school to managing the family farm. It's likely he spent half his childhood working on it. There's strong hints the father was abusive to the whole family.

So, while he's worked half his life and has his whole life mapped out before him managing a farm in Sligo that he likely doesn't even want he's watching his younger sister swan around doing an Arts degree in Trinity (where she'll basically be spending 90% of her time fluting around drinking coffee and socialising), flouncing around in their Italian summer house and then when she does come home, she's out back sunbathing rather than making any attempt to work or help out around the farm. It's not hard to see how he'd be resentful of her: she has her freedom and a seemingly handy life of living off the family wealth (which in his mind he's the one earning).

Sardonicat

Sleepy wrote: »

I thought the actor playing him conveyed this quite well, and the conversations around him, and even those between himself and Marianne weren't that subtle about painting the reason for his resentment of her.

He's gone straight from school to managing the family farm. It's likely he spent half his childhood working on it. There's strong hints the father was abusive to the whole family.

So, while he's worked half his life and has his whole life mapped out before him managing a farm in Sligo that he likely doesn't even want he's watching his younger sister swan around doing an Arts degree in Trinity (where she'll basically be spending 90% of her time fluting around drinking coffee and socialising), flouncing around in their Italian summer house and then when she does come home, she's out back sunbathing rather than making any attempt to work or help out around the farm. It's not hard to see how he'd be resentful of her: she has her freedom and a seemingly handy life of living off the family wealth (which in his mind he's the one earning).

Yup. And instead of doing something about it, like picking up a book and putting himself in a position to return to education and get out of there he abuses and assaults his sister. Poor lad.

Sleepy

I wasn't excusing his behaviour. I thought the show's portrayal of him was commendable though. Rather him simply being a "bad person" who mistreats Marianne for the benefit of her story arc, they gave him motivation for his actions that made them understandable while still not being acceptable or forgiveable.

olestoepoke

Fred Cryton wrote: »

Are we really supposed to believe that Conall fella got 600 points and is studying English at Trinity? Has he manged to string more than 4 words together in a sentence? Can you imagine him doing Shakespeare?

And why does he break down in tears like a little wimp every now and then?

Was that not a major point in his character? He was highly intelligent but socially awkward and had self esteem issues. Have you never met a highly educated intelligent person who was odd and had terrible communication skills? I have known a few so what you are saying is complete horse dung.

AndrewJRenko

Sleepy wrote: »

I thought the actor playing him conveyed this quite well, and the conversations around him, and even those between himself and Marianne weren't that subtle about painting the reason for his resentment of her.

He's gone straight from school to managing the family farm. It's likely he spent half his childhood working on it. There's strong hints the father was abusive to the whole family.

So, while he's worked half his life and has his whole life mapped out before him managing a farm in Sligo that he likely doesn't even want he's watching his younger sister swan around doing an Arts degree in Trinity (where she'll basically be spending 90% of her time fluting around drinking coffee and socialising), flouncing around in their Italian summer house and then when she does come home, she's out back sunbathing rather than making any attempt to work or help out around the farm. It's not hard to see how he'd be resentful of her: she has her freedom and a seemingly handy life of living off the family wealth (which in his mind he's the one earning).

Was it confirmed that she is doing Arts? I don't recall any mention of what she is studying.

I'd suggest it is far more likely that the house is running off the mother's income as a solicitor, rather than farm income.

Larbre34

I find it difficult to understand that Irish people on here don't make the link that some of Ireland's greatest writers and poets have struggled with self-doubt, addition, anxiety issues etc.

Connell is well able to express himself through his writing but is full of self doubt, low self-esteem, social anxiety etc. If people call THAT unrealistic then I'd suggest you are the ones that are talking out your back bottom, cos thats half the kids in Ireland.

My wife has read the book, she says his circumstances are much better developed, more deprivation, class divides, fish out of water in Dublin etc. Its an utterly realistic characterisation.

olestoepoke

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Was it confirmed that she is doing Arts? I don't recall any mention of what she is studying.

I'd suggest it is far more likely that the house is running off the mother's income as a solicitor, rather than farm income.

History and politics I think

amusicalfrog

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Was it confirmed that she is doing Arts? I don't recall any mention of what she is studying.

I'd suggest it is far more likely that the house is running off the mother's income as a solicitor, rather than farm income.

Not sure if it's mentioned in the show, but it's confirmed in the book that she studies history and politics, which is a super popular course in Trinity.

Strazdas

Larbre34 wrote: »

I find it difficult to understand that Irish people on here don't make the link that some of Ireland's greatest writers and poets have struggled with self-doubt, addition, anxiety issues etc.

Connell is well able to express himself through his writing but is full of self doubt, low self-esteem, social anxiety etc. If people call THAT unrealistic then I'd suggest you are the ones that are talking out your back bottom, cos thats half the kids in Ireland.

My wife has read the book, she says his circumstances are much better developed, more deprivation, class divides, fish out of water in Dublin etc. Its an utterly realistic characterisation.

It comes across quite strongly in the series all the same. Connell has to work in both Sligo and Dublin whilst Marianne is able to study in Trinity and rent accommodation, despite having no job.

One of the main reasons he returns to Sligo at the end of Tuesday's episode is because he has run out of money and is too proud to ask Marianne if he can move in with her.

Amirani

Sleepy wrote: »

I thought the actor playing him conveyed this quite well, and the conversations around him, and even those between himself and Marianne weren't that subtle about painting the reason for his resentment of her.

He's gone straight from school to managing the family farm. It's likely he spent half his childhood working on it. There's strong hints the father was abusive to the whole family.

So, while he's worked half his life and has his whole life mapped out before him managing a farm in Sligo that he likely doesn't even want he's watching his younger sister swan around doing an Arts degree in Trinity (where she'll basically be spending 90% of her time fluting around drinking coffee and socialising), flouncing around in their Italian summer house and then when she does come home, she's out back sunbathing rather than making any attempt to work or help out around the farm. It's not hard to see how he'd be resentful of her: she has her freedom and a seemingly handy life of living off the family wealth (which in his mind he's the one earning).

I think your analysis of it here is good. I was a big fan of the show, but I thought it was slightly weak on how the show depicted Marianne's family. In every scene her brother was exclusively an asshole, with no redeeming or sympathetic qualities. I felt that it didn't really portray the motivations behind this (possibly due to time constraints), though you've inferred them quite well.

Did you read the book or did you just pick it up from watching?

olestoepoke

Strazdas wrote: »

It comes across quite strongly in the series all the same. Connell has to work in both Sligo and Dublin whilst Marianne is able to study in Trinity and rent accommodation, despite having no job.

One of the main reasons he returns to Sligo at the end of Tuesday's episode is because he has run out of money and is too proud to ask Marianne if he can move in with her.

Marrianne does not pay rent, she lives in her mother's property, but yeah this is your point that she has it easier.

As a south dublin wanker who went to trinity, I really relate to that Jamie character

Strazdas

Wombatman wrote: »

Look, I loved the series, but it's OK not to like it too, if it doesn't float your boat. If you think Fair City has more going for it, than Normal People, then that's what you think.

Feel free to come on here and give your honest opinion. Hopefully when it comes to 'art', and how it speaks to you, we can just agree to disagree, because of it subjective nature.

Yesterday somebody said you need to be of a particular intellect to appreciate the show. I think the show is more visceral and should appeal to ones emotions rather than intellect. It not like it's a TED talk on Quantum Computing or anything.

I think the reason the show is successful is because it is so emotional. We really get inside the heads of both lead characters and can see everything from their points of view and can empathise with them.

JP Liz V1

Sardonicat wrote: »

Sex mad because she has slept with 2 people by the end of episode six, both of whom she is in a relationship with? Do you think a nymphomaniac = female who doesn't hate sex?

She jumps on Ballyhaunis at every opportunity

MisterAnarchy

amusicalfrog wrote: »

Not sure if it's mentioned in the show, but it's confirmed in the book that she studies history and politics, which is a super popular course in Trinity.

Its only mentioned when the scholarships are being announced .
She gets the solitary History and Politics scholarship.

Better Than Christ

MoonUnit75 wrote: »

I also find it quite preachy which puts me off.

Just out of interest, what did you find preachy about it?

Everything Italian

Sleepy wrote: »

He's gone straight from school to managing the family farm. It's likely he spent half his childhood working on it. There's strong hints the father was abusive to the whole family.

So, while he's worked half his life and has his whole life mapped out before him managing a farm in Sligo that he likely doesn't even want he's watching his younger sister swan around doing an Arts degree in Trinity (where she'll basically be spending 90% of her time fluting around drinking coffee and socialising), flouncing around in their Italian summer house and then when she does come home, she's out back sunbathing rather than making any attempt to work or help out around the farm. It's not hard to see how he'd be resentful of her: she has her freedom and a seemingly handy life of living off the family wealth (which in his mind he's the one earning).

Eh...?:eek:

Either you have been reading a different story, or there is some projection from your own experience floating around. There is no - zero - reference to a family farm!

There is a solitary use of the work "farm" in the book and it is when one of her Trinity mates has a go off her from being from outside Dublin.

Fred Cryton

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

He got his 600 points through written exams. Any oral components, like Irish is largely a memory test.

That's a completely different skill set to having the confidence and emotional intelligence to have conversations with people who, from his point of view, are of a different class.

And you were trolling about the 'little wimp' thing, right?

You've never met anyone who got 600 points so. They don't have the brain dead eyes. Shyness in certain situations perhaps but even when alone with herself or the mother he can still barely get a few words out. Perhaps if he had severe autism and doing engineering he might be more believable but someone like him would never be doing English if that was how he was.