Derry Girls
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As the cliche goes, the English never remember and the Irish never forget.
In 1997, the entire Quinn household is swept up in excitement over Mary and Sarahs school reunion.
for drop one dress size each by 8 p.m. that evening.
Not promising, but they carry on regardless, with Sarah brushing up on 20th-century Russian history.
Who are they trying to impress?
None other than Janette Joyce, formerly OShea.
Wait, JanetteJoyce, formerly OShea?
Joyce, as in Mammy to the loathsome suck-upJennyJoyce?
Yep, thats the one!
While were all wondering and guessing did they pull aCarrieon some poor wee girl?
Tar and feather a boy who got too fresh?
Cause the nuns to faint dead away when they did the hustle?
were also enjoying the way this episode segues smoothly between 1997 and 1977.
Its written and played for laughs and some eye-rolling about the inconvenience of it all.
Hes just going to hang out for the next three hours, no biggie.
In both eras, the entire focus of Mary and Sarahs evening is the scandalous Thing They Did.
In 1997, Robs appearance jolts Marys memory that he was there in 1977, too!
Okay, so will it be some kind of heist?
A bit of lock-picking and light property damage?
His enthusiasm for meeting another gay person What are the chances?!
Robs next notable move is planting a great big public kiss on Janette Joyce, formerly OSheas husband Richard.
Not because he fancies Richard, but because Richard is silent by choice.
But not even Robs bold gambit is successful!
We salute a silent king.
While Richard is inspiring respect among his fellow fellas, Janette is working Marys last nerve.
The constant references to Richard being a surgeon she can handle.
Its time to bring the social consequences hammer down on Janette Joyce, formerly OShea!
Theyre sick of the lies and shame!
Its time to head to the Fairy Tree to dig up and drag their sordid truth into the light.
No, no, its better: Teenage Kicks, by Derrys own Undertones.
The shock they expect this revelation to prompt is nowhere in evidence.
The tattoos are so small that several husbands havent even noticed them.
Even Mary and Sarahs late sainted mother had a tattoo!
And based on the way Granda Joe is smiling about it, I think it was on her tush!
In the end, the Polaroids turn out to feature some other group of girls.
Its the memories, and what they mean to each of these women, that count.
We cut to black and see the tribute theyve all deserved for so long: For all the Mammies.
Its a beautiful and engrossing piece of journalism, a must-read of the last five years.
Free-floating motherliness and a bit of gentle rebellion all in one.
