Spent is a refreshing comedy-drama about a successful international Model Mia. So, in this encouraging personal tale, Mia hits bottom because she made a few wrong life choices.
Michelle de Swarte is the writer and creator of this UK series. Besides, she portrays the protagonist Mia, who is trying to find ways to survive and thrive in London. She is a good comedian and we remember watching her comedy skits on her (michelledeswarte/IG) social media platform.
“Spent” Takes Fun & Honest Look At The Midlife Crisis Of A Successful Catwalk Model
Trailer: Spent (Season 1 – 2024) Series
Spoiler Free Review: Spent (Season 1 – 2024) Series
The storyline/plotline/synopsis/summary
Michelle de Swarte, a former catwalk model and stand-up star, has penned and taken the lead role in an uplifting comedy-drama loosely based on her own life. The story follows Mia, a former model who finds herself on the run, primarily from her inner struggles. While the narrative ultimately revolves around personal growth, Mia currently faces the harsh reality of a defunct career, financial struggles, and homelessness.
High fashion, low funds. (~BBC)
Despite her modest beginnings, Mia has grown accustomed, perhaps even dependent, to a luxurious lifestyle. However, as she approaches 40, her choices hold little value as she finds herself without a stable home. Despite her high-class demeanour and top-notch skincare routine, Mia is now living on the edge of poverty, a fact she refuses to acknowledge, even to herself.
The story which seems realistic & relatable
In this satirical comedy, Mia (Michelle de Swarte) has managed to lose all her money and standing in society because of her profligate ways and her advancing (in terms of modelling) age. Generally, the catwalk modelling profession is dominated by young catwalk models. After these models hit the age of 30 years (or 40 years), most of them generally fade away and disappear. These models certainly have an expiry date based on their age.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
It seems that because of her advancing age (in modelling terms), Mia lost out on modelling assignments as well as her ability to make money in New York. And of course, her extravagant and poor financial management did not help. So, after becoming bankrupt, Mia decides to literary fly across the proverbial pond, from the USA to Briston, London (UK) and start afresh. In a way, this series of her traces her tale, how she crossed over to the other side. The story of a former successful model Mia (Michelle de Swarte) seems realistic and relatable. However, she could have provided more depth and insight into the fascinating stories of the fashion industry and the midlife crisis.
Michelle de Swarte works hard as a lead actress but then
While playing the principal character Mia, Michelle de Swarte works hard as a lead actress. And we liked her on-screen presence, as she almost pulled it off. While some may not like her deep voice, we loved her low-pitched tone. This being the first season, one could understand the teething problems. Honestly, we appreciate the efforts put up by Michelle de Swarte, as a writer, creator and the lead actress in it.
Moreover, we liked the fact that as a writer Michelle does take quite a few potshots on quite a few relevant issues, viz., mental illness, race identity, homelessness, poor neighbourhood, economic hardships& disparities, teenage models, the uneven power dynamics in the fashion industry, etc. But then, there is a lot of unevenness in this humourous sitcom. Some of the scenes are funny and humorous (for instance, the restaurant meal and hair, Android or iPhone, etc,) while the other do not entertain as much. Hopefully, if she comes up with season 2, then she should further tighten and streamline the comedic content of the script.
The conclusion
Interestingly, of late, besides ‘Spent‘ we have reviewed a bunch of different types of series originating from South London recently. So check out the other two shows – Queenie and Supacell series. All three of these British shows have a common thread running them. As a result, we enjoyed watching these lighthearted entertainments from the UK.
Rating:
| FM Rating | 3.45/5 |
Poster:
Key Details:
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Original Language | English (UK) |
| Season | First (1st) Season |
| Episodes | Six (6) Episodes |
| Creator & Writer | Michelle de Swarte |
| Director | Alex Winckler |
| Cast | Michelle de Swarte (Mia), Amanda Wilkin (Jo), Karl Collins (Teddy), Juliet Cowan (Chrissy), Matt King (Mills), Eleanor Nawal (Ella), Joseph Ollman (David), Racheal Ofori (Liv), etc. |
| Network | BBC |
Spoilers Alert: Summary of Six (6) Episodes
Summary of Six (6) Episodes of the First (1st) Season
First (S1, E1)
Bankrupt in the US, Mia flees to London hoping to keep up her high-end appearances; back home, life has moved on; Mom Chrissy is caring for a teenage girl from her estate, and best friend Jo is getting married.
Second (S1, E2)
Mia stifles her jealousy while meeting Ella, the girl now sleeping in her childhood bedroom; she then faces a moral dilemma when the model party she’s using to network reveals a dark underbelly.
Third (S1, E3)
Mia struggles to keep a roof over her head using a high-end hustle; a welcome distraction comes in the shape of a date, but Chrissy questions how Mia is maintaining her lifestyle.
Fourth (S1, E4)
In 2014, Mia’s at the height of her high life; a visit from Jo reveals that their friendship is complicated; in the present, Mia helps Teddy, but she doesn’t get the reception she wants.
Fifth (S1, E5)
Mia reluctantly steps up as guardian for Ella; while charming social services, she accidentally promises a birthday party and reunion with her mom; a surprise windfall doesn’t help.
Sixth (S1, E6)
Real life has officially arrived; Mia’s debts close in while the romantic tension with Jo reaches a head; escaping to a swanky party, a dangerous ex has a bigger escape on offer.
Poster and Featured Image of the Spent (Season 1 – 2024) Series are courtesy of BBC.