Mama Mia: Analysis

Season 2, Episode 3: Mama Mia

Analysis

There's an old saying about how you shouldn't be so quick to criticise someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes. It gets to the very heart of trying to be empathetic rather than judgement, understanding rather than harsh.

We're all quick to do it - jump to conclusions, take things at face value, and think the grass is greener for someone else. However, until we know exactly what they're going through, then perhaps we should try and exercise more patience and cut folk some slack.

It's the lesson which Erica learns in this particular episode as Dr. Tom sends her back in time to try and understand just how hard it is to look after a newborn baby.

Now, being a guy in my early 20s, I can just about manage to look after myself, so the thought of having the responsibility of looking after a baby totally freaks me out. I don't want to be considering that for another decade or so.

However, for women, I guess it's different. Almost all girls are incredibly maternal, and even those who aren't can grow to become so. It wasn't until recently that I actually realised how this idea of caring and looking after babies is ingrained in girls all their lives.

I mean, think about it. While boys play make believe with their action figures, what do girls do? They look after dolls. Pretend babies. Right from an early age, they are conditioned into understanding that this is something they do and, often, something they want to do.

This episode is all about mothers really. From Judith, trying to find her way in caring for baby Max right through to Barbara, who has been there, done it, got the t-shirt and probably now hoping for some grand kids from her two daughters. She'll have to keep waiting...

Of course, as Erica struggles to look after Max back in 1995, it's to Barbara who Judith recommends she goes to. Someone with experience. However, telling too is that we see Barbara giving advice to Sam on how to keep Josh feeling important when it comes to what to do with her hair.

I think it's a great example of the very clever writing in this particular episode, as what do we see in the present day? Only Sam trying to keep Josh happy with his new important promotion and move to London. And who is not so keen on what she's doing? Her mom.

Of course, it's very possible Sam has got the idea in her head of accepting to live her husband's lifestyle from her mother, certainly from what we saw in '95. However, now the roles are reversed.

Not that Sam is totally in favour of the move, she knows she's the one making the sacrifice, and we've already seen in Season 1 how she can often just go along with things that Josh wants, even if she's not convinced of it herself.

It's shown by the way she breaks down and cries in the car after leaving her Mom's following Barbara expressing her concerns. Interesting too that Erica encouraged her mother to speak our about her worries - just as Dr. Tom implored Erica to before Sam's wedding.

It's also how clever how during her time travel, Erica and Judith almost swap positions. Judith is one who feels alone, abandoned by her friend who seems to moved on without her, and not understanding of what it takes to care for a baby.

Back in the present day, it was Erica feeling as though her friendship with Judith was "on life support" and in need of work. However, on her return, she was better able to understand where Jude was coming from.

She is also reminded of how they have spent time apart before, as Judith recalls back in 1995. Watching it back, too, is there a hint of prolepsis when Judith talks about Erica being a famous author who has moved on without her? Very similar to events in Episode 11.

After being a bit down on the previous episode's time travel, I actually think this is a really fun episode - seeing Jude and Erica struggling to look after their respective youngsters. It was also clever how, after a couple of present day-mentions, Ethan's friend Michael makes an appearance back in '95.

It's also an opportunity for some great mid-1990s tunes, and pay attention to the detail they go to - strands of Erica's hair dyed purple apparently a Frosh Week tradition at the University of Toronto. It's another great example of how well put together Being Erica is.

Having said that though, this was supposed to be "the third regret from the bottom" according to Dr. Tom. Now, we saw the last regret that Erica added in Episode 1, which was "Leo." We then saw her add a couple more in Episode 11 of Season 1.

So unless she's been adding more and more, which is entirely feasible, that we're not aware of then I don't see how Frosh Week could have been the third one from the bottom, as Dr. Tom describes it. That's me being super-pedantic though.

It barely registers a dot on the surface of what is such a great show, and one of the reasons is becase it really does teach you lessons for life. We also see Erica learn and grow at the same time, actually responding to what Dr. Tom is trying to show her.

It's true too, friendships are like any relationships, they need attention and hard work, particularly when other factors play a part to make them more difficult. It's certainly my experience from having been to university and a few different schools.

Having moved around as a kid, I'm no longer in touch with anyone I met before the age of 15. I then went away to university, and met people from all around the UK - who I rarely see now.
Sure, modern technology makes it easier, but actually seeing them in person is hard, and it takes planning and effort.

It's difficult, too, when people's lives take them in different directions and they progress at different speeds. Just as Erica is finding as Jude takes steps into motherhood - something still a long way off for her.

Unfortunately, some friendships don't survive, as the cynical Kai comments. Incidentally, such cynicism at such a young age should really have been a telling sign of his true identity. More on that much later in the season though. However, other friendships do - although they require effort and understanding.

I'm always reminded of one of the only things I ever remember from primary school, when we were told that, "if you want a friend, be a friend." Parent or child, mature mother or wacky aunt, 1995 or 2009, that will always be the case.