"New Best Friend" finds Edina and Patsy having a falling out over the visit of friends Bettina and Max (Miranda Richardson and Patrick Barlow, who would return to play the couple in the "White Box" episode.) The bickering and disorganized couple arrive with their new baby, which proves to be too much for Edina to handle. Edina leaves the nerve-wrecking scene to look for Patsy. She goes to the magazine's office and runs into Bubble. Bubble is working at the magazine due to a temporary layoff from Edina's P.R. company. Fleur and Catriona are on hand at the magazine's office, and Hamish (Adrian Edmondson) is shown in conversation with an employee named Carmen (comedienne Jo Brand.) Edina went to find Patsy so they could have lunch, but her pride returns when she and Patsy see each other on the street. They pretend they haven't seen each other, and go their separate ways. However, they soon end up in the same restaurant, and try to outdo each other with their needs to create envy and look popular. Patsy runs into fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, and invites herself to have lunch with Zandra and actress Britt Eckland. Patsy and Zandra reminisce how they met, and Patsy tries to forge a friendship with Britt. Meanwhile, Edina manages to persuade singer-actress Lulu to join her for lunch. Edina later declares a Bettina and Max emergency after she gets back home, and faces the displeasure of baby vomit. She calls Saffy to come rescue her from the situation. Mrs. M. also arrives to help with Bettina, Max, and the baby. Bettina finally begins to relax, but her relaxation is short-lived when she, Saffy, and Mrs. M. overhear Edina and Max having sex. Patsy comes around the next day, and it seems like things will be getting back to normal.
3 Reviews
Funny episode with memorable moments
snoozejonc6 April 2021
Edina invites an old friend to stay.
This is a strong episode with Patsy and Edina both on great form along with a guest character.
The story is mostly about Patsy and Edina's friendship and the problems and jealousies that come with it. There is a particularly funny scene that takes place over lunch.
Other great moments come with Bettina and her stressed out parent moments. First time parents and friends of first time parents should be able to identify with a lot of what is presented.
As ever the dialogue and characterisations are very sharp and funny.
Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley and Miranda Richardson are all excellent.
This is a strong episode with Patsy and Edina both on great form along with a guest character.
The story is mostly about Patsy and Edina's friendship and the problems and jealousies that come with it. There is a particularly funny scene that takes place over lunch.
Other great moments come with Bettina and her stressed out parent moments. First time parents and friends of first time parents should be able to identify with a lot of what is presented.
As ever the dialogue and characterisations are very sharp and funny.
Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley and Miranda Richardson are all excellent.
Old friends, new problems.
Sleepin_Dragon30 August 2022
'Do you ever see anything of that old alcoholic?'
Eddie has invited old friends Max and Bettina around, but her efforts to accommodate the stressed out couple cause her to fall out with Patsy.
It's another cracking episode, and it's one that offers something a little different, it's the first time we see the friends fall out, and it's the first time we get to meet Bettina, a friend that brings out a different side.
It's all about jealousy, how the green eyed monster causes havoc, and makes people behave in the most extraordinary ways.
The famous faces were starting to appear more so here, and there are plenty to admire here.
I love the cameo performances from Jo Brand and Add Edmondson, they are hilarious, but for me it's Miranda Richardson who steals the show as Bettina, I always thought it a shame that she didn't appear more often.
9/10.
Eddie has invited old friends Max and Bettina around, but her efforts to accommodate the stressed out couple cause her to fall out with Patsy.
It's another cracking episode, and it's one that offers something a little different, it's the first time we see the friends fall out, and it's the first time we get to meet Bettina, a friend that brings out a different side.
It's all about jealousy, how the green eyed monster causes havoc, and makes people behave in the most extraordinary ways.
The famous faces were starting to appear more so here, and there are plenty to admire here.
I love the cameo performances from Jo Brand and Add Edmondson, they are hilarious, but for me it's Miranda Richardson who steals the show as Bettina, I always thought it a shame that she didn't appear more often.
9/10.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
