Web Series Wednesday – Self-Help

By: Spring Marie Cullen

WHAT? Self-Help

BY: Bethan Williams and Tom Bridger

WHY SHOULD I WATCH?

Self-Help is an award-winning comedy mockumentary series that follows celebrity self-help guru Veronica Moses (Emma Richardson) and her deadpan personal assistant Tricia (Sally Paffett). After a very public and extremely embarrassing incident in a bookshop, Veronica finds herself with new challenges when it comes to navigating her life. As the second season kicks off, Veronica is still the subject of a student film and as eccentric as ever.

When it comes to mockumentaries, I’ve realized the zanier they are the more I seem to enjoy them. I always want them to dive headfirst into the mock aspect and this series goes for it. Self-Help never takes itself too seriously. I’m convinced Veronica is the distant relative of Goop Mogul herself, Gwyneth Paltrow, and I mean that in the best way. I couldn’t decide which was more amusing, her forcing Tricia to provide sound effects or the look on her face when she’s reluctantly making them.

The addition of Lauren (Diane Spencer) as the Moses’ family executive assistant was a great move. She really gives Veronica a run for her money and the thick tension between the two of them, especially in regard to their relationship with Veronica’s parents is a definite highlight of the series. The presence of Lauren also leads to one of my favorite lines from the second season – when Tricia compares her to Annie Wilkes from Misery.

It’s possible to start off by just watching the second season as a standalone, but the first season is equally entertaining. It’s also interesting to see how the series progresses from the cast filming separately in quarantine to all of them being together.

I can see why Self-Help did so well on the web series award circuit. It’s a wonderfully executed comedy and it’s obvious the cast and crew had fun with it too. If you’re looking for a quick binge watch or a show that’s sure to make you laugh check out Self-Help. It’s just what you’re looking for.

WHERE CAN I WATCH? Episodes are available on YouTube.

Follow on Social Media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SelfHelp_Series

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfhelpseries/