In the quiet hours of a London night, the season one finale of "Still Up" weaves a tale of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Episode 8, "The Wedding," brings the series to a close with an emotional depth that leaves viewers pondering the complexities of life and love.
The episode picks up where the previous one left off, with Veggie (Blake Harrison) encountering Lisa (Antonia Thomas) outside Danny's (Craig Roberts) apartment. Lisa, carrying a cat she found and intending to give it to the Cat Man (Rich Fulcher), is confronted by Veggie about her recent behavior and the lies she's told. Their conversation reveals the strain their relationship is under, with Veggie expressing his feelings of inadequacy and Lisa grappling with her own fears and insecurities.
The tension between Lisa and Veggie is palpable as they discuss their relationship, with Veggie questioning Lisa's distance and her fear that he might propose. Their conversation is a microcosm of the broader themes of the series—themes of identity, commitment, and the struggle to find one's place in the world.
Danny, in his apartment, is dealing with the aftermath of his encounter with Amy (Lois Chimimba) and the awkward situation with Veggie. His call to Amy is an attempt to mend fences, a testament to his desire to not let history repeat itself. However, it's his conversation with Lisa that reveals the depth of their connection, as they reminisce about their first meeting at a wedding.
The flashback to the wedding is a poignant moment, painting a picture of two people who, despite being with others, form an instant connection. Danny's job at NME, his love for Chloe, and the interruption by Chloe's manager, Milo, set the stage for the heartbreak that was to follow. Lisa's empathy for Danny is evident, and her realization that Chloe is cheating on him adds a layer of complexity to their budding friendship.
The episode takes a dramatic turn as Danny and Lisa recall the worst possible break-up. Danny's proposal gone awry and Chloe's subsequent rejection are remembered with a mix of humor and sadness. It's in this moment that Danny learns the truth about the missing ring and Lisa's role in it. Her confession that she took it to save him from humiliation is a turning point in their relationship, revealing the depth of her feelings for him.
In the present, Danny's realization that Lisa 'liked him' prompts him to rush to her place. Meanwhile, Veggie's return and his willingness to be honest with Lisa about his feelings create a moment of truth for both of them. Veggie's admission that he will be with Lisa for as long as she wants sets the stage for a potential change in their relationship.
As Danny arrives at Lisa's place, the tension is cut with a text from Lisa informing him that Veggie is back. Their conversation through the window, and later on the phone, is a heartwarming exchange of reassurances and promises of support. Danny's offer to be Lisa's mirror anytime she needs it is a testament to the unbreakable bond they share.
"The Wedding" is a fitting finale to the first season of "Still Up," encapsulating the show's essence with its blend of humor, heartbreak, and the enduring power of friendship. It's a story that leaves viewers with a sense of hope and the promise of new beginnings, as the characters navigate the complexities of life and love under the watchful gaze of the London night.