These three half-hour specials—inexplicable to anyone not familiar with the original series—are not without their moments, and fans may relish the prospect of reuniting with the original Bad Girls Club, Eddy and Patsy (Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley), but what was bracingly un-PC in 1992 is somewhat behind the times in 2012 (even a Kardashian joke strains for relevancy). Simply put, these characters today, with the exception of long-suffering daughter Saffron (Julia Sawalha) are either irredeemably nasty and unsympathetic or off-puttingly eccentric (Jane Horrocks' character Bubble). Of the three specials, the third, “Olympics,” is an especially frustrating missed opportunity as Edina pathetically humiliates herself to gain the favor of designer Stella McCartney. The first, “Identity,” finds Saffron, of all people, welcomed home after a stint in prison. The second, “Job,” features appearances by Spice Girl Emma Bunton and Lulu of “To Sir With Love” fame. Sadly, the party is clearly over; Eddy and Patsy have worn out their welcome. DVD extras include the bonus sketch “Ab Fab Does Sport Relief,” as well as a behind-the-scenes featurette. For completists only. (D. Liebenson)
Absolutely Fabulous: 20th Anniversary Specials
BBC, 90 min., not rated, DVD: $24.98 Volume 27, Issue 6
Absolutely Fabulous: 20th Anniversary Specials
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