There is a hint of some character development towards the end of the third episode of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s excellent series. Jogging through a graveyard Fleabag suddenly seems to see the world in a different way. Could she be heading for a happy ending? 

Before that though, this episode finds Fleabag going through more excruciatingly awkward encounters. Her sensible sister Claire has arranged her own surprise birthday party and is discussing her plans for the evening: “It’s basically a business meeting” “Can I bring a date?”

And, of course, our hero does bring a date, the “bus rodent” (the description in the credits, not mine) played by king of playing posh twits Jamie Demetriou. But before the party there is the mandatory gift-buying sequence. Two gift-buying sequences, in fact. One in a shoe shop with her brother-in-law Martin (Brett Gelman) and one in a sex shop with Bus Rodent. You can work out which one is funnier/more embarrassing for yourselves.

if the plot is predictable in places – naturally the birthday party goes a tad tits up for Fleabag – the performances are across-the-board outstanding. Olivia Colman is particularly good this week playing against type as the nasty stepmother who comes out with a fusillade of compliments that are actually insults.

This isn’t always laugh-out-loud funny – there is quite a bit of sentimentality, romance and cute guinea pig-cuddling this week – but it is always keep-your-eyes-open watchable. The mid-points of a run might often mark a dip in quality. Not here. Part three of Fleabag leaves you itching for more.

Fleabag, Episode 3 is here.

Read a review of episode 1 here.

Read a review of episode 2 here.