Channel 4 attempts to break new grounds by covering the subject of ‘Pure O’ with its new comedy-drama, Pure. With many talented actors at the helm, such as Niamh Algar and Joe Cole, but a slightly weak script, is it watchable and accurate in its depiction of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Marnie (played by newcomer Charlie Clive) leaves her small Scottish town where her family resides to try and find herself in London. She struggles with X-rated thoughts which she can’t control, and tries to navigate her new life in the big city by finding new friends in unlikely places, including a lesbian bar and a sex addiction support group.

This is undoubtedly one of the first TV shows to really delve into the experience of frequent intrusive thoughts, a symptom of OCD. Whilst we’re generally fed the common depiction of constant hand-washing and counting, Pure looks at what is described as ‘pure O’, where intrusive thoughts aren’t followed with compulsive rituals. It’s a difficult subject to tackle and trying to create a show people can enjoy around something that would disgust less understanding audiences is a challenge. Pure is an easily digestible show but it’s also terribly unrealistic and at times very sickly. The intrusive thoughts Marnie experiences are depicted as literally seeing everyone in front of her naked or having sex, which is an interesting but misleading way of showing these thoughts; OCD sufferers don’t literally see their thoughts in front of them, it happens inside their head, and this depiction may potentially confuse or mislead some viewers.

Marnie has also been created to be dorky and happy-go-lucky, making her the ‘manic pixie dreamgirl’ stereotype. It doesn’t make her very likeable, however, and it’s difficult to understand a lot of her actions, even when the audience is given glimpses into her psyche. She regularly makes inappropriate comments then cringes at herself and this is a regular joke used in the show, a forced attempt at cringe-comedy which quickly becomes tiring.

In addition to this, Marnie appears to make loyal friends throughout her time in London, a notoriously unfriendly place. No one is deeply troubled as she has outbursts due to overwhelming paranoid anxiety and as she spaces out and flinches as her intrusive thoughts surface. She doesn’t repel anyone with her unexplained behaviour. This could be potentially damaging to those seeking comfort from the show; those with mental illness are frequently isolated, struggling to make new friendships and maintain them, and yet we’re given a protagonist who makes fast friends effortlessly.

Pure opens a dialogue on the different aspects of OCD not previously commonly known, and the show explains in plain terms what it can be like to suffer from ‘pure O’. It’s admirable in its attempt but questionable in its execution: while it educated those who didn’t previously know about this side of OCD, it alienates those who do suffer it, by creating a message that people will support the sufferer no matter what, an experience not many may be able to relate to. Who knows, maybe if we all moved to London, we’d find acceptance.

Stars: Charly Clive, Kiran Sonia Sawar, Niamh Algar
Lauren Jones
Latest posts by Lauren Jones (see all)