I don't know about you guys but with all of these 'best of the decade' articles floating around, it has made me feel incredibly self-conscious about what I deem the best movies/tv shows/songs/albums/shoes over the past ten years.

Sure, it's all ~subjective~ but is anything on the internet ever really subjective? Upon doing my research I scoured through multiple lists boldly declaring which telly shows were the Crème de la Crème.

And I've gotta tell ya, the same shows kept popping up. Fargo, True Detective, Veep, Atlanta, Breaking Bad and Fleabag were all repeat offenders. Which got me thinking - is there a formula to what makes a great TV show? Is it objective?

I didn't really give it too much thought further than that because it's the end of the year and I'm tired af. While I love those aforementioned shows, there was one programme that was nowhere to be found on these lists and I am utterly perplexed as to why.

I think Ja'mie: Private School Girl was one of the best shows produced this decade and I'm going to kindly ask you all to let me SPEAK ON IT.

In 2013 comedian Chris Lilley delivered us one of his most beloved characters, Ja'mie King, in a 6-episode series on ABC. Everyone's favourite bratty private school girl finally received the solo spotlight she so rightly (believed she) deserved. Quite frankly I think Lilley is a comedic genius. Sure he has had some hits (We Can Be Heroes, Mr G) and misses (Angry Boys, Jonah From Tonga) over the years, but when he's good, he's so fkn good. Who else better portrays everyday 'Stralyans?

Ultimately I would be writing this article about We Can Be Heroes, his 2005 debut, but of course it doesn't fit in the decade so for all intents and purposes let me just use Ja'mie: Private School Girl as my vehicle to write a love letter to Chris Lilley. 

When the show premiered the reaction from critics was mixed. Some cheered for their obnoxious anti-hero: "Lilley's Ja'mie...is a tongue-in-cheek critique of the extremes of modern girl culture. But what's impressive -- and a little scary -- is how squarely he nails it," wrote Kari Croop, Common Sense Media. Others lambasted the efforts: "It's a painfully obvious shtick, so camp and arch it's impossible to enjoy the joke," said Matt Roush, TV Guide. 

While Ja'mie: Private School Girl was never a high-brow offering (nor do I think Lilley wanted it to be), I challenge you to name another Australian series that has had the cultural impact that Lilley's shows have had. The iconic catchphrases that spurt from Ja'mie's mouth have become commonplace in the vernacular of Aussies, and beyond.

Here a just a few:

"I know how to text and drive, I'm not a f*cking idiot!"

"Go f*cking fist yourself."

"Quiche."

"Don't touch my Coke Zero."

"Public schools are so random."

"Wheelchairs are such a good visual."

"I'd like to say I'm Ja'miezing."

I really could go on and on but I'll stop it there for now.

The scripting is just one facet of Lilley's impeccable character-work. His knack for perfectly bringing these personalities to life on the screen boils down to a keen attention to detail. The way he nails Ja'mie's cadence, her ditzy gait, her mannerisms - it is all so spot on because WE ALL KNOW A GIRL LIKE JA'MIE. And while her grotesque display of privilege should be nauseating to the point where you want to switch off, every once in awhile you're reminded that this is a middle aged man playing a teenage girl. It's all so absurd, that it becomes too funny not to laugh. 

I get why it's easy to dismiss Chris Lilley's work, comedy is rarely applauded when it stands up against the scripted drama series of this world. But while Ja'mie: Private School Girl may not have made any lists, I truly believe it deserves to be celebrated.

So, this is my homage to one of the greats - you can take it or leave it you fugly sl*ts.

Main Image Credit: ABC

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