I decided to watch Life Unexpected's pilot after reading an article about how much the show was refreshing compared to other The CW productions. It also mentioned empathic characters and inspiring identity quests but it's really Shiri Appleby who convinced me to check it out. Indeed like many fans I really liked her as Liz Parker in Roswell. But even if her performance as Cate Cassidy, a radio host, was correct it's really Britt Anderson who impressed me. She plays Lux Cassidy a 15 years old girl who was given up by Cate for adoption as she was her age when she gave birth to her and just couldn't consider keeping her. Even if I couldn't relate to them I instantly cared about Lux because the actress did a very convincing job. In fact she reminded of Julia Stiles in Save The Last Dance. As for her father Nathaniel I think some single 30 years old men should identify with him as he's irresponsible and immature. It sounds pessimistic but it's hard to grow up so his story should definitely be interesting.
But even if I enjoyed some elements others were quite disappointing, even annoying. First the usual YouTube and MySpace subliminal ads were back. They're even on Smallville so it seems the network teamed up with some majors to fill their shows with these abominations. Second I already hate Cate because she reminds me of the girl next door who will never learn her lesson nor control her libido. But I suppose the whole point of the show is to explain her story and cover her issues so in some way I feel guilty of judging her. It's so easy to criticize other's people mistakes. Third considering the target audience I'm shocked that safe sex is not covered. Would you have unprotected sex with someone you don't know anything about ? Do you think taking the pill is enough to prevent you from catching AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases ? If you can't answer these questions I strongly recommend you to talk with your parents, friends or a doctor.
To sum things up I can't recommend it because it doesn't properly cover serious issues teenagers or young adults have to deal with. In fact I think watching the show could make things worse because they nearly pictured Lux's dramatic life as a joke considering what Cate did in the pilot. However note that Britt Anderson's performance is excellent and I'm sure many teenager girls should be able to relate to her. She almost made me cry because some moments were quite emotional. But my advice is to at least watch the show with adults or people who know what life is. For the moment I still hesitate to give it an other chance because I read Erin Karpluk was cast as a supporting character and I really loved her in Being Erica. Now that's a funny, refreshing and smart show I can only recommend !
But even if I enjoyed some elements others were quite disappointing, even annoying. First the usual YouTube and MySpace subliminal ads were back. They're even on Smallville so it seems the network teamed up with some majors to fill their shows with these abominations. Second I already hate Cate because she reminds me of the girl next door who will never learn her lesson nor control her libido. But I suppose the whole point of the show is to explain her story and cover her issues so in some way I feel guilty of judging her. It's so easy to criticize other's people mistakes. Third considering the target audience I'm shocked that safe sex is not covered. Would you have unprotected sex with someone you don't know anything about ? Do you think taking the pill is enough to prevent you from catching AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases ? If you can't answer these questions I strongly recommend you to talk with your parents, friends or a doctor.
To sum things up I can't recommend it because it doesn't properly cover serious issues teenagers or young adults have to deal with. In fact I think watching the show could make things worse because they nearly pictured Lux's dramatic life as a joke considering what Cate did in the pilot. However note that Britt Anderson's performance is excellent and I'm sure many teenager girls should be able to relate to her. She almost made me cry because some moments were quite emotional. But my advice is to at least watch the show with adults or people who know what life is. For the moment I still hesitate to give it an other chance because I read Erin Karpluk was cast as a supporting character and I really loved her in Being Erica. Now that's a funny, refreshing and smart show I can only recommend !
