Wednesday, 16 December 2009

CW...you finally got me

I am an unashamed pop culture freak. I love television, specifically anything teen driven. I suspect I always will. YA literature and teen film/tv just hit on something for me. It's not so much the glossing over of such a pivotal time in our lives (or grittification) but that return to the heart tugging finality of every single moment.

The CW, for those who don't know is the amalgamation of the WB network (home of the iconic Dawson's Creek, Everwood, Roswell and Gilmore Girls...so much awesomeness) and UPN (home of Veronica Mars). It lost me once they merged...Veronica Mars got watered down, they chose Seventh Heaven over Everwood and they continued to employ Chad Michael Murray. I was done. I never really got the Gossip Girl thing. I will never read the books and only enjoy the show when Chuck's doing his thing. I liked Smallville but only for the Veronica Mars-esque (and perennially under utilised) Chloe aka Allison Mack.

But today I saw this extended trailer for a show starting in January... Life Unexpected and it grabbed me hard. I can feel in my bones that it's going to rock my viewing world. Why? It stars Shiri Appleby...who was great as Liz Parker in Roswell (1999-2002) and Kristoffa Polaha (who's name is unfamilar but I have seen his face for years). But more than that, it's a show that breathes. I can't really explain myself well, especially having only viewed the extended trailer but it has that lovely lightness but truth that Gilmore Girls had, nice comedy and who can resist Shiri's teary eyes...honestly?

But seriously, Lux appeals to me more in this 5 mins than Rory ever did in seasons worth. Gimore Girls hinged on Lorelai (and the amazing Lauren Graham) but this really feels like a strong ensemble piece about three people growing up together. Plus snark works for me on MANY levels.

Here's the set up:
After spending all of her 15 years bouncing from one foster family to another in Portland, Oregon, Lux (Brittany Robertson) has decided it's time to take control of her life and become an emancipated minor. Her journey through the legal maze leads Lux to her biological father, 30-something Nate "Baze" Bazile (Kristoffer Polaha), who owns a bar, lives like an aging frat-boy with two slacker roommates, and is astonished to learn that he has a teenage daughter. Lux is equally astonished when Baze reveals that her mother is Cate Cassidy (Shiri Appleby), a star on the local "Morning Madness" radio show.

I am willing to overlook some of the unrealistic qualities (ease in which she tracks down parents, radio jock mum, forced family scenario, blonde offspring) because I believe that these actors can bring it with the emotional grounding.

And here's the trailer:


Are you onboard?

If it doesn't work out I think my heart will break.

11 comments:

Karen Mahoney said...

Ooh... that looks good! (I really liked Roswell. Heh. I am a sekrit fan. *g*)

Kaz

Unknown said...

OH WOW that DOES look awesome - I had not seen a preview but WOW! :) Off to find out when it's on! :)

Thanks!

GreenBeanTeenQueen said...

I saw this preview a couple of weeks ago and it's a must add to my Tivo list. I have high hopes for this one. Plus, I liked Roswell (the books and the show) so I'm thrilled to see Shiri back to work. Although the fact that she's supposed to have a teen daughter when I think of her as being my age is a little weird.

Keri said...

I've been waiting for this for months! I hope people tune in.

prophecygirl said...

I love pretty much everything the CW makes, and I can't wait for this one. Shiri Appleby... what more could we want?!

Donna Gambale said...

This is the first I've heard of this one.... oh man I'm so hooked already. I really hope it doesn't disappoint!
And yes, I watched Roswell -- though Shiri Appleby ended up annoying me in that one. I think I like this character better.

Anonymous said...

i totally agree with you. I thought it looked good and i am going to watch it all!

CeeCee said...

I really want to see Life Unexpected as well.

Lisa Schroeder said...

I AM ON BOARD!!! And OMG, that's where I live - Portland, Oregon!! How freaking cool, I'm so excited!

I Want To Read That said...

Looks amazing:)

Unknown said...

Believe me: I've watched the first episode yesterday. IT'S NOT GOOD, IT'S ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!. It's not a show: it's THE show.
I had heard great things about it but it was damn better than what I expected.
I'm a serious fan now, and I haven't been crazy for a show in more than 10 years.
Recommendation: don't miss this!

And for the ones who watched Shiri on Roswell- nothing to compare. She's brillant here. Everyone is, but Shiri is excellent.