Note: I've been a little lame with the lack of posts lately, so I thought I would do something a little different. Started this show a few days ago, and I'm so hooked. *loved the books* HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK FOR THE NEXT EPISODE, HUH? Even Jersey Shore can't make me feel any better right now. *sulks in corner*
RATING: B
My Thoughts - Aria, Spencer, Emily and Hanna were only ever in contact because of Alison. She was queen bee, the one everyone in school envied. But when Alison disappears, all four girls no longer have the one person who kept them together. Stricken with grief, they all go their separate ways. That is until the texts start heading their way. Someone under the name --A is playing games, and seems to know all of their secrets. But what the girls initially assumed, was that the texts might mean Alison was still alive, but turns out to be false when her body is found.
They are soon to realise that this is more than just a game. This is DEAD serious, and --A likes to have fun.
I read some of the series a while back, and so, even though I heard there was a show, I stayed well away from it until the past 3 days. What kept me away was the thought of the show just axing the whole series. I really enjoyed what I had read so far when it came to the book, so I decided to leave it at that. But 3 days ago, I thought, why not? I watched one episode and that was it. I was a total goner. It's been a while since I read the series so it probably helped because I didn't recall what the girls looked like, or if things had changed too much in the show. Had I remembered I would have spent way too long nit - picking.
I love the mystery. The mystery is definitely what makes this show what it is. The distinct characters are also a major plus. It's so refreshing to have a group of friends who are all explored in depth. Whose stories are just as important as the others. Four girls who couldn't be more different, but regardless, they connect.
Aria has gotten herself in a muddle with a certain teacher - overachiever, Spencer, is fooling with someone way too close to home, Hannah may have had a major makeover, but she is still insecure and spends her time with her best friend Mona shoplifting, and Emily is trying to figure out who she is, and if those dear to her can accept her for her. Alison was Alison. Her word was law, and she had each girl around her finger. She was horrible and manipulative but she could also make you feel special. And although she's gone, it seems like she has still found a way to haunt them. The show tends to allow this aspect of the show to fall into the background once all the drama comes in, but what I find very important throughout watching the show is how Alison affected them. She was obviously conniving and horrible. She always got her way and didn't care who she hurt, but at the same time, those instances where she was sweet made anyone forgive and forget. Or so she thought it seems. But these four girls are still struggling with her loss. Each of them connected and counted on Alison, they all told her their darkest secrets, but without Alison ever telling them a single secret of her own - strangely enough, it's in her death that the girls are brought closer together, and are able to know each other not just as Alison's friends, but as individual girls who are going through something they can't explain or comprehend. It's the friendships that I look forward to the show exploring, although it was done more effectively in the books.
Although things are exaggerated at times, I think what we love about this TV show is that we can relate to the characters. And to the ones we can't relate to - as horrible as it may sound - during the not - so - fun - times, it makes you sigh with relief in knowing that you are not in their shoes and merely a viewer, and hey, it's very entertaining. Yet it resonates. Even when the girls make very, very silly decisions - to the point where I want to just shake them! You root for each of the girls, wince and cringe for them when they mess up. You connect with each of the girls in different ways and I think that matters, because it shows that they have impacted you or made you think, which is always a good sign.
Then there is the fact that as the viewer you are constantly on your toes. Almost like you're right alongside the girls - rooting or anxious when they are making the wrong or right decisions. You get paranoid and doubt constantly. You are always kept guessing and I totally love that. Then there is -A. You don't know what to make of this person because, sure, they put these girls through hell time and time again, but they have also saved the girls at the most random of times. Not to mention, other residents who seem to have ulterior motives or anger towards the girls seem much more malicious than -- A at times.
Let's just put it this way. I started it three days ago, and finished season one and watched season two up until the current 12th episode. Each episode is around 40 something minutes. Yup, bad move. I'm left with a killer headache which has been annoying me all day and sore eyes, but I'll live. It was totally worth it. Very addictive show. You're missing out guys!
It's oh so confusing at times, but so very awesome.
Plus, it promises cute boys. Caleb and Jason anyone? <3
Jason - Tell me about it *sighs* - Caleb
*both of them totally have that: mysterious - tortured - soul - look going. Leaning more towards Jason though, Hawttt.* :D
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