(Prepare for some comma abuse)
Although I've probably said it before, I'll say it again. The CW =/= quality television. It's just a step below what I like to call "comfort food television," something that CBS is well known for. If you're willing to park yourself in front of the TV for good and enjoyable entertainment, The CW is the place to go.
That brings us to The Vampire Diaries. Yes, vampires are the new "It" in Hollywood, but don't call this a Twilight carbon copy just yet. The book series this show was based pre-date Twilight by about a decade.
The premise of the show is anything but original in this day and age. Guy meets girl, girl falls in love, guy has evil immortal brother who also falls in love with girl, girl witnesses violence. And that's the show in a nut-shell: a soapy, melodramatic hour of vampires.
Yet, somehow, it works. No matter how stupid the plot may be, how bad the acting is, it can be a great joy to watch. I may be using a rather popular and worn out phrase, but in "this day and age," escapism is something that most people are craving on their TV screens lately. This show fits the genre perfectly. There's nothing realistic about it. It's good, clean (as clean as vampires can get. And they can get dirty. Ever heard of True Blood?), fun, something to keep your mind busy while dealing with your taxes, or in the case of their key demographic, homework.
Grade: B
The Beautiful Life, on the other hand, is crass. And features much more nudity then I thought allowed on network TV. Mischa Barton, topless, covering herself with a towel, and only wearing underwear? Because she's a famous, experienced, drug addicted model? On a network almost entirely targeted at teens? I honestly didn't think it was allowed. Apparently, this "edgy" show, produced by none other than Ashton Kutcher, wants to push all the boundaries. It's not necessarily vulgar, but it's dull. And will probably not keep your attention for long when you realize that Glee, Modern Family (review coming soon!), and Criminal Minds.
There is one bright spot in the series: Sara Paxton, a rather unknown actress who has only starred in films such as Aquamarine, plays an aspiring model who is seemingly innocent, though in this world, it's hard to tell. She's a breath of fresh air on the show, bringing a light, sophisticated side to the sleazy world of runways (which don't seem all that sleazy to begin with). If I did watch week after week, it would be almost solely for her, although the other actors aren't horrible. They just play dull, poorly written characters on a dull, poorly written show.
Grade: C-
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