This show looking back on it is another of my guilty pleasures but all the same still has sentimental value for me and it's one of the only teen shows that I can actually watch and hold up for me, as opposed to most that had their time but just fizzled away from my interest and life. Watching it not is even more interesting as it's kinda like looking at passages in a journal, knowing I use to be there.
I remember seeing this show when I was a senior in high school, this was literally the last teen drama show I've ever seen. It's kinda ironic on two counts from part of the show's theme which was about teens ascending toward adulthood to my current high school status which meant leaving high school soon and being on the edge of adulthood.
Yeah like most teen dramas it kinda plays out like a soap opera, however to me this was one of those dramas done right and unlike most soap operas this one doesn't suck because it does several things right for me and makes the show kinda unique.
From well rounded characters that actually are a little three dimensional but actually feel human; they all have their typical dilemmas personal and professional but they deal with them as best they can.
The other advantage is the show is a bit of a comedy, it doesn't take itself too seriously, at times the show and even the actors were a bit self aware of this. From the limited set pieces we always see, the number of areas the characters venture you can't help but think wow Edgemount High must be the smallest high school ever. I also always wondered what was the town of Edgemount like. But then again this show like most soaps had a limited budget where we literally were watching a stage play so what do you expect. Yet this just added to the comedic nature. Certain bits of dialog and situations are a bit stretch but not stretched to the point of ridiculous, more like it's funny because it's true even we might have done some stupid things or at least heard about them.
The music is also really good it has some songs choices you may be familiar with that are oldies but goodies but also correspond with the time of this show. But the big advantage are in the story and character arcs throughout the show, what makes them stand out are they they do actually add up to something and their straightforward. There is an occasion twist or two that I honestly didn't see coming but like I said it only happened on occasion, it's not frequent where most shows I feel have abused that practice. The twist aren't stupid because there is actually weight to them, they actually add more to the story and it's presents an obstacle for the characters but it's actually moves the character development along as it's part of their lesson in growing up and doing/being better than before.
I really like all the characters, surprisingly this is one of those rare occasions there is a show where there is not one bad character or one I absolutely hate (in my book anyway). Other interesting fact is most of the actors in this show are sci-fi alumni, you might have seen them turn up in a sci-fi series or two.
I'll just pick out two characters that are my favorites since there is so many and I actually on some of the actresses; which makes the decision a little harder; but like I said two, no more no less.
Laurel (Kristin Kruik): Yeah, I've seen "Smallville" (liked it at the time) but this show is where it started for me for this actress. I just had the biggest crush on her she was just so pretty and hot. But I just love the character she plays; she's relatable on one count as she's interested and in a field that I'm involved with also which is the entertainment/media field she has big dreams there and constantly struggles to do more there. But I mainly love her for that sense of warmth and maturity, she is just a person that is easy to talk to that you can easily be friends with. She also kinda passive aggressive which is another thing I can relate to, I really love that she not afraid to exercise some aggression which shows how strong and independent a person she is.
Gill (Richard Khan): This guy is just a really fun character whom I can also relate a little to. But his nature the guy is a geek but he's never really sees or feels he's one, which is why it doesn't show much. He's a man with big dreams and ambitions from certain big projects like making a movie or play, finding love, to the common pursuit of coolness. But it's funny because most of the time it always ends in failure either because he tries to hard or just does too much. Like there was this revolving arc for a while on this play he was trying to produce, direct, write, make and act much like Jackie Chan and his movies; the result well lets just say it was theater history. However despite what happens in the end he never gives up, he's tries again or tries something else to get what he wants in life which is true about all of us.
So if your a fan of teen drama shows and are interested in vintage classics this show is worth checking out. In such a small place and space as Edgemount a lot can happen.
Rating: 3 stars
