South of Nowhere

My first impression with this series was that it was going to be angst ridden and full of stupid lines about how being a teen dealing with sexuality was difficult. The hardships of sexuality is dealt with but it really travels beyond that. It deals with trying to be accepted at a new school in a new world and trying to find yourself in the process. It deals with many different character trials and really gets to the point. There are many story lines going on at once and it gives a well-roundedness that is very much needed in television. To the untrained eye it is a boring soap that is just another drama for teens. But it's much more than that. It's true to life and how people react to situations.

Being a white straight girl I found I could still relate with every character and everything they went through. All in all, very good series.

OK, first let me start by saying, I am a 17 year old teen in Los Angeles, California. Most public schools in CA are the same, over crowed, there's always one dumb kid in the AP classes, and there is always some 'hidden genius'. I love this show because it truly pushes the envelop and explores sexuality and racism. I attend a school that's 75 percent African American and about 24 percent hispanic, with 1 percent other. The divisions within the show between the black the black and white families, could easily be seen on TV with black and hispanic families.

I love the family completely because the mom and dad have built a home on love trust and faith, and even though each has been tested since moving to CA, they still remain sane, which isn't what I can say for my family. Also--props to the writer that wanted one of the adopted kids to be black, the show gets an extra point for that-there I said it! (it was brave, and they tackle the issue very nice, I might add) I love Ashley and Spencer because they place two characters on television that I have never seen before, Ashley an open lesbian, and Spencer, a girl questioning her sexuality. Adian is just there, he's okay.

CLay and his friend are truly moving characters. The show may me happy when they portrayed their geniuses in a positive light.

Madison! She's the best because I have the same type of cheerleaders at my show, only they're black.

The-N has developed a reputation for being a network aimed toward Teens that is not afraid to push the envelope in telling their stories the way life is. Degrassi, the network's most popular show, is another example of this type of truth in storytelling. It has never sugar coated the truths that some teens live, no matter what the subject may be. And because of that, it has won awards.

Following in this tradition, we now have South of Nowhere. It is a story of a family uprooted to Los Angeles. The three brothers and sisters now have to deal with a life that is far different from what they were used to.

So far, the show has dealt with racism, questioning sexuality, and fitting in. And no, it is not afraid to deal with these subjects honestly.

So far it has been very careful to offer both sides of a story where two opinions exist. The sibling's parents come from both sides of the spectrum, one being very liberal, the other conservative.

I don't believe it is the producer's intent to push a specific agenda for teens, as much as it is to provide them with an honest look at the typical teenage existence, which from what I remember, is not as cut and dry as some would like it to be.

Caveat--I'm gay, and I immensely enjoy watching a show where coming out is about going on dates with hot girls, not contemplating slitting your wrists. Really, because that's what it should be about. It's just as exciting/nervewracking for queer girls to discover girls as it is for straight girls to discover boys.

That said, it's not exactly the best writing on TV. The acting's not bad--especially from the female lead and her will-they-won't-they best friend--but all the actors are done in the by the over-the-top dialog and unrealistic plot lines. Unlike Degrassi, I don't think I'd tune in without the gay plot line to keep me interested.

On the other hand, the entire cast is made up of pretty/handsome young things a la the OC. And there's nothing wrong with a little eye candy.

i started watching SON when it aired its 5th episode. i found out about the show through afterellen.com i was looking for an article to prove Angelina Jolie was bi and found an interview of Gabrielle Christian (Spencer) i read it and was instantly hooked. then i read recaps for every episode i missed and got all caught up. i think the show is absolutely amazing. its a great teen show and has something in it for every viewer. the relationship between Spencer and Ashley is handled very tastefully. its good that the show has story lines involving race, drugs, and sexual identity. the actresses and actors are really good and the story lines are written perfectly. Spencer and Ashley start as friends but viewers can tell right away from the first episode that they have great chemistry and will end up having a relationship as they did. the first season ended leaving viewers with the question, did they or didn't they have sex with each other that night. it was a great way to end and keep viewers hooked and next season will have to deal with the answer to that question and the next question, will the relationship last. Ashley has difficulties with relationships and has admitted to hooking up with random girls for no reason. on the flip side shes in love with Spencer and has never felt that before for any girl and is worried Spencer might be the one to brake her heart. Spencer has also never had these feelings before. Ashley is the first girl that Spencer has cared for that way and has been that close to and is ready to try the relationship out. these two both have strong feelings for each other and i hope it all works out in the next season and their love gets as strong as ever, they make a great couple and the chemistry is undeniable!