The Big Leap

Sort of ... and much more! A heck of a lot of fun!

TV's Scott Foley carries a stellar cast that includes vets like Teri Polo (Julia) and Piper Perabo (Paula) along with stars like Ser'Darius Blain (Reggie) and newcomers Raymond Cham Jr. (Justin) and Simone Recasner (Gabby).

The pilot feels like it tried to cram everything the show wanted to be in one episode--a funny yet sometimes sad yet sometimes poignant commentary on the state of the world today and how reality TV exploits the plight of the dispossessed.

But it also makes you laugh. It's characters are painted first with broad strokes, establishing familiar story arcs to immediately invest you in the story. It all seems like a product of an age where data analytics prove a show must grab your attention by x minute and x second to be successful and certain metrics must be met for a pilot to be picked up or a show renewed.

For all of that, I found myself by episode two rooting for some characters, anticipating a delicious downfall for others, and altogether wanting to see where this story led. It isn't the greatest show ever made, but after throwing it on on a whim one Thursday evening I find myself compelled to come back for more.

Take note backstory writers. The Big Leap manages to squash the essential elements of origin without droning on and boring the audience. The show gets straight to the meat.

The characters feel real and at the same time just a little exaggerated for humour and drama. Speaking of which, I laughed at the production crew and their machinations to manipulate the dance show contestants.

But there felt like real emotion as well. Reveals that the characters did not know which were tragic or humorous or both.

This is a good show.

The show isn't about dancing, it's about people getting a second chance in life. Scott Foley is a breathe of fresh air, his attempts at making drama make the cast members open up about their life, form friendships and deal with the real issues in your life. Completely entertaining and insightful.

This show is addictive! I hate reality TV but this is great. It's a show within a show about people who are struggling in their daily life who sign up for a reality TV show to train to do a ballet performance of swan lake. But it's so much better than that. It's a GREAT script with Talented actors. This cast really does mesh well together. I've been a fan of Scott Foley since Felicity but he shines as a work obsessed producer just trying to get the most sensational story out of a bunch of nobodies. This cast is diverse and I don't know if this is Simone Recasner first big show but she certainly shines as Gabby. Kevin Daniels as Wayne Fontaine is hilarious and heartfelt. Sr'Darius Blain as Reggie Sadler the ex football player is so believable. It's only episode 4 and I'm so invested in these characters. This is the TV I didn't even know how much I needed. Go watch it and you will thank me later.