3: The New Normal

Today's world is changing in more ways than one than ever before. Some changes are minor while others can make life more complicated. It really depends on how the viewer sees it though, depending on their upbringing, values and ability to think for themselves. It just so happens to be that the majority of today's generation can't seem to stay committed to the people they love so much. All the time, couples break up and get back together; there's very little consistency with the youth of today. That's not to say it never works but many find it difficult to stick with one person. That is why some people have relied on a different matter of companionship. Apparently this isn't a new thing, there have been several celebrities and regular everyday people a like using this solution instead of going back and forth between the one they love. Instead, a polyamorous relationship is implement. In short, it's being in a relationship with more than one person. That's the goal of this pilot episode.

Based on real life rapper Jamala "Alamaj" Kidd, this pilot episode gives a short introduction to what it's like being in a polyamorous relationship. Written by Kidd, Ashley Taylor and Will Foskey (who also serves as director), the pilot episode's mission is to at least get its audience to understand the idea of the concept being presented. Initially presented by actor Will Wright, the actor says that it contains things that every relationship show has and it may also "ruffle a few feathers". Rightfully so because to some, the idea of having three "is a crowd". I do question the editing at the start with Wright though. He's talking and then there are clips edited with him laughing while he's talking. Not sure what that's all about. Getting underway, viewers are introduced to Caleb Gore (Kirk Ponton) and his two spouses Brittney (Destyne Marshai) and Maya (Alana Boswell). How the writers handled the introduction is noteworthy; by first immersing them randomly and then explaining what's going on.

After that, the character threads split and have Gore and his friends talking and comparing there different lives as well as Maya and her friends. The overall idea of course is to be happy with what you want no matter how odd it may be and what others think of it. To juxtapose the differences between monogamous and polyamorous relationships, Will Wright's character is looked at and how being only with one person can get uninteresting. However, there's another character played by Nickelz Guzman who honestly has a scene to himself that doesn't really say much about his relationship to him and his significant other. That could've been omitted and just focused on the other two character threads mentioned earlier. Otherwise, there also should've been another scene for the character of Brittney to speak up on. She's someone who's included in the topic of choice for this pilot. If anything, her role should've been expanded on more, not Guzman's. Of course, this is a pilot so later on more character arcs can occur.

For right now though, what's being looked at is what should be developed. As for acting goes, it feels as though all cast members feel comfortable with the premise. Nobody seems to be in a role they can't handle or perform in whether it's serious or comical. The other notable part of the writing is that Ponton's character also explains some of the benefits and things to consider when having a special bond with more than one person. Yes, imagine those grocery bills, or when emotions get high, how much more intense it can be (for better or worse). It's all things to consider and to those who are obviously open to it. It's apparent this series has a mission statement from the beginning and bringing the topic to light is their goal. As to whether it'll convert any classic romantics, that's something the production crew will have to prove to its viewers. Conceptually and visually, it looks like there are less problems but that depends on whether everyone's minds are on the same track and that's usually a rare find in most people.

The cinematography handled by writer/director Will Foskey is another plus to the presentation of this pilot. When it came filming scenes, all shots remained motionless to very little movement. Since there's no real "action" involved, shaky cam wouldn't be expected but even for stories like these, some cameramen don't know when to get a stand for their lenses. The lighting was also equally proportionate to the scenes shown. It would have been nice to see a few more locations though, even if they were establishing shots that showed a wider scope of the area this group of three live in. The sound mix consisting of a film score by Spzzy and a few rap tracks by Jamala "Alamaj" Kidd is for the most part well constructed. Kidd's compositions to his songs at the start and end feel appropriate to what the series he's producing is trying to get across. The score by Spzzy is hit and miss though at points. The comedic and informative scenes use soft beats to set the tone but in a bar, the music sounds like it belongs to a club. The context just feels off sometimes.

Occasionally the film score doesn't quite match its setting and the writing briefly deviates from the topic it so much wants to convey, but that doesn't take away the quality or thought provoking premise. The soundtrack, actors, camera-work and instructional writing should catch viewers' attention.