The Big Leap

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

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.

I hate reality shows but somehow this behind the scenes look at a reality show is interesting. I especially like the diversity in the cast.

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.