South of Nowhere

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.

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 didn't watch South of Nowhere from the very beginning, but while I was looking through channels I noticed South of Nowhere was on and it was the scene from Girls Guide to Dating when Ashley tells Spencer the girls guide to dating girls. I was very intrigued by both girls and thought they would be good in a relationship. South of Nowhere to me has gone further than the seven seasons of Degrassi with the story lines especially when it comes to sexual orientations, teen issues such as identity, homophobia, pregnancy, school shooting, etc. The-n canceling the show would be the biggest mistake on their part for letting Spashley fade when their story is far from over.

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.

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!