"Rise" is good fun, with a twist of drama. Almost like a "Smash" and "Friday Night Lights" hybrid, it's brought to us by the guy responsible for shows like "Parenthood" (and "FNL", actually), so I was hoping it'd be at least decent. It's gotten off to a solid start so far.
"Rise" gets off track a bit when it delves a little too deeply into teen angst. Characters like Gordy and the conservative Christian kid are already grating my nerves. I have no problem with religious or spiritual views expressed on TV, and I have absolutely no doubt that there are families out there just like this Christian boy's. But done in this manner, it's just a little much for me on a personal level. Meanwhile, it's like the writer's were just ticking off boxes on a checklist with Gordy, who hits every cliche teen stereotype. -Portrayed as an 'outsider' whom no one understands -Bad habits or behavior -Mumbly -Lots of general grumbling -Door slamming/dramatic exits
All in all, I'd rank "Rise" higher than "Glee". It's definitely an enjoyable show without the excess cheese, corniness or syrupy sugar-coated sweetness, but it hasn't quite hit its high note yet. Give it time!
"Rise" gets off track a bit when it delves a little too deeply into teen angst. Characters like Gordy and the conservative Christian kid are already grating my nerves. I have no problem with religious or spiritual views expressed on TV, and I have absolutely no doubt that there are families out there just like this Christian boy's. But done in this manner, it's just a little much for me on a personal level. Meanwhile, it's like the writer's were just ticking off boxes on a checklist with Gordy, who hits every cliche teen stereotype. -Portrayed as an 'outsider' whom no one understands -Bad habits or behavior -Mumbly -Lots of general grumbling -Door slamming/dramatic exits
All in all, I'd rank "Rise" higher than "Glee". It's definitely an enjoyable show without the excess cheese, corniness or syrupy sugar-coated sweetness, but it hasn't quite hit its high note yet. Give it time!