Quarterlife

So I was genuinely surprised by this show. I wasn't expecting such a high quality show. Mostly because I was TOLD to not expect such a high quality show. I'm not sure why the reviewers have such a hate on for it. Maybe they can't appreciate good character dramas.

The characters are dynamic and complex, and you really get to know them throughout the course of the show. They deal with interesting subjects, like sexual identity and creatively "selling out", but not in a standard "look at us deal with problems" sort of way that is all too common in TV. They do it with tact and grace, and all the while the characters continue to surprise you. The ones you hated at first have beautifully charming moments that turn into truly redeeming traits. The "strong" character never stays the strong character. And you get this real sense that these characters could be real people somewhere in Chicago.

Given the fact that this show is TV quality and was independently funded speaks wonders about the crew that put this together, and you can tell every step of the way that this is a project that they cared about doing. It's not just about making a show, it's about artistically putting something out there that they love. And the audience can feel that. It doesn't happen too often with shows anymore, and that's too bad.

Made to contrast the average, glossy style of young American television, Quarterlife stands alone. The show is brilliant; using unknown actors, subtle, seemingly improvised dialogue, and characters that are familiar to all of us, this show gives feels like a reality show that is actually good, actually real. The subtle, yet dynamically layered performances by the amazing cast gives hope for the next generation of young actors. I find myself feeling like I'm sitting right in the living room with these kids as they ponder their futures, careers, romance, principles, and everything we think (or thought) about at 25. If you're a fan of "My So-Called Life", "Once and Again", or any other show that chooses realism over slick production, or just seems to have the right amount of heart and soul, you've come to the right place.

Firstly, the scripting is terrible - very clichéd, very old-fashioned, not what people are looking for in their TV anymore.

Secondly, the guy from Greek (Scott something) was OK, some of the others seemed to have just phoned it in.

Thirdly, if there hadn't been a writers strike I doubt this would have made it to air at all.

Want to watch something that is about college students figuring their lives out in their early 20's? Watch Greek on ABC Family - it is back on air on March 24 2008 at 8 pm, and it's really entertaining!!! This show, on the other hand, was just unbearably painful!

While the show surely isn't about everyone, as a glimpse into what the post college graduation period is like for a large group it is very genuine. Working with thousands of such students from the start of college through graduation, I am confident that most will identify with the characters, and in fact many have already emailed me saying just that.

More importantly, the show itself is entertaining and the characters likable and engaging. Far better than most of the network fair and by far one of the sleekest productions online, the show is well worth checking out, especially if you like the dramedy category of programming.

While those who have seen "Once and Again", "thirtysomething", "My so-called Life", "War of the Worlds", etc etc certainly will recognize a lot of stuff, patterns and type, it surely isn't a bad show. The writing is excellent, and there are pearls of wisdom, of life's insights splattered throughout each episode. The characters are very boilerplate: There's the 'narratoress': The Geek Girl Writer (a great role by Bitsie Tulloch, who can play fragile young looking like HOT DAMN, THAT GIRL IS SO TIGHT!!) , the Golden Couple With The Cheating Husband (where Debra never had a close up in the first 30 mins, a deadly mistake. I totally cannot identify with her now), The Sensitive Creative Geek Guy, and the One-Dimensional Side Kick Geek Guy. The Beautiful Girl, (actually a good role and good acting) and The Political Dude, who's slightly ridiculous BECAUSE he protests, and of course The Prom Queen Bitch. All these roles we've seen before in any teen movie of the last ten years, especially the twenty something crowd.

And of course, the total absence of Black, Latino or Asian Characters. But I guess Marshall and Zwick didn't grow up with those kinda people, so that makes it okay? I guess they ARE liberals, Jewish or Eastern European, so THEY are ethnic enough ... :) I haven't seen all episodes, so they might pull a "Once and Again" and bring DB Woodside in the last episode, when it's clear it's gonna be canceled anyway? When will producers, writers or studios learn that the black, Asian female demographic is good for over 30 BILLION dollar of female beauty industry spending, so that writing up a Sensitive Geek Black Guy would not only be refreshing, but would bring in solid ratings as well? "Token" or not, who cares? People like to identify, or pine. And that they have money to spend .... it shuh don't hurt none, sistah! ;)