Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Why I Love 'Bunheads'


I try to avoid watching new television shows, since I tend to record shows simply because I have the ability to watch them later on, commercial free and at my own leisure. In the end, this still leads to watching too many hours of TV, in the grand scheme of things, when I should be using my time more productively. But sometimes, I just can't help myself. Take last summer, for example. I broke down and started recording/watching Bunheads. It wasn't (and still isn't) something I am proud to share, but the show has quickly become one of my favorites, and I must give credit where credit is due.

ABC Family is swiftly turning into the teenage girl television channel. Among a slew of shows geared toward the young female population, such as Pretty Little Liars, Secret Life of the American Teenager, Jane by Design, and Switched at Birth, Bunheads caught my eye because of its advertising gimmick: "From the creator of Gilmore Girls." None of the other shows can boast that as one of its credentials, that’s for sure. I thought it would be harmless to check it out.

You must understand that Gilmore Girls is one of my all-time favorite TV shows. It reached an unfortunate ending after seven seasons, spending its final two out of the hands of the absolute genius Amy Sherman-Palladino, who is also responsible for the creation of Bunheads. Lorelai and Rory had the mother/daughter relationship that seemed like a fantasy for most - they never fought, (except for one tiff right around the time Luke and Lorelai officially became a couple); they told each other everything; they were funny, likable, and relatable; and they could eat junk food like it was nobody's business without so much as gaining a pound. Their snarky, quick-witted, fast-paced conversations were certainly enough to keep me entertained all seven seasons, and I was sad to see the show end. (Who wasn't?!)

Bunheads has brought this same subtle humor and speedy dialogue back to life. While I was first traumatized at the quick departure of Hubbell after just one episode, (since Ferris Bueller’s Day Off just so happens to be my all-time favorite movie), I have long since forgotten about him. Michelle and Fanny have developed a great relationship of their own, Truly has turned a much less creepy and much more lovable corner, and the teenage girls have hit their stride in perfecting their characters’ personalities and mannerisms.

Sutton Foster is no Lauren Graham, but she does a fantastic job anchoring the show as Michelle, never missing a beat and always finding an analogy for every situation she faces. The character of Rory has been replaced by four clever, spunky teenage ballerinas who leave me wondering how just one Rory was enough. Instead of Emily Gilmore, we have Fanny Flowers, who is just as mysterious, yet much more lovable, also played flawlessly by Kelly Bishop. Quirky Kirk has been replaced by the peculiar Truly; Stars Hollow, Connecticut has been replaced with Paradise, California; and we are all still wondering just when Michelle will find her Luke, since Hubbell is out of the picture. 

It also doesn’t hurt that we have been lucky enough to be graced by plenty of Gilmore Girls alumni. We all know that Fanny previously held the role of Emily Gilmore, but the cameos from lesser-known characters have popped up in multiple shows, much to my delight. Everyone from Gypsy, who has a recurring role on the show; to Kirk as a crazy barista; former boyfriend of Lorelai, Jason, turned former lover of Michelle; Lane’s husband, Zack, a love interest for Truly who served a dual purpose as a plumber when the dance studio sprung a leak; and most recently, Paris has returned as an older version of her Gilmore Girls character, this time in the form of Truly’s older sister, Millie.

There isn't a single episode that goes by where I am not laughing out loud and enjoying every moment of the show, not wanting it to end. While it isn't an exact replica of Gilmore Girls, there is something fun and fresh about Bunheads that leaves me hopeful it, too, can stick it out for seven seasons...or more! So, it is here, on my blog, that I must confess and profess my love of Bunheads.