Secret Life of the American Teenager: The Second Time’s Not the Charm
Will I Stay or Will I Go?
I know, I know — ABC Family’s new teen- and supposedly family-oriented drama The Secret Life of the American Teenager broke ratings records during its debut last week, landing the basic-cable network its highest viewer numbers ever for a series premiere. If the people who tuned in for the first episode are anything like me, however, they’ll probably agree the thrill is gone after watching episode two.
I intentionally stayed on the fence following the series opener in order to give the show a chance to develop into something better over the course of a couple of episodes. Yet my initial impression was in the same mediocre vein that characterized most advance reviews.
Brought to us by 7th Heaven creator Brenda Hampton, The Secret Life of the American Teenager revolves around 15-year-old Amy (Shailene Woodley), a stereotypical high school “good girl.” At the very beginning of the new school year, following a summer spent at band camp, the intelligent and pensive teenager learns she’s pregnant, thanks to the one time she had sex for the first time. Unfortunately, her partner was a fellow band member who’s notorious for sleeping around.
To the show’s credit, it provides a believable reason for the unsuspecting daddy-to-be’s bad behavior — he’s a foster-care kid due to sexual abuse he experienced as a child at the hands of his father. That instance of unexpected depth, along with a few notable adult stars, such as 1980s brat packer Molly Ringwald and former Smallville regular John Schneider, helps the pilot counterbalance the annoying sex-talk din created by the younger characters’ non-stop and only slightly witty chatter.
To stay on my good side past the premiere, the show really needed to do something about the unrealistic way the teenagers on it communicate, perhaps by giving them something else to obsess over besides sex (where’s a celebutante or illegal addiction when you need one?). But, sadly, it didn’t during the second installment, so the main characters remain unsympathetic and a chore to endure, which means it’s time for me to jump off the fence and walk away from this particular series. Best wishes to those who stick with it.
The Verdict: C
Related Post: New Series: The Secret Life of the American Teenager
The Secret Life of the American Teenager currently airs Tuesdays on ABC Family at 8pm EST
The Secret Life of the American Teenager photo courtesy of ABC Family
i think that this show is very great…! i can relate to it in some ways because , well first i am pregnant, but i am not a freshman in high school. i am a junior like shailene is for real life.
my parents are divorced but they have been divorced since i was a little girl so i didnt really know what was going on.
i am having a little girl, unlike AMY who is having a little boy. BUT i just want to say that i LOVE THIS SHOW A LOT! and i hope that you will continue with a new season next year.!
good luck
BARBARA
Barbara, rest assured that Secret Life will return with more episodes after the current season ends. ABC Family renewed it a while ago, so fans will get the chance to see what happens to Amy and her newborn. Best wishes for you and your child, too!