MANILA, Philippines?Moneyed teens figure in catfights and mini-scandals in the popular American show, ?Gossip Girl,? the latest series about young romance, social cliques and petty rivalries.
Some gorgeous up-and-comers make up the cast, the new characters easily memorable because of the actors? distinct good looks. But substance-wise, while the teen drama is pretty predictable (a few shows before it have examined high school hi-jinks quite elaborately), it?s still addictive because of its hip take on superficiality, complicated friendships and sexual intimacy.
In the show, a famous website reports juicy details on the escapades of Manhattan?s young elite. The anonymous Gossip Girl is voiced by Kristen Bell (of ?Veronica Mars? and ?Heroes?), who impeccably narrates with just the right balance of sarcasm and curiosity. The blog-worthy subjects include the ?Mean Girls?-type rivalry between self-centered Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) and former wild girl Serena Van Der Woodsen (Blake Lively), and their fluctuating relationships with family and friends.
The lives of rich kid Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) and Serena?s longtime admirer Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley) also liven up the technology-aided rumor mill. Dan and his sister Jenny (Taylor Momsen) are the wealthy kids? new schoolmates, good-natured souls slowly getting assimilated into a world where shallow catfights, spending sprees and duplicity seem commonplace.
?Gossip Girl,? inspired by a series of books, is cleverly written; its dialogue is mostly contemporary but has the potential to age well. It also utilizes classic teen show story formulas. There are defining love triangles, for instance, one that involves the reformed Serena, her former paramour Nate, and his girlfriend Blair.
Working formula
Another working formula centers on the transformation of an unrepentant bad boy, Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick), into a lovesick pup. His backfiring machinations elicit guaranteed sympathy. And problematic parents?sometimes more messed-up than the kids?are tried and tested elements that give the young characters needed definition or contrast.
The cast is an appealing ensemble with obvious cookie-cutter roles, but the actors fit them seamlessly. However, Matthew Settle who plays a dad to two teens looks only a few years older than co-star Badgley! Still, the actor is competent and has a working chemistry with Kelly Rutherford (?Melrose Place,? ?Home Front?), who plays Serena?s single mother. Their characters figure in two love triangles, too!
Despite having dramatic scenarios that inevitably result in ruined parties, balls and soirees, it manages to push the right buttons. A working symbiosis with its soundtrack helps (key scenes were aptly flavored by Angels and Airwaves and One Republic).
This new show already feels like it learned from the better episodes of ?Beverly Hills 90210,? ?Dawson?s Creek? and ?The O.C.,? in that a couple of story lines mostly offer speedy, mature resolutions. Whether it?s reflective of how youngsters in that scene act and react is anyone?s guess.
Regardless, a few things are happening way too fast that it may burn out and exhaust story ideas before subsequent seasons. For now, though, ?Gossip Girl? has the dirt on these heartthrobs and heartbreakers, and you can?t help but one updated on the latest scoop.
?Gossip Girl? airs Tuesdays, 8 p.m. on ETC.
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?Man Made Marvel?
This month, Discovery Channel?s ?Man Made Marvels: National Theatre? reveals the splendor of China?s first ever national theater?The National Centre for the Performing Arts.
The documentary includes interviews with key engineers, computer-generated imagery and archive footage.
It premieres April 27 at 9 p.m., with replays on Monday at 12 midnight, 8 a.m., 2 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and the following Sunday at 8 a.m.
?The Biggest Loser?
?The Biggest Loser,? a reality show featuring a group of overweight contestants competing for a cash prize of $250,000, airs Wednesdays, 8 p.m. on 2nd Avenue.
This season, 50 overweight contestants?one for each US state?will undergo real-life temptations, while being provided with approved weight-loss skills and resources.
Returning as host is comedian Caroline Rhea with personal trainers Bob Harper and Kim Lyons.
?Pitong Paglalakbay?
Some of the Philippines? most beautiful and unique summer destinations?Batanes, Bukidnon, Siargao Island and El Nido, Palawan?are featured on ?Pitong Paglalakbay,? ?Sine Totoo?s? offering this Saturday on GMA 7.
