Privileged (1.1, 1.2)

Tuesday, September 9th & 16th, 2008 @ 9 PM
CW
"Privileged" - Season 1 - Pilot and Episode # 2 -"Pilot" & "All About Honesty"
http://cwtv.com/shows/privileged/episodes

Manatee here.

I thought I'd give you a few quick thoughts on CW's new series, 'Privileged.' This show was somewhat of a surprise to me... I wasn't even sure I was going to watch it. But if you are a 'Gossip Girl,' '90210,' or 'OC' fan, might I suggest a screening of this series. I saw some clips this summer that were pretty boring, but for the sake of this blog, I watched the first two hours. The show starts off in Manhattan following Megan and her terrible celebrity tabloid (TMZ-esque) job. Before the first commercial break, she is fired but simultaneously sent to McMansion, Florida for a nanny / tutor job. JoAnna Garcia as Megan is great. A real breath of fresh air, quirky yet charming. If you watch the episode, you'll find yourself really liking her character.

The show is not quite as entertaining as season one of 'Gossip Girl' which allowed viewers a great chance to escape reality and be immersed in the upper class socialites of Manhattan. You do get a peek at high society, Palm Beach style. Charity events, huge beach mansions, and ivy league aspiring
teens in a new zip code. It also gives us "20-somethings" a good look at a girl trying to make it in the wide world of 'entertainment.' Megan wants to write, but not trash - real hard hitting journalism for people that care. The drama she faces is keeping her wild and wacky charges in line, flirting with a cute and rich neighbor, finding time to write, dealing with family baggage, and standing up for herself to her strong-willed and successful (female) boss - some normal issues the working world faces.

Lucy Kate Hale (from 'Bionic Woman') and Ashley Newbrough are cute as Megan's students and aspiring heirs. Their mischief, so far, is fun, light and good natured. No cocaine snorting, 911 calling parties here, yet I still find myself very interested in their lives as well as Megan's. I was disappointed in Lily (played by Kristina Apgar). I found her annoying and out of place, acting wise. She was not as strong as the other actors. I'm geared up for next week. I hope episode #3 stays on par with the first two. If you checked it out, comment below and tell us your thoughts.