Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Overview
In the series premiere, we are presented the idea that no one may be safe, and you should perhaps trust no one.
Review (with Spoilers) – Below
Characters & Story
Lindy’s (Victoria Justice) life wasn’t easy. Her mom died, her dad is a drug user, and then her sister Sara (Jordyn DiNatale) was kidnapped before her very eyes. Then, just in the series premiere, the man who was perhaps her first love dies, and a guy she only went on a date with. Leading you to wonder, as Lindy uses her hacking skills to help people find missing loved ones, and someone uses their hacking skills to find her, will the cat possibly end up the mouse in this “Catch Me If You Can” type game?
Praise
Let me just say it is very weird to watch someone like Victoria Justice go from Zoey 101 and VicTORIous to a show like this. However, while there are some stumbles, she does well. Mind you, this show doesn’t have the emotional depth of Finding Carter, but as MTV begins to diversify its programming past reality shows and even comedies, it is hard to not want to give what they put out a chance.
Now, speaking on the story, and characters alongside Justice, I will admit I was happy there is a heavy set character, George (Harvey Guillen), who seems like a potential villain; and a, currently, token Black girl named Sophia (Kiersey Clemons). Though perhaps the biggest thing to praise is a girl, of Puerto Rican descent, not only into computers but hacking. Which leads to a sort of basic story, but sometimes you got to take representation where you can get it.
Focusing specifically on the story, though, I will admit that perhaps the main thing which kept me interested was the number of deaths in the premiere, and the fact Ben (Daniel Lissing), who seemed like he would be a long-term love interest, died in the first episode. Thus setting the stage that, perhaps, anything could happen, no one is safe, and you have a good reason to think that anyone could be Lindy’s stalker/ serial killing admirer.
Criticism
The sole thing I would criticize is the dialog which is so cheezy at times. Especially when it comes to Sophia’s dialog; Connor’s (John Garet Stroker), as the sassy, and brooding, gay best friend of Sophia; and pretty much most of Lindy’s scenes with any male the show makes seem like they can be a love interest. For example, while Lindy and Ben were looking at the stars, pre and post-sex, each line said was worth an eye roll for it sounded so uninspired. And I fear this may only be the beginning.
Overall: Stick Around
Being that this is MTV’s first real crime drama, since Finding Carter doesn’t really take much note of Elizabeth’s work too much, and this is based on an R. L. Stine novel, I think this is something which may get better with time. All it needs is to tone down Sophia a bit, sharpen the dialog, and keep up the idea that Lindy, and her friends, are never safe. That and end the season with a really good cliffhanger.
Things To Note
I will admit, a part of me fears this could become like Pretty Little Liars and go way past its prime.
TV Shows We’re Covering This Season
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