In This Section
|
« Hidden Palms
May 30, 2007: "Startin' Over's a Bitch, Ain't It?"
Nobody likes a stalker.
OK, where are my fellow teen-drama fans? The O.C.'s gone, One Tree Hill's fourth season is coming to a close, and The Hills — although technically not a drama, but has enough in it to fall into the category — is on hiatus. Hello, I need my mindless, love-torn, unrealistic TV! The CW wasn't about to leave us hanging, though.
I've got to admit, the opening of this show surprised me and yet it didn't at the same time. "Life shouldn't be so expected." Well, I didn't expect Johnny's (Taylor Handley) father to shoot himself just then, but again, how can I be that shocked, right? "C'mon, Dad, I love drunk time, but I really need to finish this." Just with that line alone, Johnny's former structured self became just a cover for someone whose parent was so out of control, the only thing that made sense was numbers. Definite answers.
One year later, camera in hand, hair as messy as a wannabe rock star's (or Jesse McCartney's possible twin brother?), Johnny's in a whole new world. Welcome to Palm Springs, where everything looks like a postcard but Mischa Barton is nowhere to be found.
This isn't Newport, but it smells a bit like it with a side of Desperate Housewives. Is it me or are all the moms completely disturbed? Especially Johnny's mom, Karen (Gail O'Grady), denying their old life, sleeping around and then marrying not long after her husband's suicide just because she was "scared and alone." And the troubled, alcoholic teen is in a lonely bubble of uncertainty — but aren't we all stuck in an ambiguous atmosphere at some point? Cut to the ending where all the troubled teens are suffocating in their bubbles of uncertainty.
But we're just getting started. There are clearly stories to be told, especially Eddie's. I'm thinking a love triangle gone wrong. Cliff (Michael Cassidy) and Greta (Amber Heard) have a mysterious past and I can't wait to find out what really happened between them, what their "deal" includes, the love/hate relationship that's twisting their insides and stinging the wound we don't quite understand yet.
Speaking of Greta, there had to be a girl to chase, right? Add in some golf-course sprinklers, good music and flirty extended stares and we've got ourselves a whole new world of lust, love and loss. I loved Johnny's analyzing session with Greta, reading her like an open book, but there are definitely things he doesn't know.
Last but not least, the sweet, quiet Liza (Ellary Porterfield) was clearly lost as she peered out her window, staring at everyone around her and secretly wanting to trade her goggles for lip gloss and be noticed. I definitely see an emotional ride for her and Johnny down the road.
I also see a lot of opportunity for indulgence in the glossy pool reflections — welcoming secrets and turmoil. Fancy outdoor parties with open bars and distracted parents (nose jobs and all), Taylor Handley leading the newest crew of traumatized students. I think Jesse Jo (Leslie Jordan) said it best tonight: "All I ever wanted was to belong."
Find more on Hidden Palms in our Online Video Guide.
|
TVGuide Links:
|
|
|
|
May 30, 2007 10:18 PM
|
Thanks for the review Megan.
I watched it a bit. I kinda like Cliff and Greta, dark and twisty, and the way it ended with them.
But I just HAD to comment on the abuse of my favorite favorite song: "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice.
Too beautiful a song for scenes with characters to whom noone has formed emotional attatchments. Shame on them!!
|
|
May 30, 2007 10:36 PM
|
Hi,
I've never watched One tree hill or the O.C., so I wasn't sure what to expect with Hidden Palms, but i figured I'd see what it was all about since CSI and greys anatomy are off for the summer.
It was actually pretty good. Taylor Handley did a really good job. I couldn't help feeling bad for him cause of what happend with his dad and all. Loved the whole chasing around the golf coure thing and the sprinklers. As far as Liza is concerned, its going to be interesting how that plays out, cause from the looks of things, I think she likes Johnny, but Johnny likes greta.
Why does it seem that shows like this allways have to have a character that is a drunk. Can't everyone just sit around the pool drinking diet pepsis?
Over all. good show. I recommend it. I'll be looking forward to next week to see how things play out
|
|
May 31, 2007 7:04 AM
|
First episodes are tough - for the writers and the viewers - because they have to set the stage and introduce us to the characters. I thought this episode did a good job of doing that. It piqued my curiousity - and I'll be back for more....
I do hope, though, that there will be some focus on the adults rather than just the kids. I think there's plenty of mystery to go around!
|
|
May 31, 2007 8:31 AM
|
Nice review, Megan. Like you, I've been jonesing for some quality teen fare (is that an oxymoron?), and I'm hoping Hidden Palms will fit the bill.
Well, I kept waiting for Hidden Palms to make me cringe with some knowing faux-teen dialog ala Dawson's Creek, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the kids spoke and acted (sorta) like normal teens. The whole golf-course sprinkler thing was a bit overdone, but I'm intrigued to find out what Greta's homelife is like, and what makes her behave the way she does.
In general, I liked this episode much more than I'd anticipated. Taylor Handley made Johnny sympathetic as well as smart - he's got such a young, puppy dog look. Poor Liza - she obviously fancies Johnny, but right now she can't even get a look in because Greta's all over the place, making things sizzle with her confused, emotional unstable bad girl routine. Should be interesting to see how that works out. Is Liza the Joey to Greta's Jen? Probably not - I'm thinking they're setting up a whole new dynamic with this one.
Cliff seems like a complete jerk in some ways, kicking the wee dogs and all, and yet he's very sweet to his mother. I can't wait to find out what the story is behind Eddie's death. I'll definitely be watching next week.
|
|
May 31, 2007 8:50 AM
|
Well I have to admit to being fully entertained throughout the entire hour just trying to figure out what the heck was going on!
I thought that the writers did a good job introducing us to everyone and filling in some of the initial blanks.
I am already looking forward to next weeks episode!
|
|
May 31, 2007 11:08 AM
|
I liked it. I thought it had some great moments. Kinda wondered if Dad was going to do something. Since Johnny was all buttoned up, and in the previews looked a lot different, I knew there was going to be something to change him. Didn't quite expect what happened thou. Some pretty harsh last words to live with. Guess I'd be in rehab too. (And I loved Beverly Leslie too!)
Great review Megan - but no mention of Liza's explosion! Wow! I jumped. Wondered what the heck was going on, then she peers closer to the thermometer (or whatever) reading and them BOOM! Inside the garage blows up. Love her parents coming in and dad saying one of these nights she's going to kill them in their sleep (but just going back to bed grumbling), and mom admiring her daughters brilliant mind. Her blase, "too much nitrate" response. Man, I wonder how many things she's blown up in the past. I think she would have been a bit more hurt, but I'll let that pass 'cuz it was exciting. I also liked her experimenting with makeup, then throwing on her goggles and jumpsuit so mom wouldn't now.
Can't wait to see if it'll keep me interested.
But it's no Veronica Mars!
|
|
May 31, 2007 11:36 AM
|
|
Your right that it's no OC and no One tree hill but i'll tell you i can sure see it ending up like both of them, it was a great start last night and i cant wait till next week either
|
|
May 31, 2007 12:23 PM
|
Good review, Megan.
As someone who values "interesting" more than merely "gorgeous," I have to say that I was immediately drawn to Liza. The shy genius who can't seem to catch a break.
Greta may be conventionally gorgeous, but there are worlds going on behind Liza's eyes and I'm hoping that our not-entirely-dim protagonist will eventually see that.
The Cliff/Greta/Eddie thing strikes me as more than a bit odd - especially since I have the feeling that Cliff was lying about Eddie's death both times!
I feel kinda sorry for Johnny's stepdad. The poor sod is clearly an any-port-in-a-storm substitute for Karen, and a barely tolerated presence for Johnny. That's got to hurt!
Jesse Jo added just exactly the right kind of weird humor to offset all the dramatic weirdness. But the whole "works at the country club/C&W drag queen/recovering alcoholic" situation only works because Leslie Jordan infuses the character with more humanity than almost ayone else on the show.
Overall, I get this strange vibe from Hidden Palms - it's as if David Lynch had decided to do a teen soap.
Even after the Scream trilogy, I never thought Kevin Williamson could achieve that special kind of oddity...
If the show can maintain this level of quality, I'll definitely be back.
|
|
May 31, 2007 1:59 PM
|
countryqueen: I was think the same thing at the end. It's no Veronica Mars.
But it wasn't bad. It has some stories to tell that is for sure.
Could have done without the cross-dressing. Why that was put in there I don't know.
That scene with the girl in the garage was great. That would freak you out looking over and seeing someone dressed like that and no reaction when you wave at them. The explosion was funny.
Word of caution: don't get to attached. They have a way of sucking you in then POW, they pull the plug.
|
|
May 31, 2007 2:00 PM
|
|
It's not The O.C. but I'm watching for now. So far, the characters have enough to them. Hope they continue to develop.
|
|
May 31, 2007 2:19 PM
|
I was pleasantly surprised by this opening episode. I thought the casting was spot on. And I was glad to see that there wasn't overwhelming over-the-top snobby & snarky teen angst/scheming, as I feared.
Unfortunately, I missed bits and pieces throughout the first episode. Did I miss a father/son pre-suicide scene?
And people, didn't anybody else feel their anxiety spike when Cliffy
began luring the puppy to him? Fine acting, however I am thankful for the prompt cut away. Also, did Cliffy make a remark regarding an 'old bitch', meaning the dog's owner? Cliffy has some serious quirks and secrets. I'm gonna keep both eyes on that child.
|
|
May 31, 2007 2:30 PM
|
well another original show by CW,uh?...well I checked it out,but by the 2nd 1/2 hr i was tottally bored.That sprinkler sence was just to lame.how corny can it get?,& Johnny knowing so much about that girl(when ask for his camera back) like "An opening book"!!,but before that he looked like he didn't have a clue.This show is par for the course of what one would find from a lame network as the CW.The same old teen fair,that in so much of it makes no sense.Which is why it will do good on the CW.But,
Hidden Plams should've stayed hidden.
|
|
May 31, 2007 4:09 PM
|
|
Blog buddies - the actor who played Johnny's stepfather - D.W. Moffett - has a blog on the Celebrity Blogs page. Interesting to read - go check it out!
|
|
May 31, 2007 4:31 PM
|
|
great, another OC/One Tree Hill clone, just what we need, another show about pretty rich teens with problems (at least they all weren't white) Now Traveler was a good show!
|
|
May 31, 2007 7:39 PM
|
|
|
