This show has some gems I hope it doesn't forget what to do with.
It's pretty rare to see a boy or man deal with anxiety in mainstream media.
Of course they didn't handle this perfectly. But this show allows Stiles to be sexy and intelligent while also struggling with his own mental health, and I honestly can't think of another good example of this on television.
Watching Lydia grow confident in her own intelligence is 🙌
This is such a powerful story arch. When we meet her, she hides her IQ in a search for high school acceptance. When she finally comes into her own and starts sharing her talents with others, it's inspiring, and again, I can't think of another good example of this.
Melissa McCall is a fully realized, lovable, and competent character—despite being a parent on an MTV teen drama.
The adults on this show are not ignored or forgotten. Melissa is a fleshed-out, interesting character and I would totally watch a TV show all about her.
The idea of Isaac existed.
Tackling abuse and abandonment with Isaac's character was pretty impressive, regardless of execution—he was too wonderful for this show in the end.
Lydia and Jackson's relationship was complicated and IMPORTANT.
This show opened with a lot of common TV tropes (the ditzy, popular girl and her jock-jerk of a boyfriend) and then dug deep inside them. There was damage and abuse in this relationship, but also a surprising amount a genuine affection. It was complex, honest, and so much more realistic than MTV had any obligation to be.
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