Editorial: The Summer Bummer
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Finally the show takes a more evenhanded approach to carrying the full cast. And better yet it feels more satisfying and complete. Still, it feels as though the writers could of strived for the less of the novelty and humor and more of the pointed and shifting storyline. There’s greater inroads made this time around. So for that I give the show credit.
I also give the show credit for being the most alive it’s been not just in this episode but also through out the season. Granted some snooze moments have crept in but mostly this season has felt refreshed and vibrant although not vital.
Having Che given further character depth and us given a glimpse into why he sold out Summer was essential to the viewer seeing him as anything more than a bridge character to get Summer back to Newport. And I can’t deny the ironic turn events of Che being revealed as a rich kid himself was a pleasant surprise. But I have to wonder where can the character go from here and perhaps more importantly just how useful and necessary he’ll be to future storyline if he stays on canvas.
I cringe every time Seth and Summer revert into their usual games and destructive behaviors so it was enjoyable to see them not make an issue out of her being kicked out school and him being Providence bound. But I still found it convenient that he would so easily agree to put his academic life on hold and stay behind in Newport the rest of the year to be with Summer. Perhaps it’s less about how convenient it is and more about how it lacks a semblance of growth in these two characters. Instead of building his life while also trusting in their relationship he stays behind living the safe life. It works to keep all our characters centralized and together but does nothing for character development.
Kaitlin wasn’t as bothersome and useless as I initially imagined she would be once she cohered with the rest of Harbor High. And the ragging house party she threw at the Roberts Mansion offered some solid laughs and a bit of joyous recklessness. But it felt replicated from all the parties of the past, especially Hailey’’s New Years Eve party in season one. Ultimately it left the episode feeling revived but not reinvented.
The glaring disappointment is how the grandest moments between Sandy and Kirsten are delegated to a mere montage. Whether it’s a game of strip scrabble or the renewing of vows we never see more than a few quick scenes with no dialogue. I long for scenes more fulfilling and that have a feeling of importance.
Ryan and Taylor continue to be this show’s sunshine and never feel stale or predictable. At least now they are starting to feel as less of a foundation and more of an essential element to the overall quality of the show.
Overall the episode was fun and engaging, but hardly critical or gripping like the show used to be way back in the day.
*** ¾ stars out of ***** stars
