I know, I know; I’m supposed to be a television snob. I’m the guy who wrote about the criminally slept on Thief and marks Brotherhood, Breaking Bad, Huff and The Wire as some of his favorite shows. So why would I be proclaiming ABC Family’s Greek as one of “the best shows that you’re not watching?” Because it’s actually a really good show.
I’ll give you two reasons why you should be watching show.
First it succeeds in part because of diminished expectations. Because of my preconceived notions of “ABC Family” I thought the show was going to be a censored or watered down depection of college life. And to some degree Greek is; drug use has barely been broached as a topic. However casual sexual encounters, underage drinking, exploration in terms of sexuality and STD’s have all been addressed in well written storylines that didn’t feel insulting.
One of the leads, Rusty has been drinking since the first episode and he’s only just become a sophomore. It’s fair to say that alcohol is major part of the show. And with alcohol comes sex, and there’s plenty of that going on.
The second reason why Greek works is because of fleshed out characters. In the two full seasons (the third is just underway) even the antagonists have been given dimension and flourishes. Rebecca was originally just spoiled but she’s since become a victim and showed traces of honor. She’s also a character who’s tinkered with her sexuality.
And Evan Chambers is a great villain. Seriously, in terms of being a regular antagonist, he’s rivaled only be Mad Men’s Pete Campbell and it’s because they’re cut from the same cloth. Evan is rich and oblivious to his sense of entitlement. He’s also vindictive to the point that when he’s actually a decent human being you’re surprised.
But he’s also a fully realized character with multiple shadings. He still regrets losing Cassie and he can remember being best friends with his current rival Cappie. He’s vulnerable about his future. He’s a genuinely sympathetic character, at times.
Vivid characters. Strong writing. Solid acting. What more could you ask for? Go to Hulu.com now and watch the first two seasons or just watch new episodes on ABC Family on Monday nights.
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