Privileged, 1x01, "Pilot"

Episode Title: Pilot
Writer: Rina Mimoun
Director: Michael Engler
Originally Aired: 09/09/2008
Grade: A

I almost didn’t watch this show. All of the pre-buzz about it seemed to be negative, comparing it to things like 90210 and The Hills. But then I saw it mentioned somewhere that Michael Cassidy was in it, and since I’ve never not been charmed by him, I figured what the hell. I laughed twice within the first 3 minutes of the show, thought Joanna Garcia was adorable, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole hour. Privileged is greatly superior to the re-vamped 90210 in every way aside from marketing--better acting, better writing, even the cast is cuter. Promoting this show like it’s just another look into the lives of rich, pampered brats is doing no one any favors, especially when it’s actually a very sharp, charming show with a strong feminist agenda.

Joanna Garcia is, as previously mentioned, charming, though Megan is not without character flaws. In terms of personality, she’s much like a cross between Veronica Mars and Buffy Summers—intelligent and judgmental like Veronica, and prone to quirky babbling fits like Buffy (most would probably compare her to Rory Gilmore in this department, and that’s probably not far off, either).

I’m not sure that I’m going to be able to do anything but roll my eyes at her attempts to be a writer, though. Laurel tells Megan, “It’s just the appearance of sanity that counts, my dear. Remember that.” Megan turns around and types out, “Notes on Laurel Limoge: Appearance is everything.” I know she was taking notes about Laurel, but it still looks like Megan missed the point.

Garcia and Cassidy pulled off the comfortable friendship chemistry well, and Cassidy also sold the romantic feelings without going over the top with it. The beach scene between the two was near-perfect, with him questioning whether Megan is using the twins and asking what happened to her life goals. It’s great that he can get over his romantic feelings enough to be blunt and direct with her. He seems to be a good friend and a genuinely nice guy, not a “Nice Guy.” The attraction definitely seemed one-sided, though, so it’s a good thing the friend chemistry was believable, because I'd say we'll be seeing it for a good long while.

As for the other love interest, I'm not sold on rich neighbor Will quite yet... something about him feels off, though I admit that I liked the fact that he (and Charlie, too) joked around with Megan, called her on her crap, and didn't treat her like she was made of glass.

I was also touched when Rose said that she was afraid that admitting she had different interests than Sage might come off like she was judging her. That's thoughtful, interesting characterization, as is Sage's highly emotional attachment to her sister.

My only complaint is that while many of the music choices were catchy and charming, most of the female singers seemed to have almost exactly the same voice (specifically, breathy Beth Orton-lite).