South of Nowhere

Caveat--I'm gay, and I immensely enjoy watching a show where coming out is about going on dates with hot girls, not contemplating slitting your wrists. Really, because that's what it should be about. It's just as exciting/nervewracking for queer girls to discover girls as it is for straight girls to discover boys.

That said, it's not exactly the best writing on TV. The acting's not bad--especially from the female lead and her will-they-won't-they best friend--but all the actors are done in the by the over-the-top dialog and unrealistic plot lines. Unlike Degrassi, I don't think I'd tune in without the gay plot line to keep me interested.

On the other hand, the entire cast is made up of pretty/handsome young things a la the OC. And there's nothing wrong with a little eye candy.

The-N has developed a reputation for being a network aimed toward Teens that is not afraid to push the envelope in telling their stories the way life is. Degrassi, the network's most popular show, is another example of this type of truth in storytelling. It has never sugar coated the truths that some teens live, no matter what the subject may be. And because of that, it has won awards.

Following in this tradition, we now have South of Nowhere. It is a story of a family uprooted to Los Angeles. The three brothers and sisters now have to deal with a life that is far different from what they were used to.

So far, the show has dealt with racism, questioning sexuality, and fitting in. And no, it is not afraid to deal with these subjects honestly.

So far it has been very careful to offer both sides of a story where two opinions exist. The sibling's parents come from both sides of the spectrum, one being very liberal, the other conservative.

I don't believe it is the producer's intent to push a specific agenda for teens, as much as it is to provide them with an honest look at the typical teenage existence, which from what I remember, is not as cut and dry as some would like it to be.

OK, first let me start by saying, I am a 17 year old teen in Los Angeles, California. Most public schools in CA are the same, over crowed, there's always one dumb kid in the AP classes, and there is always some 'hidden genius'. I love this show because it truly pushes the envelop and explores sexuality and racism. I attend a school that's 75 percent African American and about 24 percent hispanic, with 1 percent other. The divisions within the show between the black the black and white families, could easily be seen on TV with black and hispanic families.

I love the family completely because the mom and dad have built a home on love trust and faith, and even though each has been tested since moving to CA, they still remain sane, which isn't what I can say for my family. Also--props to the writer that wanted one of the adopted kids to be black, the show gets an extra point for that-there I said it! (it was brave, and they tackle the issue very nice, I might add) I love Ashley and Spencer because they place two characters on television that I have never seen before, Ashley an open lesbian, and Spencer, a girl questioning her sexuality. Adian is just there, he's okay.

CLay and his friend are truly moving characters. The show may me happy when they portrayed their geniuses in a positive light.

Madison! She's the best because I have the same type of cheerleaders at my show, only they're black.

This show is at its heart a series about the relationship between two girls: Ashley and Spencer. The actresses who play the roles have a strong chemistry and that holds the show together. It doesn't hurt that they are surrounded by other engaging characters. The show is very well written, and a realistic example of high school in LA.

All the characters interact with one another and build believable relationships. Ashley and Spencer meet and instantly click, we can believe they're best friends. We can also believe the dorky Clay can become friends with cool smart guy Sean. Though Glen and Aiden are both big, dumb jocks we can accept that they don't like each other very much because certain girls coming between them: Glen's sister Spencer and Aiden's ex, Madison.

At the focus, Aiden's other ex, Ashley, is drawn to Spencer, the new girl questioning her sexuality. Ashley is openly gay. It's interesting to see where the stories go each week.

This show is truly amazing. I started watching it when it first came out last year, I was hooked from the beginning, It brings real issues that teens face everyday to the worlds knowledge. The heartbreak, drugs,sexual relationships and sexual identity. The acting is top notch, and the way the story has been written for the characters couldn't be any better. Personally I love the relationship between Spencer and Ashley, The beginning for them was rough, but from the time you were introduced to the characters you see the spark. Ashley is totally open with her sexuality, but Spencer was having a tough time telling her parents, Which is a major issue today with teens being afraid of who they are because of what someone will think or say, This show touches a spot in everyone and I love it, and would recommend it to anyone, Whether your looking to get something out of it or maybe you just need a break from the pointless TV shows today....Give it a shot, you'll love it. A 10/10 NO DOUBT!