Famous in Love

This show was cancelled after two seasons, but it was a brilliant showcase on how to do a soap opera romance right, with compelling characters and complex storylines and superior drama. The romances were so affecting yet fleeting as those involved would be torn apart by hubris. Bella Thorne gave an empathetic, full spectrum performance that really gave the show a powerful anchor, and the other actors were all good as well.

The stakes were seldom life or death but the drama was so compelling that you didn't notice. It does have dramatic weight though, since the characters are so invested in the outcomes of their struggles for such good reasons its hard not to feel for them. I don't often watch chick films, but this one was so sophisticated and epic that i was mesmerized.

During the first season Paige Townsen wins a casting call for the next big YA adaptation locked, and she must deal with the complex demands of being a celebrity, which places a strain on her friendships and her school life. Her co star Rainer Devon is infatuated with her, but she resists his charms so as not to become just another of his sexual conquests. Her friend Jake has feelings for her, but he ends up with one of Paiges co stars when she promises to help him get his indie picture shot. They have a steamy romance that ends in disaster when jake is fired from rewriting the film and he blames her. Meanwhile the producer Nina Devon is having an affair with Jordan Wilder, and her son Rainer has no idea. Jordan and Rainer are former friends who had a falling out over Tangy Turner, Rainers former girlfriend. Eventually the pair reconcile when Rainer realizes he was also to blame for driving Tangy away, and he gives Jordan his blessing to pursue her. Paiges other friend Cassie is struggling to afford her tuition, and makes extra money as a topless maid. One day Jake is at a party where shes working and he sees her. She hides from her friends until her new boyfriend persuades her that her friends will support her. She has an argument with Paige for stealing her dream of becoming a famous actress. Also theres the sleazy reporter who is looking for gossip on nina devon and discovers her affair with Jordan Wilder. And Rainer confesses to Paige that he used to be a problem drinker until he had a carcrash and endangered the lives of an innocent family.

The story is byzantine and complex with several time bomb revelations which throw the actors lives into disarray. Its all woven together with the utmost deftness that it feels effortless and uncontrived. The romances are compelling as they come together and fly apart with youthful abandon. The dialogues are so witty and charming, and delivered with such panache that the show is never boring, and the drama is emotionally hard hitting and incisively written.

The series might have ended prematurely but all involved can be proud of the fantastic job they did and the superb series they created. If theres any justice in the world the writer who created the story the show is based on will write a novel to conclude the series.