Secret Life Starts Season 2
ABC Family Presents the ABCs of Family
The final few episodes of Season One of Secret Life seemed to struggle to sustain the story, but season two seems to be back on form. Although the show still faces difficulties balancing between comedy and poignancy, it does seem to have returned to being well written and interesting to watch.
Season Two, Episode One
The countdown to giving birth has begun for young Amy, and when her mother informs her that she will be heavily responsible for her unborn child, she decides to secretly marry her sweet and lovable boyfriend, Ben.
Meanwhile, Ricky, the teenage father of Amy’s baby, finds out about the illegal union between the two minors, and he decides to attend the supposedly secret wedding with Grace. Through a series of rumors, most of the recurring cast of teens also discover the wedding plans, and decide to attend the nuptials.
Critique
The Secret Life of the American Teenager has successfully returned to being a well thought out story which raises some interesting points, and which also deals with a serious subject matter through entertaining means.
The varied characters provide a cross-section of personalities, and also provide most viewers with someone with whom to identify.
It is both frightening and honest that the formerly unassuming Amy is becoming unattractively more aggressive as a means of dealing with her forthcoming motherhood. The difference in the character is subtle, but sorrowful. It also does expose the lasting results of foolish decisions and drastic mistakes, occurrences which are often mitigated and undermined by the melodrama and sensationalism.
Parental Guidance
This is a much more responsible show then most “teen soaps.” It shows some of the consequences of major mistakes, and it presents the concept that not everything can be taken lightly. It also offers a more realistic take on being a teen - investigating the thoughts and ideas of young teenagers.
Still, it is difficult to disregard the fact that the idea of pregnant Amy finding love at age fifteen while she is having another boy’s baby is an unrealistic fairytale. If the relationship between Ben and Amy continues to be depicted as a love story, it will be dangerously misleading to young viewers.
However, the show has previously presented situations which at first seemed far-fetched, but evolved into meaningful storylines. It is possible the underage marriage of Ben and Amy may evolve into a thoughtful and substantial storyline.
What do you think about this article?
Comments
More in Film & TV
Latest Articles