hello-05249 Reviews

Gossip Girl (2021–2023)

Meh...

[4/10 · 31 May 2023]

As a big fan of the original, I wanted to love this reboot but couldn't.

The story follows Julian and Zoya, half-sisters from different worlds but also a small group of teachers, led by Kate, who relaunch Gossip Girl to influence their students into being less entitled.

Sadly, the series doesn't know if it's a comedy or a melodrama. Kate and her teacher friends are acting in a farce; the teens are acting in a drama. Rarely does it gel in a cohesive way.

There's also no central mystery like the original. Not only do we know exactly who Gossip Girl 2.0 is, but we see everything Kate does. This could have been a smart move but at times it just feels icky.

The relationship between the J and Z is meant to be the backbone of the story, like the rivalry between S and B, but it falls flat.

Julian's character in particular isn't likeable but also isn't hateable. She tries too hard and fails too often that the audience can help but she her as pathetic.

Can't believe it was renewed for a second season...which of course I watched...and I can tell you it doesn't get better. Give it a miss unless you're really bored.

Colin from Accounts (2022– )

Love, friendship and a dog called Colin.

[8/10 · 10 January 2023]

Colin from Accounts is a charming Aussie comedy created and featuring real-life couple Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammel as Ashley and Gordon.

Brought together by an injured dog, Ash and Gordon navigate the messiness of work, friendship and dating despite different lives and an age gap.

Dyer and Brammel have created characters with nuanced personalities. The awkwardness and attraction the characters experience is palpable and relateable, and the humour woven throughout.

The characters and suburban setting feels universal while recognisably Australian.

Eight episodes feels way too short and leaves the viewer expecting more and a little disappointed with the end point. Season two seems inevitable - we all need to see Berlin cry.

Everything I Know About Love (2022)

Friend or faux

[5/10 · 10 July 2022]

Working Title's newest series to hit streaming services, Everything I Know About Love, is based on Dolly Alderton's bestselling memoir.

Set in 2012, the series is hyped as the modern Bridget Jones' Diary. Sadly, it falls short and is neither as funny nor heartwarming.

Maggie (Emma Appleton) is 24 and has newly arrived in London. She shares a house in Camden with her childhood friend, Birdy (Bel Powelly), and uni friends Amara and Nell. They are young, beautiful and have wardrobes to die for.

Series one follows the exploits of our so-called "new favour girl gang" as they drink, take drugs and navigate the dating scene.

Maggie is our self-destructive manic pixie dream girl protagonist. Birdy is her responsible, overlooked best friend. Cracks start appearing in their friendship when Birdy gets a boyfriend for the first time.

The concept is sound, but despite the best efforts of the talented young cast, there's not a single likeable character in the show.

The girls are shown to be shallow, irresponsible and quick to ditch each other if a better offer is available. Maggie's a terrible friend, and her continuous s poor choices are frustrating.

The audience is left wandering with friends like these who needs enemies.