Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Why you should be watching The L.A. Complex



When I first heard that The CW network picked up a Canadian Drama about young actors in Los Angeles I assumed it was going to be another disappointing un-relatable glamorized world of Hollywood.  I was wrong. After the first episode aired I wasn’t disappointed but instantly infatuated. The L.A. Complex is what The CW’s Melrose Place reboot should have been.
The show follows several young characters all looking for that “Big Break” in Hollywood.  The passions of these characters range from acting to comedy to dancing and each characters dream’s and aspirations are unique. Not to mention the moral standards each individual has. 
The L.A. Complex shows the struggles of being broke. Wait, young people broke in Los Angeles? What?! Finally! A show about Los Angeles actors where they are not living in multi million dollar mansions (not all at least) or have trust funds from parents they despise. What a revolutionary idea?  “The complex” itself in The L.A. Complex also gives a dose of reality. Its not glamorous (excluding the pool in the middle of the complex that serves as a great mingling point for all the characters) but it is real. Something I could see myself living in at 18 if I went to L.A. to follow dreams of fame. As a viewer I appreciate this. I find myself getting more attached to these characters because I can believe their struggles and I believe the hardships they are experiencing.
The story lines reach deep into dark places showing struggles and moral decisions young people might face and how your choices can affect your life. They aren’t glamorized and while it can be funny when something bad happens The L.A. Complex keeps it real.  For instance the complex shows the struggles surrounding a closeted African American rap superstar. Where else would you see this on primetime? The L.A. Complex does what other shows are afraid to do and shows that its characters are human. 
The L.A. complex has the ability to go beyond a Melrose Place reboot to possibly being as unique as the original 90210 was when it first aired.