Penelope Misceo
Executive Arts Editor
Proving overwhelmingly that a poor script weighs down a production, “Ginny and Georgia” says very little in far too many words.
“Ginny and Georgia” fails to provide its audience with a fresh perspective and falls short in curating a seasoned script. Although the cast members gave it their all—and void of some stylistic choices—the series does not understand its target audience and misrepresents its characters’ identities widely.
Released on Feb. 24, “Ginny and Georgia” is written and produced by Debra J. Fisher and stars Antonia Gentry as Ginny Miller and Brianne Howey as Georgia.
Following a young mother, Georgia and her daughter Ginny, the 10-episode drama-comedy begins with the small family’s move to the New England town of Wellsbury. Ranging in discussions about social issues and relationships, “Ginny and Georgia” is primarily a story about Ginny’s adjustment at her new high school.
The most concrete issue with the series is its weak script, which can no doubt be attributed to the lack of diversity, in all facets, in the writing of the series. The series primarily follows teenagers, and it is clear that the script does not understand that demographic of audiences in the slightest. In consequence, the characters feel both shallow and unrealistic. Rather than promoting an authentic look into coming-of-age, “Ginny and Georgia” inflicts a stereotype of teenagers created entirely by grown adults.
The script’s secondary fallout is its lack of an important message. Although promoting diversity and calling attention to social issues is a step in the right direction, the series does so tactlessly with several lines of cheap humor sprinkled throughout several of the scenes.
The series has, additionally, faced major backlash for some of its writing. Since the show’s release, Taylor Swift has responded to a joke included in “Ginny and Georgia” that makes fun of her dating life, which further proves the lack of thought and tactlessness displayed in the script.
A singularly redeeming factor of the series is the actors’ durable efforts to keep a sense of charm afloat. Gentry and Howey try their best to create authentic chemistry and prove themselves as scene partners. Contextually, they do a generally good job, but the script’s weakness weighs them down. Without hearty, natural dialogue, providing a solid performance is tough.
Despite the admirable acting efforts from the series’ cast, “Ginny and Georgia” also suffers from a lack of likeable characters. Ginny, who is meant to be the show’s main protagonist, proves herself to be unlikeable through her treatment of both her mother and peers. Additionally, the side characters of the series are given very little characterization outside of the stereotypical teenage trope they were assigned at the beginning of the show. With the combination of being both unlikeable and unrealistic, there is fairly little to be said about the characters of “Ginny and Georgia.”
Ultimately, the series falters because of its lack of direction. Without a clear sense of purpose or engaging theme, “Ginny and Georgia” fails to identify with its target audiences due to both misrepresentation and poor, underdeveloped writing.
With a weak grasp on the teen experience and impolitic writing style, “Ginny and Georgia” misses the mark in most aspects. Although the cast displays strong effort, there is little to be done about the series’ excessive lack of fresh perspective.
Released on Feb. 24, the first season of “Ginny and Georgia” is rated TV-MA and available to stream with a subscription to Netflix.
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