Lots of excitement and drama with endearing characters

phd_travel

This is one of the better family shows on TV. I am not a gymnastics fan and only watch a bit of during the Olympics every 4 years but this show is fun and exciting for even people who aren't in to the sport. It provides a fascinating look at the training and sacrifice that goes into those few minutes of performance at the competitions. The financial and personal sacrifices of the parents and loved ones are quite touching. They tackle a host of issues eg eating disorders and injuries. There is quite a lot of drama and excitement each week with all the competitions. The blending of the stunt doubles and the actresses is quite effective. Some of the romantic entanglements and politics are a bit contrived but provide a nice soapy drama to balance the sports parts.

The cast is likable and are not chosen for looks but for acting ability. The 4 main girls are well cast - different and likable in their own way. Josie Loren as Kaylie looks like a young Eva Longoria and is sweet and has star quality. Ayla Kell is good as the determined Payson and her body is quite full - a good move not to choose just skinny girls. Chelsea Hobbs is effective as the financially struggling Emily. The adults are quite well cast too. Cassie Scerbo plays the bitchy manipulative Loren quite well it's a difficult role and she manages to make you feel for her. Some of the guys cast as romantic interests are a bit clueless looking. Among the parents and grown ups Peri Gilpin (Roz from Frasier) is a standout - she is a great gym mom. Candace Cameron (of Full House) plays a very sweet adult. The coach is played by Brit Neil Jackson and he is quite convincing. Susan Ward as the trailer trash mom with a good heart is quite amusing.

A couple of faults: at the end of Season 2 Chelsea had to leave for a pregnancy and the story had to awkwardly incorporate that. The evil NGO woman is a unnecessarily annoying. The alternating competition and team spirit between the girls is a bit repetitive.

Overall - a great show that should entertain and is topical with the 2012 Olympic games in London coming up.

score 8/10

phd_travel 15 January 2012

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2549462/