‘MAKE IT OR BREAK IT,’ SEASON ONE VOLUME ONE (2009)

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It would seem, in the world of television, back-stabbing teens still win ratings. Or that is what this scenario of elite athletes who are also pretty faces wants us to believe.

Make It or Break It, Season One Volume 1 (2009) TV Show Review

A year ago Emily Kmetko (Chelsea Hobbs) was barely living her dream. Bearing more responsibility than most teens, her world is about to go topsy. An elite gymnast with the raw talent to make it big, she needs coaching and guidance, Emily’s family move to Colorado at the request of former Olympic medalist Marty Walsh (Erik Palladino) who coaches the Rock girls in Boulder. Discovering Emily quite by chance, Marty sees something in her worth training but his students see something else entirely.

The daughter of a single mom (Susan Ward) whose work ethics are minimal, the girls, see Emily as a threat to that podium. These elite gymnasts have an impressive ranking and are supposed to go 1-2-3 at nationals. Specifically mean girl Lauren (Cassie Scerbo) despises Emily. Lauren is little miss Spoiled, and she feels betrayed by her fellow team mate and best friend, Kaylie (Josie Loren). Then Emily manages to beat out Lauren at the try-outs and her father (Anthony Starke) begins to date his assistant, Summer (Candace Cameron Bure) whom Lauren cannot tolerate. Meanwhile, Kaylie feels more pressure than ever from her father who was once an athlete and that makes keeping her one secret a burden. Last in the group is Payson Keeler (Ayla Kell), a girl from a two-parent family, but also the most driven.

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In ways that I never thought I would, I’ve discovered, ABC Family can put together a heart-tugging story that is usually capable of more than it realizes. What this show does capture unique, it nixes with its petty grievances and back-stabbing teenage girls – in aces! There is nothing worse than a TV show that thinks it isn’t any better than engaging in shenanigans that, in reality are beneath it. Could this show have been capable of using its platform to encourage its hundreds of teenage audience members? Absolutely! There are even some adorable episodes including one involving a fashion show. Plus, the show does actually does speak out against some immoralities, and makes a case for abstinence. However, I’m not sure if it’s written to poke fun at or to take seriously.

The one thing that does surprise is the character of the church-going, Summer. She not only believes in God but is also an advocate for many of the principles society scoffs at; and unlike some characters, hers is one that’s resolute. Somehow, unfortunately, even her presence doesn’t help these young ladies. The clique here is Payson, Kaylie and Lauren, the “dream team” and three girls who aren’t above turning on a friend. At first, we fall in love with Payson’s sweetness and charm; don’t mind Kaylie; and cannot wait to be rid of Lauren. Then, before long, even Payson becomes less of the charmer she once was. Despite some decent acting – including a recurring cast consisting of Peri Gilpin, Neil Jackson and Zachary Abel, but this isn’t for anyone wanting “clean” entertainment. Its protagonists rely more on looking out for themselves than their friends.

That sort of message isn’t the most wholesome to promote. Yet there is something about the story that is just charismatic enough to be appealing.  

Content: certain conversation revolves around sex and the girl’s discuss the “rule” that as gymnasts they aren’t allowed to have intimate relations. There are also one or two instances about the girl’s discussing their body and the differences a gymnast experiences than the average girl. Profanity consists of da*n, sh*t and the “standard” issue. There is also implications of affairs [one mother had an affair with the coach and Chloe has had multiple boyfriends] plus one girl loses her virginity to a friends boyfriend [off camera]. Additionally, there is some teen drinking and various characters lie to get what they want. There are a couple of injuries when the gymnasts fall off of apparatuses. This is TV14.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

3 comments

  1. I LOVE this show and just finished season three.

    However, I thought the first season sucked. They made the Emily character sooooooooo winy. She drove me crazy. Anything that went wrong was 'somebody else's fault' and every single episode, something happened and 'everything she worked so hard for was falling apart because so and so did this'. Like she didn't stop wining. I was really happy when her character moved away.

    The third season is so much more exciting. :) I'm sad that I don't have any more episodes to watch.

  2. I am quite "intrigued" by this show, Rachel. It impresses me with its faithfulness in scripting moral values but then turns everything good on its side and undoes everything "right." If there would be one complaint I had, it'd be the CONSTANT drama – that is what drives me insane. One minute the girl's have turned a corner and are making headway, the next, they are back to back-stabbing one another. Ugh! It's so annoying!

    Glad to know about S3 – unfortunately, from what I read, that was its last. :/

    Super glad you stopped by!

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