REVIEW: LIFE IN GENERAL

I just watched the first episode of the new Karen Harris online soap, LIFE IN GENERAL, on the beta version of StrikeTV.

LIFE IN GENERAL is described as "a look at the creative process, the politics of network television, the office romances, the backstabbing, lying, deceit and depravity that can only be found on and off the set of a soap opera. These actors, writers, producers and crew members eat, breathe, and sleep Greenville General, the 2nd longest running Daytime Drama on U.S. TV. It's a world as outrageous, compelling, energetic, chaotic, and heartbreaking as the show they put on the air five days a week, 52 weeks a year."

I thought it was an excellent first effort. I wasn't blown away and I didn't feel there was anything groundbreaking here, but to be honest, it was instantly more entertaining than anything I'm seeing on my television screen this summer. And even though it's not an original concept, with all the backstage drama in daytime lately, now is the perfect time for a show that deals with the behind the scenes angst of putting on a daily soap.

Arianne Zuker was a delight as Winifred, the 'Greenville General' writer, who is unhappy her stories are being rewritten. The first episode really focused on her character and she owned it. John Ingle was excellent as show runner, Raymond. Scott Clifton was charming in his appearances as Fritz, who seems to be the Assistant Director.

The Doogie Howser-esque opening was a bit cheesey but it fit.

I was hoping to see something more interesting from JoBeth Williams' Mary Kate, Brynn Thayer's Rachel and Robert Desiderio's Brian. Of the three, Desiderio's character, the "star" of 'Greenville General,' was the most intriguing. I'm hopeful good things are in store for all three.

The show was just under ten minutes and the time flew by. It left me wanting more, which is a good thing. I felt there was a lack of depth for most of the characters that I hope will be revealed in future episodes. So far, the characters are portrayed as a bit one-dimensional.

Congratulations to Karen Harris on a good first effort. Future episodes and making the audience care about the characters will be key to the long-term success of the project.

GRADE: B+