2009 Fall New York Fashion Week: A Few Fab Words With . . . Privileged Star Joanna Garcia at BCBG

FabSugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:14:16 -0800

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Pilot Watch: Privileged

BuzzSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:30:01 -0700

The networks have announced their Fall schedules, but which of the series will actually be worth watching? This Summer, as the networks release their pilots, I'll be posting my first impressions. A lot can change before a show makes it to air - especially this year, when the writers' strike severely gummed up the production of pilots - so consider these just some quick thoughts on how the shows look now. Today's installment: Privileged, a CW dramedy that will air after 90210 on Tuesdays.

What's it about? Based on the book How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls (which was also the show's original title), Privileged is the story of Megan Smith, a Yale grad who ends up personal tutor to spoiled Palm Beach heiresses Rose and Sage.

Who's in it? Joanna Garcia, Lucy Hale (who is not Nora Zehetner), Ashley Newbrough, Anne Archer, Michael Cassidy

The good: Garcia is wonderful in the lead role, a little reminiscent of Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada as she bumbles her way through various situations; she gets all of the most clever lines. Likewise, Newbrough is strong as the controlling, backstabbing Sage, and Hale turns on the sweetness to play the more delicate Rose. In fact, "sweet" is a good word for the show overall: It's very feel-good. Even the drama seems low-stakes, without the scandal of a Gossip Girl episode.

The bad: I didn't come to Privileged looking for an outstanding plot, but even at that, there were some baffling elements. The show hints that Megan has a past in Palm Beach - so why is she so surprised at the mansions and the money? And why would someone as smart as Megan supposedly is take a job as a tutor without even meeting the kids she's supposed to teach? I also can't believe this is a 9 p.m. show; it's not as family friendly as 7th Heaven or anything, but it still seems like it would appeal to a younger audience than 90210 will.

Will I watch? I'll probably check out a couple of episodes to see how the story progresses and then decide whether it's on my schedule for good.

To check out a preview and a gallery of photos, just read more.

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Photo courtesy of The CW