radudinosaur2
This is the first review I write on this site.Rise is good, that's not debatable. Whether is 100% original or not, it's another problem, albeit an unimportant one, since it's almost impossible to create something truly original these days (this paragraph was a response to those comparing it to Glee).Rise wants to bring to light problems, glued together by the theater program. It was the first time I saw an actor with Down syndrome, and I was blown away; it was a nice touch, and further proved me that people like this are truly amazing. Teenage pregnancy is, again, disputed in the show, as well as gay relationships, and how they are perceived from a Christian point of view, and a trans person who is also trans in real life... This one was totally new to me. The "normal" part of the show was sweet; it was the drama that gave me a 40 mins break from the exam that I should study for right now, and it made me love the characters and their stories, which at times meant warmth, and at times meant tension.Now, the modern side of the show had it points that needed to get across. Sometimes, these views and ideas went really well with the story. Sometimes, it was obvious that a certain situation was revolving around a specific moment just to get it across. But, at the end of the show, i am glad that it did not let itself fall into ridiculousness, and instead maintained a balance between story and writers' ideologies. I am bummed that there won't be a second season because Rise was an upward curve of improvement, development and cute moments, which intentionally left multiple plots unresolved. I almost forgot the music. Oh, damn, the music. Oh, damn, the voices. Oh, damn, the talent. Oh, damn, Auli'i Cravalho.
listeningyes
"Rise" is artfully superior to 9 out of 10 shows airing in 2018. Rise portrays multiple age range social issues with great casting and acting. It wasn't well promoted, clearly the network feared backlash. But real life issues don't go away when someone condemns and tries to hide them. "Rise" shows all sides. When a person is different from what's familiar those differences can be hard to accept. But when you know someone born different you cannot deny their reality. We have found "Rise" deepening, refreshing and artfully entertaining.