'Life Unexpected' TV Series Review

'Life Unexpected' TV Series Review


Is This the End of the Road For ‘Life Unexpected?’

The CW Should Expect Fans to Want the Drama to be Renewed For a Second Season

Written by: Karen Benardello


‘Life Unexpected,’ the CW’s mid-season drama that saw the return of former teen favorites Shiri Appleby (‘Roswell’) and Kerr Smith (‘Dawson’s Creek’) to the medium that made them famous, aired its season finale, titled Love Unexpected, on April 12. While the network has not yet confirmed whether the series, which averaged approximately 2 million viewers per episode, will be returning next season, the family show should definitely make a comeback.

The series originally premiered on January 18 and consisted of 13 episodes. The season chronicled the meeting of foster child Lux (played by Brittany Robertson) with her biological parents, radio personality Catherine “Cate” Cassidy (portrayed by Appleby) and bar owner Nathaniel “Baze” Bazile (played by Kristoffer Polaha). Since Lux is now 16-years-old, she hopes Cate and Baze will sign the papers to allow her to become emancipated. However, the judge rejects the notion, and commitment-phobic Cate decides to take her in.

Throughout the season, Cate, Baze and Lux try to work through their differences and make a life together. While Cate and Baze aren’t in a relationship, they have to figure out a way to share custody of a teenager who’s now the same age they were when she was conceived.

Appleby and Polaha gave the first season the right amount of tension and animosity, as they try to figure out if they love or hate each other. Their relationship is put on hold as Cate figures out her engagement to her radio co-host Ryan (portrayed by Smith). While Smith has more of a secondary role and only appeared on screen for a couple of scenes during each episode, he definitely showed his distain for Cate and Baze’s sordid relationship.

However, while Baze finally realizes he truly loves Cate during the season finale, and Lux tries to convince her of this, she decides to move ahead with her marriage with Ryan. While Lux wants to finally have a normal life with her parents together, she comes to terms with the marriage, as she truly does like Ryan. Baze, however, realizes he does want to be with Cate. He runs into the church just as Cate and Ryan kiss at the end of the ceremony. If the CW decides not to renew the series, there was at least some sort of closure for fans. However, if it is renewed, there’s definitely potential for some interesting storylines next season.

Hopefully the CW will renew the drama, which is produced by Mojo Films, in association with CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television. The show is a throwback to past CW and WB family fan favorites, including ‘Gilmore Girls,’ ‘Everwood’ and ‘7th Heaven,’ the longest-running family show in television history.


**Note: 'Life Unexpected' was renewed for a second season, which will premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 14, on the CW.**