Open Heart Doesn't Quite Connect

While Degrassi is on hiatus, Teennick is running the show "Open Heart." The shows share the same producers, as well as some writers and actors. I decided to give the show a chance, mainly because Degrassi alumni Dylan Everett, Christine Prosperi, and Justin Kelly would be making appearances.

The premise of "Open Heart" is that Dylan Blake is assigned to do community service at the hospital that her grandparents own and that her mother and sister work at. While she is there, she is trying to find her father who went missing. Foreshadowing tells us that there are major family secrets that are about to be uncovered.

The biggest problem that I had with this show is that the main character, Dylan, is utterly unrelatable. The supporting cast outshines her acting performances. Most of Dylan's airtime make her out to be a whinny princess who never listens to others advice, even when it would be to her benefit.

In many ways, Prosperi and Kelly are the lifelines of the series. The duo work great together and their characters play off eachother nicely, giving the show a much needed comedy aspect. Also, Prosperi's character's cancer background gives her plenty of emotional attachment with her audience.

I predict that this series will not prove to be long lasting. It might do better in Canada (where it is made), but I would be surprised if Teennick will pick it up for another season in the States. "Open Heart" shares a lot of Degrassi's writing and character flaws. For Degrassi, these flaws aren't detrimental because it is a long running franchise. However, with a new show, I think that these flaws will prove to be terminating.