The TV Chick

Bunheads is a show I was determined to love from the beginning — even when I read the lackluster pilot script. I believe Amy Sherman-Palladino is up there with Jason Katims’ of the world (if we put out of our minds season six of Gilmore Girls and season seven which she was not a part of). So it’s safe to say I really, really wanted to like it. And after a strong pilot (stronger than the script), I slowly began do just that. Sutton Foster is a genius. She has amazing comedic timing and is the stand out performer of the show. Oddly, I think Kelly Bishop (who played an amazing matriarch in Emily Gilmore) is a weaker part of the show — to no fault of her own. I feel as if once her character is more developed, Bishop will blossom as Fanny Flowers (yes, the pun was intended there). The girls are also growing on me. I adore Julia Goldani Telles’ portrayal of Sasha and Kaitlyn Jenkins’ Boo is funny and charming. The other girls need some development, but I am enjoying where their stories are going. Even though Bunheads hasn’t reached a level of Gilmore Girls perfection yet (though we have seen some very recognizable guest stars!), I am so glad ABC Family has decided to give it a full season order. It has become a show I really look forward to and I can’t wait to see more. Tonight’s episode is pretty great. So, without spoiling too much, here are five things to know about the summer finale.

1. The Nutcracker & The Rival: Because Fanny wasn’t sure if Sasha would be returning to the ballet school, she called in the “ringer.” The Ringer turns out to be this amazing (albeit super crazy) dancer who decides to creepily follow around Sasha, determined that she (not Sasha) will play the role of Clara in The Nutcracker.
2. Gum Wrapper Truce: Michelle has to step it up now that she’s taken on a bigger role in the dance studio, and she makes Boo, Ginny and Melanie sign a truce on a gum wrapper. This truce is about Melanie’s brother Charlie, of course, and who can and can’t date him. I really want to know more about why Melanie hates her brother so much, but it’s an enjoyable rivalry.
3. Hubbel & Hospitalization: The two have nothing to do with each other, but I didn’t want to turn this article into “6 things” and I figured it was some good alliteration. Due to a freak accident caused by Michelle (of course), the Bunheads wind up hospitalized. I will say this — if I was trapped anywhere, I would want Michelle’s crazy bag of tricks. And Hubbel is in this episode. It’s obviously a dream sequence (sorry to disappoint) but it was nice to see Alan Ruck back on the show, even for just a short while.
4. Love Lives: I hope I’m not the only one rooting for Boo to finally get a boyfriend. There are some good developments in this episode including a very cute scene where Boo makes her feelings for Carl pretty clear. But Boo’s not the only one getting some action. Michelle might have a nice little make out session of her own.
5. Big Cliffhanger: It wouldn’t be a good ABC Family drama without leaving us with a pretty big cliffhanger. I am so glad that more episodes were ordered, because I would hate for the entire series to end on this note. It’s going to be very interesting to see how everything plays out in the second half of the season.

What do you all hope to see in the season finale? Have you been enjoying Bunheads so far? Be sure to tune in tonight at 9 PM to ABC Family for the summer finale.