Andrew Robinson
Well, with NBC deciding to pull the plug on Rise, “Opening Night” serves as our last look into the lives of the theater department of Stanton High. Luckily for viewers, Rise ends on a definitive note, and the finale is one of the finest episodes that the show has produced.
Given that the series is now complete and there is little left to speculate on, this review will feature spoilers.
Summary
Opening Night has come for the cast and crew of Stanton High’s production of “Spring Awakening,” and everyone is dealing with their own problems. Lou makes a decision that will greatly impact his future. Gwen struggles to forgive her father. Vanessa presents Lilette with an opportunity for the two that cannot be passed up. Simon confronts his own feelings. Tracey remains angry with Lou. The play premieres.
Analysis
“Opening Night” ends Rise in a way that makes the series worth watching, despite its abrupt cancellation. Much of the episode focuses on the play itself (which I have been pleading for!), and the crowd’s reactions to some of the more, well, mature scenes in “Spring Awakening.”
Speaking of those mature scenes, Lou’s decision (along with input from the cast and crew) to go ahead with the original play – not the watered down version produced by the PTA and Principal Ward – is both completely predictable from a storytelling standpoint, and admirable from a viewer’s standpoint. I knew this would be the direction Lou would go once the PTA began making all the cuts a few episodes ago, but the moment he (and the cast and crew) decides to do just this still makes for a very emotional time. Knowing that the decision very well may result in Lou losing his job (more on that later) dampens the moment, but makes it all the more noble that he is willing to go back to the original version of the play.
Vanessa showing back up like nothing happened – like she didn’t abandon her daughter for days – is both annoying and a tad unbelievable. The fact that she comes with the proclamation that she will be taking Lilette to Philadelphia comes across as a bit dramatic solely to make the show dramatic; why would Vanessa choose to tell her daughter this gigantic piece of potentially-upsetting news right before the premiere of her play? However, the reasoning for moving to Philly makes sense – she seems to have a good job lined up, hopefully resulting in a better life for Lilette. Still, it is definitely a bit fishy that all of this would take place on the day of opening night.
It is definitely sad to see that Simon’s father does not last the entirety of the production, leaving seemingly right after his son participates in his character’s gay-kissing scene. As a creatively-inclined person, it always bothers me when a person cannot separate reality from fiction – reality from acting. Simon’s father holding the character that his son portrays against his son is frustrating. However, as the audience knows, Simon almost certainly is gay, which makes his father’s inability to accept his son for who he is all the more tragic.
On a brighter note, it is very encouraging that Simon himself seems to be on the road to self-acceptance. While we won’t get to see him grow as a character any more, I think it is safe to say that he has accepted himself for who he is, and that is very heartwarming to see.
I must admit, I did not see the superintendent cutting the drama department coming. I was preparing myself for one of two outcomes: 1) Lou loses his job after his refusal to conform to the PTA’s demands, and Tracey takes back over the department, or 2) The crowd loves the production so much that the school has no choice but to allow Lou to continue on as director. Honestly, I was leaning towards the second outcome; it would have represented the heartwarming ending that most television shows end up going with. What I didn’t consider – what I should have seen – was the fact that Lou’s boldness may be admired by many, but the public and PTA backlash would just be too great to ignore, and the entire department would have to be shut down as a result. That is going to be a hard blow for everyone (particularly Tracey) to handle yet, unfortunately, we will never find out each character’s reaction.
Tracey returning to set is, like much of the episode, both predictable and heartwarming. Obviously, she does not know that the drama department has been shut down effective immediately, and I truly hope that this doesn’t break her. Still, it is nice to see her back where she belongs, enjoying the praise and cheers that she has earned. I think she’ll turn out just fine, but it definitely will be a shock when she learns of the cut.
Some people think that Rise has been edgy and progressive solely for the sake of being edgy and progressive. I think these thoughts are largely unsubstantiated. Some of the romance storylines can be described as “progressive” or “edgy” by a certain crowd of people, and it is fair to say that the show features a large amount of time on romance, which I have taken issue with at times. However, to say that these romances are included just for the sake of being “progressive” and “edgy” is, in my opinion, flat-out wrong. Rise aims to tell a story of a small, present-day town where everyone knows everyone. In a setting like this, it can be argued that it makes sense that much of the show features romance; the show is about the townspeople, after all. While I am not a huge fan of focusing a theater-driven show on romance, romance, and more romance, I take no issue with the actual love stories portrayed, and believe that it is just wrong to write Rise off as a show that is “too progressive,” or “progressive just for the sake of being progressive.”
I think the ending of “Opening Night” is perfect. Concluding the show with a shot of Lou’s proud-yet-anguished face is haunting and emotional. Focusing much of the episode on the play itself is a welcomed change, and seeing the kids laugh and smile once they complete their opening night is really, really cool. A really solid ending to a show that I have demonstrated a love-hate relationship with.
Verdict
Rise is complete, and “Opening Night” brings it all. Great acting performances and great (yet predictable) storyline decisions makes the episode a solid finale to a usually-solid show.
“Opening Night” – 9/10
Rise, in general – 7.25/10
I’m not yet sure of my next television show reviewing endeavor, but I will find a new show for you all! It’s looking like some sort of review/recap featuring America’s Got Talent, which premieres its 13th season on Tuesday, May 29th could be in order. Thanks for reading!
