When I first learned that The CW
was going to have a Nancy Drew TV
series, I was thrilled. Growing up with the books, I became quite fond of the character, and because of that, I’ve
always wanted her to have a successful 21st century movie franchise
or TV series. So, whether that be a new movie or TV series, I would check out a Nancy Drew adaptation in a heartbeat.
But having seen its 18-episode
debut season, I’m not sure if I will continue watching once it returns for its
season 2.
As expected, this adaptation is “CW’ed”
up. That means mean that it’s grittier,
angstier, crazier, and hornier than how the property has been usually known
for. In fact, it’s actually
fundamentally an entirely different animal.
Other than character names, it has very little similarities with its
source material. That has also been the
case with Archie and Friends with Riverdale. But while Riverdale worked for me immediately, I have mixed feelings about The CW’s take on Nancy Drew.
I think it all comes down to its
supernatural element. Yes, in this version,
Nancy has to deal with real ghosts, magic, and evil spirits on top of murder
mysteries. This aspect produces some
great jump scares and gives the show a delightful sense of horror. On the other hand, it also dumbs down the
show. I don’t like the fact that
solutions can be provided through supernatural means.
Actually, the supernatural aspect
is established in the pilot. But I was in
denial about it. For the first few
episodes, I sincerely thought that the paranormal stuff being shown – no matter
how bizarre and impossible – would eventually be revealed to have a logical,
grounded explanation. But by episode 5,
a character gets possessed by a spirit, and that was only when I finally
completely realized or accepted that the supernatural things going on in the
show were to be treated as real. It was
honestly a turn off. To me, it felt like
the show wasn’t as smart as I thought it was going to be.
However, once I got over that
hump, I began to enjoy the show as what it is.
“It’s not really a Nancy Drew
show; it’s a supernatural mystery show that somehow has characters named after Nancy Drew characters.” That’s how I chose to roll with it.
So, in this take on Nancy Drew, the eponymous character (played
by Kennedy McMann) is an 18-year-old who has decided to put college on hold and
go on a gap year. When she was younger,
she had been known in their town as a brilliant teenage detective who had had
tons of solved cases under her belt. At the
present, however, she considers herself retired. But when she and four of her friends – Georgia
“George” Fan (Leah Lewis), Bess Marvin (Maddison Jaizani), Ned “Nick” Nickerson
(Tunji Kasim), and Ace (Alex Saxon) – become entangled on the murder case of
local socialite Tiffany Hudson, she reluctantly returns back to sleuthing. Aided by her friends, she sets out to find
whoever is truly responsible. Meanwhile,
she also becomes drawn into the case of Lucy Sable, a girl who disappeared –
presumably killed – almost two decades ago and who has since become a local urban legend. As she digs deeper, she slowly learns that
the two cases may be connected.
The “Drew Crew” – the unofficial nickname
of some fans for Nancy and her friends – is easily the most entertaining part
of this show. At first, I was
disappointed that these characters don’t reflect the dynamic and
characterizations of their literary counterparts. But then I gradually grew to like them. Actually, the five of them weren’t really
friends at the start. And watching them
develop into a tight-knit squad while working together to find the truth behind
Tiffany’s murder is pretty fun.
My favorite of the bunch is Ace,
an original character for this show.
He’s just too precious, and the chemistry that grows between him
and Nancy is pretty endearing. Yes, the
mystery-solving ensemble is a quintet, but if it ever becomes limited to a duo,
it’s going to be them. So far, their
relationship is strictly platonic, and their respective romances are with other
characters. But I can totally see them
hooking up in the future.
As for the eponymous character,
she’s okay. She’s smart and bold – just
like the original. But she also
occasionally gets dumb. And when she’s dumb and bold, it leads to her making
some impulsive decisions that can be frustrating. Overall though, Kennedy McMann (a stunner of
a gal, by the way) and the writers are doing a “so far, so good” job with Nancy’s
characterization. Still, if ever I
decide to watch season 2, I hope she will be more striking in it.
Overall, Nancy Drew’s debut season has been mostly engaging with its
dramatic overarching mystery storyline and interestingly shocking twists and
turns. It feels bloated, but that’s
typically the case with seasonal TV series.
 |
| Seriously, the chemistry between them is adorable and electrifying. |
Still, by the show exchanged
fidelity with sensationalism in order for the purpose of standing out. By having supernatural elements, it actually
stops being a true Nancy Drew show by principle. It’s not what the character’s all about. It’s just not the right way of updating Nancy
Drew.
So, the question remains: “Why
then does it have to be a Nancy Drew
show?” The answer, of course, is brand
recognition. If it had been totally
original, it wouldn’t have had the same hype.
By calling it Nancy Drew,
people like me – fans of the character – had to check it out. This kind of manipulation isn’t uncommon, but
this is something that irritates me about this show nonetheless.
I believe that Nancy Drew is timeless. Yes, I know that there are now
already modern analogues of Nancy Drew like Veronica Mars, and without any
tweaks, she would seem redundant in the 21st century. But I sincerely think she can be relevant in
the 21st century with just the right amount of updates and without
opting for compromising gimmicks. For
example, I was down with how The CW’s take was darker, weirder, and a bit
horror oriented. It just went overboard
with having actual supernatural stuff.
To sum it up, let’s put it this
way: as a show, The CW’s Nancy Drew is actually quite enjoyable. But as a NANCY DREW show? I found it to be a letdown.
Hence, I’m on the fence on
whether I will watch season 2 or not. I
only have time to follow just one The CW show where attractive young adult actors play
a group of teenagers who deal with nutty mysteries, angsty drama, and steamy love
affairs. And Riverdale already has that quota filled. It would take something truly irresistible for season 2 to secure my eyeballs.
Perhaps, if the Hardy Boys show
up?
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