Good Series: Little White Lie

After watching both A Very Potter Musical and A Very Potter Sequel, I found myself very interested in the work of those who created it that calls itself Starkid. One might say I am mildly obsessed. (There will likely be another post devoted strictly to that obsession.)

In my search to find more of their cleaner work that I might enjoy, I opted to try the web series they created before officially being Starkid Productions. It looked harmless and as low-budget as a University-level web series would be. Honestly, I didn't expect much from it. But I found myself enthralled, and watched the entire series (alas! only one season!) in a single sitting. This series is called Little White Lie.

The series follows a brother (Duder*) and sister (Sami) band who can sing and play well enough, but write the worst songs ever. Consequently, they are the uncool kids at school. After a shy kid from their school (named Kevin) tragically falls into a coma, they discover that he had been secretly writing songs - and they're good. Naturally, they steal the songs to help their band's popularity. But for how long can they keep up the lie?

The premise itself is intriguing and prepped for drama and for comedy. It does not disappoint. The drama is increased by the existence of a snobby "hot" girl named Tanya, who just happens to be dating Sami's crush, Toby. While this seems somewhat average of any teen drama, Little White Lie has twist and turns in relationship dynamics rarely seen on television. It is refreshing and adds to the intrigue. Yet, it maintains a level of humor, with light-hearted bits scattered throughout and in between the moments of dramatic tension. The first episode, starts off a bit slow, as first episodes often do. But even by the end of the pilot, I was eager to see what happened next. This felling only increased with each episode.

Darren Criss as Toby

If you are a fan of AVPM or AVPS, then you will recognize some familiar faces, which will add to the enjoyment of the show. This show includes Lauren Lopez (Draco in AVPM; Tanya in LWL), Jim Povolo (Goyle; Jim), Brian Holden (Lupin; Zack), Nick Lang (Pettigrew/Scarfy/Arthur; Kevin), and, now of Glee-fame, Darren Criss (Harry; Toby). Each one is a delight on the screen. Lopez in particular shines as the Regina George of this series. (Though, at times, it is reminiscent of Draco, but like with Draco, her charisma keeps your interest.) Criss's presence promises a certain level of quality in the music, and it remains true here. Holden never has enough screen time. Lang, too, is effectively endearing with miminal appearances on screen**. Povolo still channels Goyle to some degree, but it doesn't keep him from being pleasant and entertaining.  While I originally watched for these actors, my interest in the show grew to the point that I watched through episodes with nearly none of them. The leads are unfamiliar faces (whose names I didn't gather), but, like their characters, they grow as the series progressed.

Though the acting was, for the most part, of surprisingly good quality***, and the music within the show was absolutely delightful, what surprised me the most was the writing for the series. Each episode helped set up the next one. Pieces were laid out gradually in preparation for its dramatic climax, but mostly unseen until its final moments. There were several moments during which I was sincerely surprised by what was happening - and that, though it was set up, I didn't see it coming. The writing also created great characters that showed growth within the series. Each character was developed individually, with little pieces and moments placed carefully and gently, like watching a painter work on a canvas.

Nick Lang as Kevin

I considered the best piece - the best character storyline - to be Kevin's story. He was the piece that carried the story and held the most heart. From almost the beginning, Kevin is unconscious. He almost never says a word in the entire series. But, early on, we discover he was more than what he seemed. Through other characters, through words unspoken and through the lyrics of his songs, we learn about Kevin. We begin to understand his views of the world, his talent, his feelings, his ideas - who he is. And this discovery, above all else, is the most captivating part of the series. I spent time watching the series, looking for the glimpses into his world. His story becomes truly tragic and great at the same time.

As much as I clearly enjoyed this series, I must give you a warning: There are only 11 episodes. And it ends in a cliff-hanger. If you find yourself enjoying the series, the conclusion will be anything but satisfactory. In fact, in some ways, it will almost be down-right sad.
The only other problem with the series is that the lead character is, for some of it, kind of unlike-able. Sometimes it makes her difficult to watch. However, it seems this series is ultimately about the growth of the characters, including hers.  Thus, sometimes she shows improvement, and other times she disappoints me yet again. I guess it makes her real. But if you can tolerate her annoying times to enjoy everyone else (and the story itself), it is absolutely worth it.

All in all, I loved this series. I found it incredibly captivating and fun to watch. I only wish there was more to see!
Then again, maybe I am just Starkid crazy. Maybe it's not what I think of it. But why not watch it and decide for yourself?

Here's episode 1, part 1. Enjoy it as much as I did!

If you discover that you like the music, you can purchase the soundtrack from iTunes. I'd personally recommend Darren Criss's versions of "Sami" and "It's Over Now."

* His name becomes more tolerable, I promise you. 
** This may have something to do with my clear liking of his character. But I still think he helps in developing the character as well. 
*** Keep in mind, I'm referring to this as a student web series. The acting is not always perfection. (Nor is the filming). But for student work, I am really impressed. Even when a few things fall under the "bad quality" category, I actually didn't really notice much, so it doesn't distract from the series.