PILOT REVIEW: Katy Keene

KATY KEENE












Starring: Lucy Hale, Ashleigh Murray, Katherine LaNasa, Julia Chan, Jonny Beauchamp, Lucien Laviscount, Zane Holtz, Camille Hyde

Developed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Michael Grassi
Based upon the comic book by Archie Comics
Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Michael Grassi, Directed by Maggie Kiley

On paper, Katy Keene is a spinoff of Riverdale. It is based on the Archie Comics and in the same universe as CW's broody parent show. But, in practice, this show seems more like it's trying to be The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel set in present time instead of the 1950s. It also probably is a recall to Ugly Betty to those who were fans of that show. It offers a very whimsical and romanticized view of New York City with bright music and brighter colors. The moodiness of Riverdale is nowhere to be found here so it's hard to associate the two shows together.

It is centered on two friends, the title character (Lucy Hale) and Josie McCoy of "Josie and the Pussycats" (Ashleigh Murray). Josie is new to New York and is introduced to Katy's vibrant world including her boyfriend K.O. (Zane Holtz) and roommate Jorge (Jonny Beauchamp). Katy also works for the very difficult fashion designer Gloria Grandbilt - get it? (Katherine LaNasa) at Lacy's Department Store (get it again?)

Lucy Hale is a winning actress in her second go-round on the CW. Although I didn't stick with the short-lived Life Sentence, I really liked her in it. I like her here too. She has a bubbly personality that shines through and this seems to perhaps be a better vehicle for her than Life Sentence. Ashleigh Murray had a few good moments as Josie as well and Jonny Beauchamp is capable of being a scene stealer but played things fairly subtle in the pilot.

While the biggest drama on this show seems to be related to the fashion world, I do have a soft spot for a show like this because I know I can romanticize New York City myself. I've never lived there but visit frequently (perhaps that's why I have a romanticized instead of jaded view). I like that shows can exist that aren't trying to take a cynical tone or have some level of darkness, whether it's obvious or more subversive. It's escapist is the best sense of the word.

WILL I WATCH IT AGAIN?
Truthfully a show like this set in the fashion world is not going to become regular viewing for me so I'll probably watch it again but not stick with it. That doesn't mean I'm not rooting for it.