Couple of Crumbs (Bright Light: "Life Unexpected" #1)

Welcome to our blog series dedicated to Life Unexpected, a newer show that premiered on the CW last winter. If you are familiar with our love of Dawson’s Creek, you already know what suckers we are for the old-school WB shows of times past. When us cupcakes started talking on a daily basis again, we found out that we were both head over heels for this new drama, starring our old favorites: Shiri Appleby (Roswell) and Kerr Smith (Dawson’s Creek).

Immediately, we were drawn to the show — a far cry from the Gossip Girl, 90210, and One Tree Hill that has been infiltrating the CW for some time now. A family show! Who would have thought? Talented actors, great music, and an original storyline. Life Unexpected was renewed for this upcoming season for 13 more episodes. So we wanted to pay homage (and hopefully attract some more fans), before the big premiere on September 14th. Enjoy!

Small Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Lux is seeking emancipation after years of being bounced around from one foster home to the next. But in order to do so, she needs the signatures of the biological parents she’s never met. Enter Nathaniel “Baze” Bazile (beer-pong playing owner of a bar who can’t pay his rent) and Cate Cassidy (co-host of “Morning Madness” radio show, soon to be married to her co-host [Ryan]). Lux tracks them down, much to their surprise, but instead of getting emancipated - these three individuals get a second chance at becoming a family.

Starring: Britt Robertson (Lux), Shiri Appleby (Cate), Kristofer Polaha (Baze), Kerr Smith (Ryan).

Now for the fun stuff…

RED VELVET:

Favorite character: Cate is, hands down, my favorite character. I think it’s because I relate to her on so many levels. She’s flawed and yes, at times she reacts irrationally to situations - but who doesn’t? Considering what she’s been through — pregnant after a one night stand with the most popular guy/asshole in high school, giving up the child for adoption, and having her show up 15 years later — who wouldn’t have issues? I like that she’s still figuring things out and trying to make the most of the second chances she’s been given - with Lux, Baze and even herself. She might make a lot of mistakes, but the point is, she’s trying.

Favorite plot: While I do love a good love triangle, I must say that I’ve been most interested in seeing how Baze, Cate and Lux become a family. It’s such an interesting dynamic and journey to watch. Lux and Baze connect first, but it’s not at easy for Cate and Lux. Then Baze and Cate have to figure out their own relationship. We find out all of their individual issues and how that comes into play. My favorite moments of season 1 have involved the three of them coming together as a family: the roadtrip, their first “I love yous”, and Cate & Baze getting reinstated as Lux’s parents. I think this plot will be ongoing and I can’t wait to see where it goes.

Favorite episode: Given my previous paragraph, it should come as no surprise that my favorite episode is - “Father Unfigured”. I loved everything - the funny car ride, Baze and Cate waking up in bed together, singing along to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” Cate crying in Baze’s arms and Lux telling them she loves them and wants to become a family. The episode was so well-done and it allowed us to see the origin of Cate’s insecurities.

FUNFETTI:

Favorite character: I like Cate very much, and I relate a lot to her perfectionist tendencies. Her past reemerges very quickly and in a very public way. That’s certainly something to deal with! And while she is scared and uncertain and taken aback, she’s still brave enough to jump into the “mom’ role. She wants so badly to make things right for Lux, and I admire that. But mostly, I admire the fact that she can admit when she is wrong, that she’s not the perfect mother, and the whole thing will be a process.

I do also have a soft spot for Math, Baze’s best friend. I love how sensitive and funny he can be. He’s like Baze’s conscience and I’m looking forward to seeing how he fits into Season 2.

Favorite plot: How do four strangers become a family? This will obviously be an ongoing process, but there is so much material in that one question. Cate has to let go of the past and move forward with Baze as a partner (in some ways). Will Ryan get pushed aside? There will be a lot of feelings, failures, and triumphs. Lux, too. She’s so used to being on her own and making decisions (or not listening to adults) and here she is able to finally have the chance at a real childhood. Everyone has adjustments to make!

Favorite episode: “Home Inspected”. This episode is about getting real. The initial shock of Lux arriving in town has mostly worn off, and everyone is trying to fit her into their lives. But there are road blocks. A lot of them. Cate realizes how important it is for her to raise Lux and take care of her. Baze wakes up. He wants to step up and be able to be a dad to Lux. He tries, and it’s not enough. He sees this is going to take real effort every single day. More conflict ensues with Ryan and how he is going to fit into this whole “family.” And then there are Lux’s friends, who make her feel guilty for having a nice place to live and parents who are learning to care for her. Cate said it best at the end of the episode. She thought Lux came into their life to force them all to grow up… together. Ah, the theme of the show.