Column by Kenzie Kramer
Kramer is a junior journalism major and can be reached at mackenzie.kramer@drake.edu
In January, the new series “The Carrie Diaries” premiered on The CW. “The Carrie Diaries” is loosely based on one of television’s best-known characters, Carrie Bradshaw, the leading lady of “Sex and the City” (SATC), along with the books that were written as the prequel to the series. Set in 1984, young Bradshaw is trying to find her way into a writing career while navigating life as a teenager in Connecticut.
As one of the millions of girls who is a fan of the SATC, as well as the episodes that are constantly shown on E!, I was ecstatic for “The Carrie Diaries.” Confession: I even bought one of the books to read beforehand because I was too impatient. So now, here’s the rundown of the good, the iffy and the not-so-great about “The Carrie Diaries.” Note: “It’s iffy” and “not-so-great” because I refuse to put a negative title on something associated with one of my favorite shows.
The Good: AnnaSophia Robb, the actress who plays a young Bradshaw, is perfect for the role. She’s a believable teenage Sarah Jessica Parker and can rock those ringlets as well as full-grown Bradshaw. As far as young Bradshaw’s character, I’d say it’s spot on. She embodies the same sass as the future Carrie and throws out quick-wit one-liners that the SATC Carrie is known for. Also, young Carrie, much like her older counterpart, has some type of relationship drama in every episode. I guess some things never change. One thing SATC fans will appreciate is that “The Carrie Diaries” works in subtle nods to the show like young Carrie writing in her journal in front of her bedroom window the same as she does in her NYC apartment in SATC.
The Iffy: There are some details that the show ignored like that Carrie grew up with a single mother. For the most part though, they have the character right so if they want to get creative I’m okay with it. My biggest iffy concern is that her friends are really boring. SATC wasn’t good because it was about Carrie, it was good because of all four of them. Well, three. Did anyone actually like Miranda? Either way, young Carrie’s friends aren’t very exciting and they really don’t keep the story going like the original group does.
The Not-So-Great: Okay, I will admit that the show is really corny. It’s kind of like the writers opened up an issue of Seventeen and decided they should address every teenage girl’s problems. Everything that comes up in the episodes is expected. One of the guy characters might be gay, they all talk about mean girls and who’s having sex every hour of the day. It’s definitely not as creative as the original.
So in the end I have to admit that I do like it. Maybe I’m just nostalgic for SATC or trying to fill the void of no more “Gossip Girl,” but I’ve spent the time to keep up with it. However, I don’t think that someone who wasn’t a fan of the original show will think it’s anything special. Other than the idea that young Carrie becomes the fabulous Carrie Bradshaw and marries Big, there’s nothing amazing about it.
