Do not let the title fool you. With a title like “Hellcats,” one typically has visions of a high school cheerleading team. But in this case, it refers to a college cheerleading team. Marti Perkins (Alyson Michalka) is a college student who needs a quick influx of cash in order to stay in school. Coming to her rescue is an opportune opportunity to try out for the school’s cheerleading team.
While the premise sounds a bit light-weight, watching the pilot the show felt more substantial than its title may suggest. Co-helmed by Kevin Murphy and Tom Welling, of renown “Smallville” fame, the show offers a nice foray into the world of competitive sports through the eyes of a pre-law college student. Marti Perkin’s resistance to join a sport which she previously viewed as frivolous and only good for quick mockery soon gives way to a begrudging respect for those who work hard to make cheerleading look so easy.
Surrounded by an interesting menagerie of cast-mates, Alyson shines as Marti. Playing her mom is Gail O’Grady, and the mother-daughter storyline flows effortless as we are introduced into their tension-filled relationship. Also playing her skeptical best friend is Matt Barr (“Harper’s Island”) as Dan Patch, who is also attempting to navigate the trials and tribulations of college life and does not understand the crushing financial pressure which Marti carries and her sudden decision to join the Hellcats.
In a nice portrayal as Savannah Munroe, a fellow cheerleader, Ashley Tisdale is in turns awkward, polished and yet surprisingly heart-warming. Just like the title of the series, Savannah is not someone that should be judge on first impressions alone.
While not portrayed in the pilot, joining the series are Gale Harold (“Vanished”/“Desperate Housewives”) and Aaron Douglas (“Battlestar Galactica”).
“Hellcats” will appeal for those viewers young-at-heart and looking for a show that reminds us why college is both the best of times and the worst of times; where one will make friendships that last a lifetime, learn more about life than anything out of a book, and struggle each day to find a way to pay for an education. Life is not easy and “Hellcats” invites us to simultaneously escape into the fantasy and remember what life should be about – friends, family and pursuing our dreams.
“Hellcats” premieres September 8th and airs Wednesday nights at 9:00 p.m. on the CW.
Related article: http://insideblip.com/node/432/hellcats-invites-viewers-into-competitive-cheerleading.html
Related article (SLIDESHOW): http://www.examiner.com/museum-of-tv-and-radio-in-los-angeles/discover-the-cw-s-new-college-drama-with-a-competitive-sports-twist-hellcats
