Original Coverage & Source Attribution: dailynorthwestern.com
This review contains spoilers.
The first season of “Hollywood Arts” manages to do what the original show, “Victorious,” couldn’t do in four: prove that Trina Vega (Daniella Monet) is indeed a star.
Released on Oct. 15 as a 12-episode spinoff of the hit Nickelodeon show “Victorious,” teen sitcom “Hollywood Arts” is already making waves.
The series follows Vega as she decides to alter her life by leaving the acting sphere to become a substitute teacher at her alma mater, Hollywood Arts.
Upon her arrival, she quickly realizes that a lot has changed since the “olden days,” as one of her students, Jen Z (Erika Swayze), so kindly puts it. For one, there is a brand new array of talented teenage characters, some with properly punny names.
Brother and sister Oscar Ward (Martin Kamm) and Emmy Ward (Alyssa Miles) share dynamic similarities to another infamous sibling duo: Vega and her sister, Tori Vega. Like the Vega sisters, Oscar Ward and Emmy Ward have found themselves constantly vying for the spotlight.
While it would be absolutely preposterous to claim these parallels are non-existent, Emmy Ward and Oscar Ward were written with enough intent and originality to bring their own one-of-a-kind flair to the “Victorious” universe.
Emmy Ward starts her journey behind the scenes as a stage manager for the Hollywood Arts theatre department, immediately setting herself apart from Tori, who was trained in acting, dancing and singing.
Even as Emmy Ward begins to gain popularity for her unexpected vocal abilities, she stays true to her roots. She continues to man the tech booth and utilizes her management skills to organize the Battles of the Bands.
In “Victorious,” Trina Vega was widely disliked among her peers for her inconsiderate demeanor and overall entitled attitude. Oscar Ward, although similar to Trina in his exceptional confidence level, is beloved at Hollywood Arts.
One of the most captivating qualities of the series is its ability to stay true to the original material while making room for the new.
“Victorious” had social media platform and scene transitioner, “TheSlap.” “Hollywood Arts” incorporates a modern version with “The Dap,” a video-centered app similar to TikTok.
Trina Vega takes the literal and figurative place of beloved “Victorious” acting teacher, Erwin Sikowitz (Eric Lange). Beyond being a great use of nostalgia, having a familiar character return as a 30-year-old teacher allowed viewers like myself to not only recognize the character, but relate to Trina Vega.
That being said, “Hollywood Arts” is not without its flaws. With this shift in target audience, the writers attempt to center jokes and plotlines around what they believe younger viewers want to see.
They often miss the mark. This is best seen in the beginning of Episode 2, when Pepper repeats the phrase “no cap” four times in one song.
Even with its shortcomings, the series manages to be beyond enjoyable. It is definitely a strong contender for a study break or a wind-down.
I understand why, with the large number of sequels and reboots released lately, you would hesitate to watch another spinoff.
But just give Trina Vega another chance.
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