The Girls on the Bus, a series inspired by Amy Chozick's 2018 book Chasing Hillary, resonates the energy of a semi-topical dramedy reminiscent of The WB classics and is a great fit for a female-forward workplace comedy-drama. Developed by Chozick and The Vampire Diaries' creative genius Julie Plec, the series boasts a strong cast who deliver exciting character interactions, smart but sometimes misplaced commentary on the journalism profession, and a somewhat lacking depiction of a political thriller.
The storyline remains engaging even through less riveting scenes, but if viewers find themselves unimpressed with the initial episodes, the overall charm might be missed. Set in an alternate 2024 universe, the narrative revolves around four protagonists who land in Iowa at the commencement of a fierce Democratic primary process.
Melissa Benoist portrays Sadie, an ambitious reporter for the renowned New York Sentinel, striving towards open and personal journalism while battling personal and professional challenges. Alongside her is Grace, played by Carla Gugino, a veteran political reporter and Sadie's friend, who prioritizes career feats over her family. The series also introduces characters Kimberlyn and Lola, representatives of non-traditional media, adding a unique dimension to the mix.
Viewers can expect unnamed yet identifiable characters, producing an intriguing dynamic of archetypal political entities. An element of curiosity resides in whether a tight adaptation of Chozick's book could possibly create a more engaging experience, focusing primarily on the drama inherent in the election cycle with the inclusion of typical journalistic and political incidents.
The attempt to incorporate elements of a '70s-style paranoid thriller within the series comes across as forced and unconvincing. This incongruence especially surfaces towards the series' final episode where the thriller plot dominates the narrative despite its derivative nature.
However, the series may still draw a viewership for a potential second season with its core strengths. Benoist's effective portrayal of the innocent yet determined Sadie acts as the anchor of the series, while Gugino's performance as Grace establishes her as the binding element between the characters and the plot.
Despite the cringe-worthy subplots that each character endures, the interactions and relationships between the female protagonists are compelling. Credit also goes out to an excellent supporting cast that adds a depth of character to the series.
Despite referencing vintage WB/CW shows, The Girls on the Bus caters to an audience in need of understanding journalistic terminologies conveyed through the dialogue while attempting to involve up-to-date conversations around abortion, media sexism, and electoral politics in 2024.
