Somewhere in the tuneless strains ofStar, a more soulful show tries to sing itself free.
Shell beg for it.
Even do worse, spoilery things for it.
Credit: Carin Baer/FOX
But shh, dont tell!
She keeps that a very contrived secret.
Together in Atlanta, these Cinderellas seek to become pop princesses and reconnect with family.
Its here on Carlottas island of misfit hairdressers thatStarshows promise.
Think of it as a post-Gleeshow for a post-American Idolworld.
Stars authenticity, worldly aspirations, and #SquadGoals are presented as Things to Be Deconstructed.
Does she see Simone and Alexandra in that picture too?
Our wanna-Bey believes in group formation, but shes gotta be front and center.
The show seems to think that what this Waterfalls-chasing trio really needs more than CrazySexyCool transfiguration is some TLC.
Unfortunately, Star subverts everything with hollow heaviness and familiar cynicism.
The second you get the kids-for-cash Exploitative Foster Mom, you know Rapey Foster Dad cant be far behind.
It works against the characters, actually.
The show has some grace for its flawed dreamers, but the drama clunks.
Stars sexual manipulations grow ridiculous, Simones spiral is forced, and everything Alexandra just doesnt work.
Latifahs character and performance is a rock; the show should build on it.
But I worryStaris the worst kind of hot mess a cold, dead one.C-
Stardebuts Wednesday at 9 p.m.
