Higher Ground

Higher Ground is a compelling FreeForm TV series that ran for a single season in 2000. The show is a dramatic coming-of-age piece starring Joe Lando, Hayden Christensen, A.J. Cook, Kandyse McClure, and a host of other talented actors. Packed with raw emotion, personal struggles, and the quest for personal development and self-discovery, this series shines a light on the experiences of troubled youth.

The storyline unfolds at the Mount Horizon High School, an educational institution tucked in the Pacific Northwest's wilderness. The institution is not your average high school, but a therapeutic boarding school for troubled teens who grapple with a variety of psychological issues, from drug addiction, and familial issues to mental health disorders. Mount Horizon is a last resort for these adolescents, offering unique programs aimed to help teens overcome their demons and alter their destructive life paths.

Joe Lando stars as Peter Scarbrow, the insightful and driven headmaster of Mount Horizon. Peter, a former substance abuser himself, utilizes his past experiences to connect with the students, guiding them through their personal hardships. His empathetic approach to helping these troubled juveniles provides a beacon of hope to the characters as they battle their individual adversities, making his character a pivotal part of the series.

Hayden Christensen, more well-known for his role as Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, delivers a remarkable performance as Scott Barringer, a troubled teen dealing with addiction and family discord. Then, there's A.J. Cook who portrays Shelby Merrick, a teen from an abusive background who struggles with trust and emotional issues and Kandyse McClure, who plays Katherine Ann Cabot, a teenager dealing with grief and self-destructive tendencies due to her parents' tragic accident.

Also embedded in the storyline are various other students with comparable pasts, including but not limited to Ezra Friedken portrayed by Kyle Downes, Juliette Waybourne played by Meghan Ory, and Daisy Lipenowski depicted by Jewel Staite. Each character delivers a spirited and thoughtful portrayal, capturing through their performances the pain, the struggles, and the small victories that come with battling various hardships.

However, the student body is only half of the equation. The faculty of Mount Horizon is the other half, each with an intriguing backstory. Anne Marie Loder stars as Hannah Barnes, a psychology major who serves as an advisor to the girls in the Cliffhangers group. Deborah Odell stars as Sophie Becker, a psychiatrist, and therapist assigned to the students. Meanwhile, several guest stars like Roger Cross, Cameron Bright, Jodelle Ferland, Paul McGillion, Lynda Boyd, Zak Santiago, Jim Byrnes, and Paul Jarrett grace the screen adding depth and flavor to the series.

Higher Ground successfully juxtaposes the lives of the staff with those of the students, creating a rich tapestry of character development and drama. Going beyond the surface level of the typical 'troubled youth' stereotype, the series deals sensitively with heavy issues like substance abuse, low self-esteem, abuse, depression, and even death. Each character on Higher Ground is presented in a raw and unfiltered manner, inviting viewers to empathize with their struggles and cheer for their successes.

Despite only running for one season, the series delivers an engaging storyline that does not shy away from dealing with heavy emotional themes and complex character relationships. The Pacific Northwest's breathtaking scenery is a distinctive feature of the show, serving as more than just a backdrop, but rather an interactive component symbolizing the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the young characters.

For viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas, Higher Ground offers a compelling exploration of the human condition, underscored by an exceptional cast and thought-provoking plot. Despite its early 2000s runtime, Higher Ground's themes remain timeless and relevant, resonating well with modern audiences. Although not renewed for another season, this unique series offers valuable insights into the complexities of adolescence, making it an endearing and enduring watch.