Ruby & The Rockits

Ruby & The Rockits is an American comedy television series that aired on ABC Family, now known as FreeForm, in 2009. The show catered to the family audience and incorporated elements of comedy, music, and family dynamics, capturing the essence of rediscovered family bonds and the unforeseen complexities that come with them. At its core, Ruby & The Rockits is a narrative of self-discovery and the reconciliation of past and present, all set against the backdrop of musical aspirations and the faded glamour of erstwhile stardom.

The series stars Alexa PenaVega as Ruby Gallagher, a spirited teenager with a talent for music and a longing for familial connection. Ruby is the daughter of David Gallagher, a one-time pop idol who, during the 80s, was part of a popular family boy band called The Rockits. David's character is played by Patrick Cassidy, and he represents the forgotten era of teen idols who once charmed their way into the hearts of millions but now lead a more subdued life. As a father, David is initially aloof and disconnected from his daughter's life, creating an emotional narrative arch as he learns to embrace his parental responsibilities.

Ruby's arrival to David's world turns his life upside down as he has been leading a quiet life away from the limelight, unaccustomed to the demands of parenthood. The plot thickens when Ruby, seeking connection and guidance for her own musical ambitions, disrupts the status quo and challenges David to face his past, including his relationships with his former bandmates and brothers.

Enter the other Rockit brother, Patrick Gallagher, portrayed by David's real-life brother, Shaun Cassidy, who also serves as the series' executive producer. Patrick has managed to maintain a degree of fame through nostalgia performances and a Las Vegas act. Unlike David, he relishes the limelight and thrives on the remnants of his bygone celebrity days. Patrick's lifestyle is flashy and over-the-top, a stark contrast to David's desire for normalcy. When Ruby enters their lives, Patrick becomes the fun, musically-inclined uncle who helps her to navigate the complexities of both the music industry and teenage life.

An important part of the show's charm is the interaction between Ruby and her cousin Jordan Gallagher, played by Austin Butler. Jordan represents the new generation's version of a teen idol. He is the son of Patrick and, following in his father's footsteps, he tries to pave his own path as a musician. Jordan's character is a mix of teen angst, idol pressures, and the desire to be taken seriously as an artist. Ruby's introduction to Jordan's world provides an exploration of teenage dynamics, the awkwardness of family meets fame, and the shared bloodline that both complicates and enriches their relationship.

Another key character is Ben Gallagher, Jordan's brother and Patrick's other son, portrayed by Kurt David Anderson. More grounded than his father and brother, Ben provides the voice of reason and often finds himself trying to maintain balance in this newly merged family. His character adds a dose of reality to the show and cements the notion that every family, no matter how unusual, needs a stabilizing force.

What makes Ruby & The Rockits appealing is its blend of humor with heartfelt moments, all while engaging with the concept of family diversity. The characters are flawed and relatable, making the audience invest in their journey towards growth and understanding. The show does not shy away from addressing the cracks in each character's armor—be it David's reluctance to revisit his pop star days, Patrick's denial of his current has-been status, or Ruby's naïve but determined pursuit of a musical career and a more family-oriented life.

Behind the scenes, Ruby & The Rockits is bolstered by its creators, Shaun Cassidy and Ed Yeager, both of whom bring a wealth of experience in the entertainment industry, particularly from a musical standpoint. Their backgrounds help ground the show's storyline in the realities of the music business, adding another layer of authenticity to the family's musical ties.

While the series is inherently a comedy, the music performed by the characters is integral to the show's narrative and adds an extra dimension to its entertainment value. The use of original songs not only demonstrates the character's musical abilities but also serves to enhance the storytelling, highlighting key emotional beats and character developments.

Despite its short run and eventual cancellation after one season, Ruby & The Rockits found a dedicated audience who appreciated its appeal. It offered a unique concoction of nostalgia, music, and comedy, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a world where the past and the present collide, and family is the most unexpected but unifying chord in the melody of life.