Youth & Consequences

Youth & Consequences is a refreshing, intriguing, and witty addition to the world of high school drama series that was released in 2018 on YouTube Red, now known as YouTube Premium. With a surprisingly mature and intense take on teenage intricacies, the series takes you on a ride through adolescent struggles, prom nights, love triangles, and other juicy high school gossips; while also managing to beautifully incorporate meaningful themes of integrity, consequence, and responsibility.

The show revolves around the high school politics observed at Central Rochester High and is centered on the incredibly intelligent and fearlessly bold, Farrah Cutney, portrayed by the amazing Anna Akana. A self-proclaimed ‘queen bee’, Farrah rules her high school with remarkable cunningness and panache. She is the epicentre of power at her high school, who with her group of loyal friends, wields central control over the school's social, political and social justice manoeuvres. Farrah confidently manipulates the truth to manage situations favourably for her people while also maintaining the odd balance of high school hierarchy.

One of the key highlights of Youth & Consequences is its fascinating portrayal of complex characters who are relatable, intensely human, and exhibit unique character arcs. Each character in the show is carefully crafted, displaying a diverse range of strengths, weaknesses, hopes, and fears. Their spiraling web of relationships, friendships, rivalries, and alliances beautifully create the backdrop for this high school drama.

At the heart of the series is the power struggle between Farrah and her antagonists, the charismatic football hero, Collin (Mike Gray), and the enigmatic newcomer, Grace Ho (Kara Royster). Both pose challenges to Farrah’s reign, setting the stage for revealing secrets, ever-changing alliances, and dramatic twists. Alongside these conflicts, Farrah also has to deal with her beautiful and unpredictable step-sister, Sara (Sophie Reynolds), who might be harboring some secrets of her own.

Youth & Consequences does not shy away from discussing contemporary societal issues, even in the seemingly trivial context of high school politics. It bravely ventures into topics like gender politics, suicide, online bullying, racism, lesbian identities, and more, allowing various serious threads to inform its narrative. This inclusion of such real-world issues, infused with the show's dark humour and dramatic essence, makes it an exceptional series that is more than just a teen drama.

Another notable aspect of Youth & Consequences is its sharp and intellectual dialogues. Farrah's sharp wit, combined with her oftentimes brutal honesty, gives way to captivating conversations, sharp comebacks, and memorable oneliners. The writing is fresh and edgy while also being sensitive to the diverse themes it tries to portray, ensuring that the series stands out in a genre typically dominated by clichés.

Visually, Youth & Consequences is as enticing as its narrative. The direction brilliantly incorporates each character's story, subtly conveying their development. The series is aesthetically pleasing, with well-designed sets and costumes that ensure that its portrayal of high school life is refreshing and current.

Furthermore, the series is bolstered by some stellar performances, especially from Anna Akana, who emerges as the star of the show. Akana’s portrayal of Farrah is complex and centred, bringing an air of authenticity to a character who could easily have become caricatured. The supporting cast also puts forth commendable performances, each bringing unique flavours and depth to their characters.

In conclusion, Youth & Consequences is a heartening blend of humour, drama, social commentary, and wit. It's a show that beautifully draws a picture of how our actions, however small, have consequences, thereby shedding a light on perhaps one of the most complicated phases of life—adolescence. It prompts one to look back at their high school days and evaluate how their actions defined their present selves. If you're looking for a series that defies high school stereotypes by offering nuanced characters along with gripping drama, Youth & Consequences is definitely worth watching. It’s refreshing, engaging, and thought-provoking—a perfect example of teen drama done right.