Please renew the lease on The L.A. Complex

The L.A. Complex, a Canadian series that airs on the CW in the states, finished off its second batch of episodes with "Don't Say Goodbye," the second consecutive hour of the series aired that night. Given its horrible ratings in the U.S., it may be that the network was just trying to burn off the episodes they had left. But "Don't Say Goodbye" ended with little resolution, and hopefully the popularity it has up north will be enough to garner it a third season. And hopefully it will continue to have a home to air on here.

In "Don't Say Goodbye," Kaldrick King (Andra Fuller) finally has peace. Yes, his father (Eugene Clark) is dead, and he has lost his best friend, Rook (William Stewart). But he also gets closure with Tariq (Benjamin Charles Watson) after apologizing, has a loving boyfriend in Christopher (Jarod Jospeh), has just recorded a great album, and is ready to come out of the closet, finally comfortable with who he is. It's been a dynamic, engrossing journey for the rapper, and he comes through the ordeal better and stronger than ever!

But Rook makes a huge mistake in shooting Infinite Jest (Stephan James). Kaldrick is mad at Infinite, but manages to keep his temper, and tells Rook not to go after him. Rook thinks it's the only way he can make up for his betrayal of Kaldrick. As good a place a Kaldrick is in, he will surely get pulled into this murder mess. After all, Kaldrick has enough motive to be a suspect in the killing. It's hard to guess how this will play out, but given the talent oozing off of Fuller, it should be very good.

Nick (Joe Dinicol) suffers his own loss when Sabrina (Georgina Reilly) won't let him follow her to New Orleans, where she has landed a great gig. It's a shame, given how wonderful the chemistry is between the pair, that it has to end. But I guess that's how L.A. works. One has to go where the jobs are, and while Sabrina is traveling to something, if Nick were to leave town, it would damage his career, perhaps irreparably. So Nick will stay, and hopefully his star will continue to rise, as it has been slowly doing.

Sabrina isn't the only one out of the cast should a third season be commissioned. After Dean Pirelli (Louis Ferreira, SGU Stargate Universe) takes Simon (Michael Levison) to the Yukon, Beth (Dayle McLeod) decides to follow so that she can be with her brother. Beth was never in L.A. to be famous, simply serving as a manager to Simon. Simon was the one who was going to be the actor. So there really isn't anything left for her here except Cam (Kristopher Turner), and family trumps boyfriend.

I admit, I'm not really sad to see Simon and Beth go. They were kind of annoying. The only reason it's regrettable that they're leaving is because Cam will be upset, and I like Cam. Why isn't he a main character yet?

Beth, Simon, and Sabrina, the latter of which will be deeply missed, are the latest to leave L.A., but they weren't the first to do so in The L.A. Complex. Alicia (Chelan Simmons), a main character in the short first season, briefly resurfaces by phone to lend her support to Nick in "Don't Say Goodbye." It's nice to know that she's still on tour, and seems to be doing well. But her absence has been felt. Is this brief a scene a reminder of who she is so that she can return to the series next year? That would be wonderful!

Like Alicia, Abby (Cassie Steele) is happy. Her joy stems from getting quickly married in Las Vegas. At the end of "Don't Say Goodbye," Abby, too, is seen leaving L.A., flying to Germany to be with her new husband, Gray (Steve Byers, Alphas). It all happens much too fast. Although they decide against the annulment, this relationship is moving too quickly to survive long. It will flame bright, and then burn out. After all, Abby is far too young to give up her dreams of being an actress and settle down. She would just grow resentful of him, and that's not a recipe for a satisfying marriage. With luck, she will be back in the City of Angels by the start of the third season, should one be ordered.

Neither Connor (Jonathan Patrick Moore) nor Raquel (Jewel Staite) have healed from their various wounds yet. Will they ever? Even when things look up, more things go wrong. Raquel has a great movie trailer finished, but her love interest is arrested for a crime she committed. Connor is trapped in a cult. They just can't catch a break!

It's interesting that the two more experienced characters in the cast, the people who have been in L.A. the longest and worked the most, are so scarred. Is this what Hollywood does to a person? Is there any hope for either of them to find peace? Are Nick, Abby, and the others destined to end up the same way if they stay?

The L.A. Complex is soapy, but in the best possible way. It's a very interesting, entertaining story of young people in a city that it full of glitz and disappointment. It seems realistic enough, and most of the cast is fantastic (especially Staite, Dinicol, and Fuller), which keeps fans engaged week after week. The ending montage in this finale is very memorable. The show would even be worth watching during the regular season, not just the summer, where it might find a few more eyeballs tuning in. Wherever the CW decides to put it, all I care about is that it is brought back. We need more chapters in this story.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted at TheTVKing

"Stay" with The L.A. Complex

The ending of this week's The L.A. Complex, which airs on the CW here in the U.S., seemd like a season finale. All of the characters are gathered in a feel-good sequence, where they share pizza beside the pool. And then Connor (Jonathan Patrick Moore) has a bombshell dropped on him. But there are still five episodes left in this sophomore run, and as heartwarming as the end of of "Stay" may be, it is far more interesting to examine what leads everyone to this point, and the things they will have to deal with when they wake up tomorrow.

Poor Connor. All he needs is somewhere to belong, and he just can't find it. His relationships never last. This is partly because he keeps landing with girls that are just as damaged as he is, and he needs a healer, not another person that needs healed. Yes, he helps fix Jennifer's (Krista Allen) marriage, but that was only after he felt comfortable and taken care of. He would have never been able to do what he did prior to Jennifer taking him in and caring for him in the first place.

Will being back at the complex give Connor the community he seeks? He is lonely there before, but there is certainly much opportunity for support, given the number of people around. Buying everyone a pizza dinner may be his way to try to pay his way into their hearts, and remind them that he's here. Cynical, yes, but a also a survival mechanism. As bad as things get for Connor mentally, at least we see that he's still trying to claw his way out of the pit.

In fact, every character in The L.A. Complex continuously struggles to persevere in the face of long odds. Beth (Dayle McLeod) and her brother, Simon (Michael Levison), have the toughest time this season so far, scrimping to find enough money to eat and not live in their car, looking for acting work for Simon without any parental guidance. Beth is at the edge of her breaking point after Simon's brief disappearance, though will a phone call from the father who abandoned them be a help or a hindrance? If The L.A. Complex follows the trend of most television shows, definitely the latter.

Kaldrick King (Andra Fuller) is facing a huge personal challenge in "Stay." He must decide whether he can be true to himself by coming out of the closet, or if that will kill his career. Even if it does, isn't it more important to have inner peace, and he's made enough money that he's got some cushion while he tries to reinvent himself. What's more important here, for someone who has the luxury of choice? An image or oneself?

King started as a pretty unlikable character, especially after beating up Tariq (Benjamin Charles Watson). However, he has worked on himself a lot this season, giving up some of his partying ways, and giving back to the community, so that we now want him to be happy. Since he's been with Christopher (Jarod Joseph), King is in a totally different situation than the one he had with Tariq. Christopher challenges King in ways that Tariq was too young and inexperienced to do, and shows King that it may be all right to be an openly gay professional. Christopher offers a possible equal pairing, if King can find a way to accept who he is. This is the path King is on, but is he ready to make the leap yet?

Raquel (Jewel Staite) also reaches a big hurdle in "Stay." She can remain on a reality show to pay back a major studio lawsuit, or she can walk out, proving her moral character. At first, she compromises, not because she is a bad person, but because she has debt to pay. By the end of this episode, though, she can take no more of it and leaves, making herself vulnerable to even more financial and legal trouble. Does this make her brave, sticking to her guns? Or too proud for her own good, shooting herself in the foot? Is this what she needs to do to sleep at night, or is it a foolish stunt? With her, one never can quite tell, a testament to the terrific level of complexity Staite brings to the role.

And then there's Nick (Joe Dinicol) and Sabrina (Georgina Reilly), who are actually happy as of "Stay." Damn them. Not that I begrudge these wonderful characters success, but it doesn't give much meat to chew on. The one bright spot for TV reviewers is that it won't last, sadly. Ditto Abby (Cassie Steele), who got fired, only to be almost immediately caught in the arms of a hunky guy. Eh, someone has to catch a break sometime.

The L.A. Complex has shifted time slots a couple of times, but is currently running Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on the CW. It's a guilty pleasure well worth your time.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

The L.A. Complex has a "Vacancy"

After a (thankfully) brief hiatus, The L.A. Complex returns for a second season with "Vacancy." This episode picks up right after season one ends, and while some of the characters begin new arcs, others have to deal with the fallout from the old ones. At least in L.A., things are never boring!

Nick (Joe Dinicol) gets an interview as a writer for Paul F. Tompkins' new series, even though Paul (himself) hates Nick. To overcome this bias and get on staff, Nick uses his chemistry with Sabrina (Georgina Reilly), who is also interviewing, and they are both hired. Then he returns home to Abby (Cassie Steele), whom he is now officially dating, and lies about working with anyone that he knows.

This cannot end well on either count for Nick. If Abby finds out Nick lied about Sabrina, their relationship is over before it starts. Yes, Abby may have dumped Nick anyway, since Nick slept with Sabrina so recently before her. But lying does not improve the situation, and will only make her madder. Similarly, being in close quarters might reignite things with Sabrina enough for her to forgive Nick for his theft of her jokes. If she acts on it and Nick rejects her because of Abby, she will go ballistic, and one or both of them will have to leave the show. Most likely, both women will find out what Nick did soon enough. There is just no way to foresee a happy ending here

Abby is finally learning the game. Auditioning before a religion-themed series star and creator named Donald (Alan Thicke, Growing Pains), she quickly realizes that she has screwed up with her wardrobe, which she probably didn't have time to change. So she lays into Donald instead, claiming piety and passion for the project. It's a fake-it-'til-you-make-it moment, and one where Abby shines. Though, admittedly, if she's a good enough actress to fool Donald here, doesn't that make her good enough for his show?

Sadly, Eddie (Ennis Esmer), who usually seems like a good guy in The L.A. Complex, acting as not just their landlord, but also their mentor and friend, comes off as cruel in "Vacancy." It's one thing to demand that Abby pay extra rent to live with Nick, an understandable rule. It's another to not make his cleaning gig offer clear to Abby, who works six hours when Eddie is only willing to pay for two. Maybe the slight isn't intentional, but Eddie comes across as a total jerk in the way he talks to her. Is the lesson that you can't trust anyone in L.A.? Or is Eddie just having a bad day? He didn't look like that was the case...

Connor (Jonathan Patrick Moore) probably won't have a show much longer if he keeps on the path he's heading down. Drunk in the middle of the day, jumping off balconies into the pool, his behavior is reckless. There is a hint of salvation as he enters into a real relationship with Raquel (the fabulous Jewel Staite). Having her to care about might calm him down, especially when she gets around to telling him that she's pregnant with his(?) child. Maybe Connor will invest in these two people, and being back at the apartments, he will find himself again. Or maybe he will keep getting worse, and Raquel will be left heartbroken, as well as knocked up.

There is a "Vacancy" at the complex that Connor can use, now that Alicia (Chelan Simmons) has hit the road. She says goodbye at the beginning of the episode, and isn't seen again for the entire hour. She remains a main character, so whether The L.A. Complex will follow her on the road or bring her home soon is the only mystery here.

There are also two new characters, a young homeless woman named Beth (Dayle McLeod) and her little brother Simon (Michael Levinson), whom she is caring for. Viewers are introduced to the pair in "Vacancy," but there hasn't been enough development to really understand who they are and what they are about yet. Might Simon land an acting gig, paying just enough to get them into the complex?

Finally, the real emotional heft of the hour comes with Tariq (Benjamin Charles Watson) and Kaldrick (Andra Fuller). Tariq is hurt and unwilling to forgive Kaldrick, especially if Kaldrick won't go public with their relationship. Kaldrick is willing to do anything for Tariq to make up for beating him except tell people that he's gay, as it would effectively end his career, though that's the only thing Tariq wants. So what we get is two heartsick men that cannot maintain the connection they so desperately desire. To cope, Tariq heads home and Kaldrick slits his wrists.

Will Kaldrick die? Or will he come out of this a new man, understanding that he must be true to himself. We know Tariq, a main character, won't really be leaving The L.A. Complex. Either of those outcomes for Kaldrick will allow Tariq to stay. The question is, will Tariq be happy or grieving next week?

Don't miss the summer's guilty pleasure Canadian drama, The L.A. Complex, airing Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on the CW.

Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com. If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published on TheTVKing

Don't burn down The L.A. Complex

The Canadian show that has quickly become a must-see series, The L.A. Complex, brought its freshman run on the CW to a close this week. The sixth and final episode is appropriately titled "Burn It Down," seeing as how practically all of the characters either burn a bridge or face a dream destroyed. It's a tragic, downer ending, with just enough glimpses of hope to get viewers excited for season two.

Raquel (Jewel Staite, in a terrific, moving performance) realizes that she cannot keep up her con on poor Gary (Rob Stewart, Nikita). She comes clean with him, breaking things off and tearing up his check. Her character really faces a decision about what she can do to further her career and still live with herself. It turns out, falsely keeping a man's heart is a step too far. Raquel begins down this path, and then regrets it. But the fact that she makes it right, as much as she can, proves that she is a good person, and hopefully she will get her break soon. Though, it's sad that she can't return Gary's feelings, because he would treat her right.

Alicia (Chelan Simmons) is also seeing her future disappear. Desperate after losing an Usher tour gig, she makes some questionable decisions, leading to a contract with a porn company, and sleeping with someone to earn another job. Then, after all of that, she is offered the Usher position. As "Burn It Down" ends, she is truly melancholy. Can she even take the Usher job now, with her other commitments? One might think this tour would provide an escape from the life she is quickly finding hard to recognize, but it's unclear if there is an out for her. Too bad, considering how hard she has been working.

Rounding out the trio of bad news stories is Tariq (Benjamin Charles Watson), who loses his lover. Caught in a kiss, King (Andra Fuller) beats on Tariq rather than letting anyone know that he is gay. Judging him as a person, King's actions are totally detestable. No one should treat anyone like King treats Tariq, least of all a lover. But from a career perspective, King would be dead in the water if his secret leaked. His fans would have no toleration for his homosexuality. So King is faced with an either-or choice. He may not make the right decision, but it highlights his priorities effectively. Poor Tariq's heart is broken, as surely this ruins any plans to go on tour together.

Luckily, there are some bright spots in "Burn It Down," too. Nick (Joe Dinicol) gets to go on tour as a comedian! Yes, he inadvertently steals some material from Sabrina (Georgina Reilly, Murdoch Mysteries), which will probably come back to haunt him. But he didn't mean to, and now his dream might become reality! Even better, the girl he really likes, more than Sabrina, kisses him! Nick is on his way!

The girl who kisses Nick is Abby (Cassie Steele). Nick almost screws up a big audition for her, but it works out all right in the end, as she gets the job. Her anger, not at Nick sleeping with Sabrina before they really begin a relationship, but because of when Nick tells her, is totally justified. It seems to spell the end before things can even get started. However, considering the positive outcome of the situation, it appears that she and Nick have a second chance. Gotta love a happy ending, even though the two do not seem destined to last long-term.

Finally, there's Connor (Jonathan Patrick Moore). Connor has a rough go of it, getting off of his medication, which leads to drinking, loneliness, and trouble. Thank goodness he's talented, or he surely would have been fired from his series. And after the bar fight, he is put back on his happy pills.

Strangely, though, "Burn It Down" ends with Connor burning down the house his television show paid for. The upbeat music implies he will leave the house before being seriously injured himself, so that's not really a worry. But is the fire a sign he's not all better, or a symbolic gesture to rid himself of the terrible time the last month has been? It could be taken either way, and it won't be until viewers get a second season that anyone will know for sure.

Overall, The L.A. Complex has been a terrific ride. Justifiably categorized as a guilty pleasure, the acting is pretty good for what it is, sometimes verging on great, especially where Staite is concerned. The stories are well written, hitting the right notes, and only occasionally feeling rushed. The show is enjoyable, and the season finale leaves one wanting more.

The fate of the series is just as mixed as the way the characters end up in "Burn It Down." The Canadian network that airs it has ordered a second season, but the CW has seen abysmal ratings. Rumor has it, that despite this, the second season will still air on the CW, probably starting this July. Summer shows don't have to get as large a rating as in the regular season, and it looks like the CW might be willing to give this one a chance to grow in popularity, which it should do. Word of mouth might help, especially from Canadians, who seem to really like the show.

I certainly hope there is a turn around in viewer numbers, because if this first batch is any indication, the series is good. What's more, shows of this type will often improve as the writers and actors grow more comfortable in their roles. This can only help The L.A. Complex.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published as Don't burn down The L.A. Complex at TheTVKing.com