‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies’ Episode 1 review: Even misfits can fit in...with the right people
Warning: Spoilers ahead for 'Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies', a musical romcom series from Paramount+, is billed as a prequel to the critically acclaimed movie 'Grease'. The program reportedly addresses themes such as racism and sexism in the '50s while still offering the audience a number of endearing characters, friendships and high-school romances. The show is based on Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's stage musical 'Grease'.
The ascent of the Pink Ladies will be the main theme of the show's narrative, as the title indicates. When 'Grease' first came out, viewers were shown that a group of women known as the 'Pink Ladies' existed, but 'Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies' will reveal to viewers how the group came to be and how their union will alter Rydell High forever. Marisa Davila, Ari Notartomaso, Cheyenne Isabel Wells and Tricia Fukuhara play the titular ladies. Currently, three directors are attached to the 'Grease' prequel, including Alethea Jones, Jamal Sims and Diego Velasco.
READ MORE
'Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies': Justin Tranter composed 30 original songs for musical series
'Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies' on Paramount+: Where are the OG Pink Ladies now?
‘We’re Gonna Rule the School’
The first episode of 'Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies' introduces viewers to the four outcast women, Jane, Olivia, Cynthia and Nancy, in a musical sequence, but it is apparent that they don't belong in the group they are now a part of. This instantly strikes a chord with those who identify as misfits or who have been labeled as such, making them question if they will ever belong to a community that embraces them for who they are or whether they will always be outsiders.
The four misfits come across each other as the program goes on, realizing that perhaps they were the ones they had been seeking. A rumor that threatens to ruin Jane's reputation marks the beginning of a wonderful relationship. As Jane runs for class president, she gets support from more than just these oddball women. Cynthia is a puckish tomboy who longs to join the T-Birds, Olivia is a smart romantic who has been dubbed the school slut and Nancy is a quirky fashionista fed up with her classmates' dating obsessions, but she also receives support from other misfits like herself and becomes a mascot of sorts for them.
Nancy becomes stronger thanks to her friends
It is very evident from the first episode that individuals find their people, whether or not they are liked. While the "popular kids" try to ruin Jane's image, Olivia, Cynthia and Nancy come to her aid, making her a stronger person—something that outsiders especially need to see and understand. Being an outsider is tough but the episode goes ahead and portrays that they ultimately find their way to their people who would see them for who they are and won't judge them based on what they like or what they do.
From April 6, Paramount+ will release new episodes of 'Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies' every week.