Heather Bayfield

I started watching the first episode and turned it off halfway through, horrified and disgusted. The next day I decided to finish the episode and ended up watching the second episode immediately afterwards. Again, I felt horrified and disgusted and could not stop thinking about my own teenager with the fear that his life might even slightly resemble the life of any of these characters. When the third episode came out I watched by myself on the couch in our living room and when my husband came by and asked what I was watching I told him not to bother. I said that is was a terrible show but that I needed to see what would happen. I have now set the DVR to tape the series. Yes, I am disgusted by much of this show. Yes, it terrifies me to think that any children would actually live this way and face these challenges and I just hope it is not remotely realistic. However, I must admit that however disturbing, I simply can’t look away. Another reviewer said that there was no character development and that therefore, they could not sympathize with the characters. That may have been true in the first couple of episodes but I no longer agree with that assessment. I desperately want Rue to be successful and end up happy and safe, as I do with all of the characters. Of course, that will never happen but that is life. The actress portraying Rue is wonderful. I have never seen her before because I don’t tend to watch Disney but I certainly would not have thought a Disney sweetheart would be in a role like this. She is stunningly good in my opinion. Even the small twitches of her lips when she is afraid convey much more than her words. This is definitely not a show for young people. I would be beside myself if my 14-year-old watched any of it. It is also not for the faint of heart. Watch with caution, but I am hooked.