Disney's newest venture into the sitcom/music market is "Austin & Ally", a show about a teen songwriter (with extremely bad stage fright), and an aspiring musician (who needs help writing songs). What a perfect match. Although they don't always get along, Austin and Ally end up working together. Although I do believe the golden age of Disney Channel (High School Musical, Hannah, Jonas, Camp Rock, Wizards) is ending, I believe Austin & Ally gives the new DC some hope. The new DC shows now try to hard, such as shoving China McClain down our throats with her mediocre singles. Shake it Up, although decent, gets tiresome. And Jessie is boring, clearly showing us Disney did not strike lightening with Debby Ryan being the new "It Girl." However, I feel as if Austin & Ally can bring Disney in a new direction, while still staying true to their song and dance formula that has been working (has been, I repeat). Instead of trying so desperately to create the new Miley, DC can put a lot of promotion into Ross Lynch (Austin), much like their attention to the Jonas Brothers a few years ago. Nothing sells better than a heart throb, and Ross Lynch is likable, attractive, and can sell crowds of 6-12 year old girls. The writing is surprisingly good for a DC show, although it is still campy, cheesy, and over the top. The chemistry between Austin and Ally can also be much better, I feel as if the actors are not truly aware of their character yet. But these are early episodes, most kid shows progress over time (A.N.T. Farm, Victorious). Not every DC show is going to compare to HM and their will not be another star like Miley for years to come. Disney has to understand this, and move on to the next thing. Instead of trying to create little pop starlets, they should shift their direction on a guy and hopefully Austin & Ally makes progress in acting and writing.
Review of Austin & Ally
Austin & Ally
(2011–2016)
Although nothing unexpected, a good start to what can be a great series
14 December 2011