Life Unexpected - TV Fanatic

Life Unexpected Series Finale Review: "Affair Remembered"

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:34:11 EST

Last night, we sadly said good-bye to The CW's unexpectedly wonderful little series, Life Unexpected. Since there were plenty of loose ends to tie up, it was broken down into two one-hour parts.

I wasn't sure how the writers would be able to conclude this show, especially since there were so many climatic situations and unanswered questions. But I think they did about an average job. I wasn't too disappointed and yet, at the same time, I wasn't thrilled with the ending.

The first hour of the show ("Teacher Schooled") answered all the immediate questions. We learned right away that Cate and Ryan lost their unborn baby. This is a horrible situation to go through and it felt a little anti-climatic. I expected Cate to go off on the deep end when she learned that not only did she have a miscarriage, but she will never be able to ever have children.

Cate's reaction seemed strange, but even more strange was Ryan's. Throughout this season, it was pretty clear how important it was to Ryan to have his own flesh and blood offspring. By the end of the show, he declared that it wasn't important to him. What mattered to him was Cate.

In the last episode, we learned that Emma was having an affair with Jack, Baze's father. This was a huge shocker and, of course, Lux was in ear shot to hear the whole thing. Lux uses this to her advantage to get back at Baze for being a lousy father.

I know many people were not a huge fan of Emma, but I liked her! I was very surprised to hear that the affair went on for four years. That's pretty gross. You can't blame the guy for not being able to be with her again. So... that was the end of Emma.

The most intense scene had to be when Cate and Baze confronted Lux about having a secrete relationship with her teacher, Eric.

Who else knew that Eric wasn't knocking on Tasha's door? I was surprised that he would come clean to Math, though. Eric and Lux were "good" together in some ways, but what Cate pointed out was right. It was wrong on so many levels.

I am happy that the writers did not let this relationship drift into happily ever after. Yes, their age difference wasn't that big, but she is a teenager and he's an adult. Period. End of discussion.

The heated argument between Cate and Lux continued on through the final hour of "Affair Remembered." I knew this blow up would finally make Lux crack and see that Cate is here to stay. What Lux needed more than anything was a sense of security and that no matter how dark and twisted her past was, she did have a loving and caring family.

Most of this hour seemed to drag on more than anything else. The couple scenes of Jones and Lux hanging out alone seemed odd. Of course, by the end of the episode, we learned why these scenes were created:

Two years passed and Lux was the speaker at her graduation. Even though Tasha was sitting next to Jones, it turned out that Lux and Jones must have been together for sometime. They kissed and hugged while Tasha took pictures of them. All I can say about that? Weird.

Meanwhile, Julia was at the ceremony with child in tow, sitting next to Ryan. Ryan was sitting next to Cate. And Cate was sitting next to Baze. It all seemed too picture perfect. Everyone getting along? Get real.

As it turned out, Ryan was with Julia and Baze and Cate were finally a couple. As much as I always routed for Baze and Cate, I felt jipped. Five minutes before this ending, Cate and Ryan were going strong. Why would Julia having his baby change this?

I guess the writers knew they had to end this one way or another. It's sad that we didn't get to see Cate and Baze become a couple, but I am glad that they will live on happily ever after. Are you?

Life Unexpected Series Finale Clips: Watch Now

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:00:06 EST

With just a few days remaining in the life span of Life Unexpected, TV Fanatic is here to ease the pain of fans.

Or at least to give them an early look at what's to come. That's really the best we can do.

Having already published a few photos from the January 18 finale, we've now posted a couple clips from the two-hour extravaganza. The first focuses on Lux's personal life, while the second takes us into Ryan's professional life. Check them out now:

Affair Remembered Clip

Life Unexpected Finale Clip

Life Unexpected Series Finale Pics: First Look

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:50:24 EST

It's sad, but it won't be disappointing: Life Unexpected comes to an end on January 18.

The CW series airs a two-hour finale on that date, a pair of episodes that will feature:

Baze contemplating home ownership.
Lux planning a dinner with Eric...
... but being shocked when Baze and Cate show up instead.

TV Fanatic will review the final two hours in depth, and are offering readers a glimpse at a few scenes from it below:

Kristoffer Polaha to Fans: Life Unexpected Finale Won't Disappoint!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:39:22 EST

Life Unexpected bids farewell with a two-hour series finale on January 18.

While fans deal with this news, star Kristoffer Polaha has two messages for them:

Thank you!
You won't be let down by what's to come!

Read what else the man who brought Baze to life wrote on his latest E! News blog below.

To the fans, I appreciate all your hard work and loyalty to the show. I'm so thrilled that we had the opportunity to give you guys 26 episodes of The Little Show That Could.

This experience is one that I'll never forget and it's due to all of you that stayed tuned in, kept watching, and fighting that got us this far, so for that I am so thankful. I hope everyone has safe travels through the holidays and a wonderful New Year.

Be sure to tune in Jan. 18 for the last two episodes of season two. You won't be disappointed!

Life Unexpected Series Finale Preview: A Two-Hour Event

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:22:13 EST

It's sad, but true: Life Unexpected comes to an end on January 18.

Following the explosive events of this week's episode - Emma slept with Baze's father?!? - The CW will bid farewell to this drama with a special two-hour episode in early 2011.

Grab a box of Kleenex, readers, and get yourself prepared for the end via the following preview. It's gonna jerk some serious tears...

Life Unexpected Series Finale Promo

Life Unexpected Review: "Stand Taken"

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:51:30 EST

This week on Life Unexpected, the writers decided to cover an area of physical violence that many family TV shows tend to shed away from. So, before I go into my review, I wanted to take a moment and give the writers props for bringing such a tragic abuse story to light.

On "Stand Taken," Lux finally has to make the decision to come clean about what happened to her in the past. You could tell it was something major that she wanted to keep buried because she even went to the man that abused her and asked him not to testify.

Lux said she did this to protect Tasha, but really she was just trying to protect herself. She didn't want everyone, especially Eric, to know about what happened to her.

I've got one burning question: Wouldn't you, if you were Lux's parents, think it's weird that her teacher showed up for the hearing? If Eric is so concerned about having anyone find out about their illicit relationship, wouldn't he stay as far away as possible?

After the hearing, it seemed that Eric wasn't expected to hear the emotional scenes that happened to Lux. I'm not sure if this look was a sign of him wanting out, but it definitely means something.

It was a heartbreaking scene watching Lux describe what went down in her past. I was in tears when she spoke of her first kiss being with this horrible man. Thankfully, Lux had the smarts to try and run away before Trey tried to rape her. Not all children are brave enough to stand up to someone the way Lux did.

Fortunately, Valerie finally stood up and was the mother that Lux needed. She sided with Lux and her child-abusing husband was sent to jail.

Tasha got to stay out of prison, but did get two months of juvenile hall for breaking the terms of her guardianship. Does this mean this is the last we see of Tasha... ever? Will we ever find out how deep her relationship is with Jones?

Meanwhile, Cate and Ryan are on the road to mending their broken relationship. It looks like this baby is a saving grace. I really like these two together and would love to see that tiny blueberry turn into the real deal.

Shockingly, we find out that Emma had a secret affair with Baze's dad to potentially boost her career. Of course, Lux would be standing in ear shot to hear the whole secret come out. What do you think Baze will do when he hears that his pops boned his girlfriend and cheated on his mom?

Until the January 18 series finale - yes, series - here are a few of my favorite Life Unexpected quotes from last night:

Cate: (to Valerie) Being a parent means putting the kid first. You were her mom once. Be her mom again. | permalink

Lux: I don't think I could take losing another mom. I don't think I could take losing you. | permalink

Lux: Seriously, what is your problem?
Tasha: You. You are my problem. | permalink

Baze: (to Lux) Don't worry kiddo, one way or another the truth about this guy is finally coming out. | permalink

Baze: (to his dad) Emma's helping me. You're the one that made me choose, remember? She's my family now. | permalink

Lux: Most girls in junior high have their first kiss playing spin the bottle, mine was with him. | permalink

This Really is the End for Life Unexpected

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 07:11:04 EST

We asked the question a month ago and now we must supply the disappointing answer: Yes, this really is the end for Life Unexpected.

The CW series did not receive an order for any episodes beyond the 13 scheduled to air this season, but it also has not received official word of a cancellation.

Still, two recent facts make it apparent this show will come to an end in the very near future:

Kristoffer Polaha has signed a development deal with CBS.
Warners Brothers has announced a DVD release for April 5. Its title? "Life Unexpected - The Complete Series."

The latter piece of news at least means that fans will be able to watch Lux and company whenever they want. This six-DVD package will include all first and second season episodes, along with many features, deleted scenes and interviews.

Life Unexpected Review: "Thanks Ungiven"

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:48:35 EST

Oh, Life Unexpected! How I missed you!

It's been two weeks since one of my favorite programs has been on the air and I must say I really missed this delightfully warmhearted show.

"Thanks Ungiven" brought the whole gang together for Thanksgiving. This is the first time they've all really celebrated Thanksgiving since Lux came into the picture, so, naturally it would be one spectacular holiday.

Everyone was there. Well, maybe not everyone: Bug is still absent. Present, though? Eric and Sam!

Sam really is starting to grow on me. Yeah, he may be weaseling his way into Lux's life, but there's something about him that's endearing. I like the way he calls Lux "Cinderella" and it helps that he's Lux's age.

Don't get me wrong, Eric is a total cutie, but he's way too old for Lux.

Maybe the age difference isn't that huge, but it's also the maturity level. No matter what you say, a 16-year old is no where near the level of maturity of a 23-year old. There's so many things that happen in your life in that span of time. Lux may have faced many tough breaks and been forced to grow up at an early age, but she's still a kid. Period.

I also don't like how it has become so acceptable on family TV shows to have a young student date a teacher. I don't have kids, but I sure as hell know I wouldn't let my 16-year old think it's okay to date one of her teachers.

Okay, enough of my rant. Back to the storyline.

Baze makes huge headway standing up to his dad about dating Emma. Like I've said before, I really do like these two together. Emma is helping Baze grow up and be a man, while Baze is getting Emma really open up and care for another person. Plus, they both have damaged teenage kids. It's like a smaller somewhat dysfunctional version of The Brady Bunch.

Probably the highlight of the night had to be Cate letting the cat out of the bag about her pregnancy to the entire dinner table. What a mess! And I'm not talking about the turkey. I really sympathize with Cate. She now doesn't know whether or not Ryan really wants to be back home because of her or the baby.

Her mom did have a point that maybe bringing Ryan back home for the baby will fix their marriage. Here's hoping!

Overall, this was a very entertaining episode of Life Unexpected and if by some miracle the forces that be decide to keep this show on the air, I will be pleasantly surprised (because seriously, Gossip Girl/One Tree Hill are still on and they have equally as many viewers as Life Unexpected does!).

Until next week, here are a few of my favorite Life Unexpected quotes from last night:

Cate: I'm pregnant. | permalink

Cate: Mom needs your help.
Abby: Why? All the wine is twist off or in a box. | permalink

Baze: (about Paige) Golly its like picking up the droppings of a playboy bunny. | permalink

Abby: I'm familiar with Baze's giant bird. It's not all that impressive. | permalink

Sam: (to Lux) Don't worry about it. What's a little hit and run between friends.
Eric: Lux, you have a minute?
Sam: (to Lux) Oh! It looks like your boyfriend is calling you. | permalink

Lux: Baze is making a turkey the size of a toddler.
Tasha: That makes me hungry. | permalink

Life Unexpected Clip: Most Awkward. Thanksgiving. Ever.

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:20:29 EST

We hope all readers have a happy and healthy holiday this weekend. Along those lines, we'd also like to pass along the following words of comfort:

No matter how badly your Thanksgiving goes, it looks like it won't be as awkward as the meal planned for Baze's apartment on Life Unexpected. Just check out the following clip from "Thanks Ungiven" and you'll see what we mean:

Life Unexpected Thanksgiving

Spoiler alert: Lux will kiss someone not named Eric on this episode. We'll leave you with that tease...

Life Unexpected to Celebrate Thanksgiving on November 30

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:54:43 EST

Life Unexpected is taking a week off next Tuesday and we think we know why: The show must prepare itself for what is bound to be the most awkward Thanksgiving in CW history.

As the following preview for "Thanks Ungiven" depicts, Baze offers to host the festive meal at his place, but you can imagine how smoothly this goes, can't you?

Secrets get exposed when Baze's father discovers his son is dating his boss, and Cate worries about Ryan finding out her truth, while Lux frets that her parents will discover she's been spending time with Eric. Get an early look at the November 30 installment via this video:

Thanks Ungiven Promo