With To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Lana Condor was able to win the hearts of many viewers across the world. So, it was no shocker when she took over the role of the protagonist, Erika Vu, in the comedy miniseries, Boo, Bitch. While Erika shares certain similarities with Lana’s previous character Lara Jean in To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, there are some striking differences that might make Erika less likable when compared to Lara Jean.
However, the negative attributes of Erika are not the only reason why Boo, Bitch was not able to achieve great ratings or great feedback. In fact, Caroline Framke points out that
Even though the acting deliveries by the actors are commendable, the series may have lacked the ingredients necessary to grab the attention of the viewer.
there’s something missing from “Boo, Bitch” that keeps it from being quite as effective as it could be
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
Too Many Tropes and Clichés
Netflix
On one hand, it is fun to see some famous tropes in films and shows. However, when you incorporate too much of it, the show or the film might end up being just another piece that gets forgotten over time. Unfortunately, that’s what happens with Boo, Bitch. A central idea or theme that the series tends to focus on is the debate on popularity and invisibility. Like many other rom-coms with teens, Boo, Bitch introduces a protagonist who is not popular at all. However, as the show progresses, the character becomes popular to the extent that she ends up being a narcissistic persona, in turn, leading to her own downfall.
Another very common trope embedded into the series is the significance of prom. In fact, similar to many other early 2000 films with teenagers, this series ends up with a prom. Of course, the mean girl is another trope that takes over a significant portion of the show, with Riley (Aparna Brielle) being the popular girl who bullies the innocent introvert. Perhaps, the only difference is the inclusion of Asian actors to take over the roles of the protagonist and the antagonist. However, it is unfortunate to see that the use of so many tropes fails to make Boo, Bitch stand out from any other typical rom-com.
Netflix’s Boo, Bitch: Tropes The Show Falls Into
The “Trying Too Hard” Parents
A well-known stereotype is that Asian parents are super strict, rule-abiding, and adamant in ensuring their children end up “not going down the wrong tracks”. However, Boo, Bitch attempts to step away from this stereotype through Erika’s parents, Dr. (John Brantley) and Mrs. Vu (Cathy Vu). It might sound refreshing to see Asian parents not being strict at all, but unfortunately, Dr. and Mrs. Vu might have gone a bit too far in trying to be the “cool parents”. Not only do they encourage Erika to party and have alcohol, but they go to the extent of crying over her breakup with Jake C.
For viewers, this might be a bit too uncomfortable simply because the idea of a “responsible adult” is missing from the film. While it must be appreciated that the creators have attempted to use Erika’s parents to invoke humor, it may not have been quite successful. In fact, Erika’s dad’s jokes and comic element seem to be more cringe than humorous.
A Weird Perspective of Death
While death might be a dark topic in many other shows and films, Boo, Bitch tries to use it as the central element that drives the plot in a humorous way. The way in which “Erika” dies seems to be quite hilarious, given that the body was buried under a moose. Moreover, her attempt at trying to accept her death and hide it from others by covering the body with ice might seem a bit too awkward and strange. Nonetheless, it must be appreciated that the theme is used to shed light on the importance of friendship as well as the impermanence of life.
There are several theories in relation to the question “what happens when one dies” and Boo, Bitch has focused on the theory that focuses on “unfinished business”. The supernatural element might be interesting, but this particular show makes it a bit too strange for the viewers. The glitching of the spirit when time runs out and the bright light shone when the spirit finishes the business and leaves seems out of place.
Boo, Bitch: Lana Condor Stars as Ghostly Influencer in First Look at Netflix Comedy
The Character Shifts of the Protagonist
Being a miniseries, Boo, Bitch only has a few episodes, which means limited time to cover up the character arcs. Thus, there seems to be sudden shifts in Erika’s character that the viewers might find it difficult to process what is happening and what she is going through. Due to this, it is not easy to sympathize with the protagonist or relate to her. In fact, the way in which Erika goes from being a humble protagonist to a narcissistic bully is too unexpected for the shifts to be realistic. Moreover, the character seems to lack time to redeem herself as everything seems to be rushed and embedded in the last episode.
