This is the first review I write on this site.Rise is good, that's not debatable. Whether is 100% original or not, it's another problem, albeit an unimportant one, since it's almost impossible to create something truly original these days (this paragraph was a response to those comparing it to Glee).Rise wants to bring to light problems, glued together by the theater program. It was the first time I saw an actor with Down syndrome, and I was blown away; it was a nice touch, and further proved me that people like this are truly amazing. Teenage pregnancy is, again, disputed in the show, as well as gay relationships, and how they are perceived from a Christian point of view, and a trans person who is also trans in real life... This one was totally new to me. The "normal" part of the show was sweet; it was the drama that gave me a 40 mins break from the exam that I should study for right now, and it made me love the characters and their stories, which at times meant warmth, and at times meant tension.Now, the modern side of the show had it points that needed to get across. Sometimes, these views and ideas went really well with the story. Sometimes, it was obvious that a certain situation was revolving around a specific moment just to get it across. But, at the end of the show, i am glad that it did not let itself fall into ridiculousness, and instead maintained a balance between story and writers' ideologies. I am bummed that there won't be a second season because Rise was an upward curve of improvement, development and cute moments, which intentionally left multiple plots unresolved. I almost forgot the music. Oh, damn, the music. Oh, damn, the voices. Oh, damn, the talent. Oh, damn, Auli'i Cravalho.

I checked out Rise because it sounded like Glee, which I liked (until the college seasons), and it kind of is. Once again you've got a passionate guy and a bunch of talented hopefuls singing and falling in/out of love, although the singing is more integrated, so that the approach is less camp musical and more drama-with-singing. But both are about equally nonsensical.There are so many ridiculous moments and premises in this series, and the writers are drawn to showbiz cliches like moths to a flame. When a student is doing a poor line reading, the teacher says, "don't act, just be yourself" and suddenly he's great, because of course that's all it takes to get a great performance out of an amateur. Later the same thing happens when the teacher gets a great performance out of a struggling orchestra by snatching the baton from the teacher and saying, "hey, let's just try this. Everyone relax and go for it!"Much of the series involves the teacher's grand dreams bumping up against reality, resulting in the teacher making grand speeches. But often his choices are false. In an episode involving an elaborate set, my girlfriend and I thought of several ways to achieve the round towers they wanted cheaply, and neither of us are even theater people. The series also had an interesting attitude towards stealing stuff.Here's the thing though: I like the show. The cast is appealing, the corniness is often affecting, and the bits from the musical they're rehearsing make me really want to see it.So in short; dumb but I enjoy it.

The first few episodes may look like something we've seen before but if you get past those this truly is unlike anything on tv. The characters develope to be relatable, the story hits on some major subjects that need to be talked about, and the family aspect is refreshing. I like these actors and think it deserves another season. "As we all go through life different people influence us in different ways. Our family, our friends, some we know for our entire lives while others we may know for only a short time. But every once in a while someone comes along that truly makes a profound difference in our lives. Someone who not only inspires us, motivates those around them but through their courage they help an entire town rise above."

I've been waiting for a show like this. Brilliant.