I'm going to start with the negatives first. But stay right here, there really are positives coming after wards! Spoilers ahead.1. Character development and writing- With some characters there is a believable arc, such as Spencer's mother's growing acceptance of her daughter's sexuality. But some of the characters and the writing really can be inconsistent.2. Aiden is not a likable character - Whether its the way he's played or the way he's written, Aiden does not make an interesting part of a love triangle nor even a good addition to the show. I would have much preferred a guy like Glen as Aidan.3. Losing its focus - While the show started out centered around Spencer's family, I think it lost some of that in the drama and other characters. If there were more seasons, a return would be nice.4. Cheese factor - I'm sorry but this has to be included. This can be an extremely cheesy show. The girl's apologize to each other more than I've apologized in my lifetime.Now for the good things about this show. Because I do enjoy it.1. Chemistry - Mandy and Gaby have so much chemistry as Spencer and Ashley that they really bring the roles alive and make you root for them as a couple.2. Season 1 - Its fantastic. The flirting is great. The best of the 3 seasons by far.3. Funny - This show can pack a few one liners. I can generally count on Ashley to make me laugh.4. The issues - You have to give it points for having a show that revolves around a gay couple and tackling other teen issues.Is this show perfection personified? No. But its worth a watch. I warn you; its addictive!

This show is so well written. South of Nowhere is by far one of the best I have ever seen because of not only great writing but the acting is stunning. The main characters Ashley (played by Mandy Musgrave) and Spencer (played by Gabrielle Christian) nail the parts. Through flawless dialogue, amazing chemistry, both physical and facial expressions you fall in love right along with both of them. The show deals not only with sexuality but race, fame, loss, divorce, drugs, so many issues and is so realistic you get totally engaged. It is so important to see a show that speaks realistically to the audience. Watching this show catch fire warms my heart. They are bringing so much needed understanding to not only their age group but to many others. I first became aware of this show because of the L Word boards where the girls were raving about it. From the first show I saw I was hooked. From what I have read of the second season it looks to be as cutting edge as the first. Another amazing thing to see is how well loved these actresses are outside of these roles by their fans. How kind they are to them, that surely makes watching the career of these talented ladies even more special. I would keep an eye out for these two and the rest of the cast you will be seeing a lot more of them in the future. Certainly this is entertainment with a message.

i started watching SON when it aired its 5th episode. i found out about the show through afterellen.com i was looking for an article to prove Angelina Jolie was bi and found an interview of Gabrielle Christian (Spencer) i read it and was instantly hooked. then i read recaps for every episode i missed and got all caught up. i think the show is absolutely amazing. its a great teen show and has something in it for every viewer. the relationship between Spencer and Ashley is handled very tastefully. its good that the show has story lines involving race, drugs, and sexual identity. the actresses and actors are really good and the story lines are written perfectly. Spencer and Ashley start as friends but viewers can tell right away from the first episode that they have great chemistry and will end up having a relationship as they did. the first season ended leaving viewers with the question, did they or didn't they have sex with each other that night. it was a great way to end and keep viewers hooked and next season will have to deal with the answer to that question and the next question, will the relationship last. Ashley has difficulties with relationships and has admitted to hooking up with random girls for no reason. on the flip side shes in love with Spencer and has never felt that before for any girl and is worried Spencer might be the one to brake her heart. Spencer has also never had these feelings before. Ashley is the first girl that Spencer has cared for that way and has been that close to and is ready to try the relationship out. these two both have strong feelings for each other and i hope it all works out in the next season and their love gets as strong as ever, they make a great couple and the chemistry is undeniable!

Caveat--I'm gay, and I immensely enjoy watching a show where coming out is about going on dates with hot girls, not contemplating slitting your wrists. Really, because that's what it should be about. It's just as exciting/nervewracking for queer girls to discover girls as it is for straight girls to discover boys.That said, it's not exactly the best writing on TV. The acting's not bad--especially from the female lead and her will-they-won't-they best friend--but all the actors are done in the by the over-the-top dialog and unrealistic plot lines. Unlike Degrassi, I don't think I'd tune in without the gay plot line to keep me interested.On the other hand, the entire cast is made up of pretty/handsome young things a la the OC. And there's nothing wrong with a little eye candy.