While the Soap Opera has been a staple of network program since before the age of television it should be no surprise that it has remained such an enduring format because it is supremely adaptable. The basic melodramatic format is conducive to telling a vast variety of stories. Now some of the venerable pioneers of the traditional afternoon ‘stories’ that have enthralled generations of housewives are dying off but the genre is safe in the hands of new, face paced shows that appeal primarily to the lucrative tween and teen markets. One cable channel that has been built on this emerging paradigm is the ‘ABC Family Network’. They have created youthfully oriented soap operas with supernatural themes, science fiction motifs and several niche variations each with a specific slant to attract their targeted audience. One of the more ingenious series that have been derived from the network incentive is an energetic and imaginative of this new wave of stories is ‘Make it or Break it’. This series has all the requisite elements of the typical high school series with one exceptionally important twist; it is set in the high tension world of elite women’s gymnastics. This offers the writes the writers and producers a unique opportunity to lay a foundation utilizing the standard teen social dynamics as a foundation building upon it with the specific influences of being counted among a handful of people capable of competing on the rarefied level inhabited by the very best in the world. I originally approached reviewing the first season of the series with more than a touch of trepidation. The show is so well made and believably presented that although not part of the demographic it almost instantly became a personal guilty pleasure both for me and a few of my friends. I realize that the there are stunt doubles for the actual gymnastics but that does not diminish the incredible grace and agility demonstrated by the athletic feats they perform. The series is wholesome enough for realistic family viewing while exploring themes that are directly pertinent to the young people watch. Start watching for the gymnastics but become a fan for the well constructed plot lines. Add a cast that is proficient in their roles and direction that maintains a balance between the numerous story threads and you there is something that will find a place on your DVR’s season pass.

This may be the opening paragraph on Holly Sorensen’s resume but it is certainly an impressive way to initiate a career in entertainment. The action is focused on a group of teenage girls training in Boulder Colorado at the prestigious Rocky Mountains Gym, better known in the circle inhabited by Olympic hopefuls as ‘The Rock’. The very best gymnastics in the world are trained there making is the Mecca for elite gymnasts around the country. The main characters are only teenagers but they are the top rated athletes in women’s gymnastics; among the best hopes for this country to bring home Olympic Gold. The newest Member of the team at ‘The Rock is Emily Kmetko (Chelsea Hobbs); discovered while practicing at the YWCA she is considered from the ‘wrong’ side of the tracks; poor and new to the elite level of the sport. This character is pivotal to the series for several reasons. Emily introduces a wild card into the group. Unlike the other on the team she is not used to the restrictions imposed by the governing committee of the sport. What that comes down to is Emily is less proficient at hiding her transgressions from the adults so she is frequently the one in trouble. The purpose of this character is vital to the success of the series. As an outsider Emily offers a prefect means for exposition in a tight knit group were certain details that would be considered generally understood can be explained to us through Emily. Her mother (Susan Ward) is overly colorful and out spoken, something that doesn’t sit well with the conservative community. Emily has to work at a Pizza parlor and falls in love; both activities are forbidden and as we enter the second season has her on probation when she is arrested for stealing her handicapped brother’s medication. Of course there is an explanation that doesn’t mitigate the situation. This season sees the return to competition by the former top ranked member of the team, Payson Keeler (Ayla Kell). She broke her back during an accident and had a long difficult road back. She had to adjust her routine abandoning power moves in favor of those requiring a greater degree of finesse. This character represented the all consuming focus required by the sport and how the elite practitioners become myopic to any life alternatives.

During the time Payson was recovering Kaylie Cruz (Josie Loren) ascended to the spot of National Champion. Basically shy by nature Kaylie is uncomfortable with the media attention and her sudden need for a public relations manager. She is ‘frienimies’ with Lauren Tanner Cassie Scerbo), the undisputed Queen of the Beam. Lauren is also the required teen trope, the mean girl. If a situation can be made worse by backstabbing, betrayal or seduction you won’t have to look far to find this devious blonde pulling the strings. Her technique is flawless but far too sexy for universal approval. The lives of the adults also get complicated when Lauren’s father Steve (Anthony Starke) breaks up with his girlfriend Summer (Candace Cameron Bure) and starts dating the coach Sasha Belov (Neil Jackson). Of course Lauren is not far behind with a nefarious scheme to reunite her with Dad. One of the serious yet relatable problems addressed here is anorexia. Kaylie goes from keeping the requisite lean body mass to a full blown and potentially life threatening eating disorder. This is an illness that many teen girls face but elite gymnast are particularly susceptible due to the added pressures and demands of their sport. Basically the gymnastics are used here to heighten the drama and intensify the emotional impact of the plot devices but overall the situations are familiar to any teen.