Life Sentence – Your New Favorite Obsession

By: Spring Marie Cullen

Among this season’s winter premieres comes The CW’s “Life Sentence,” a new dramedy about living life to the fullest. After living every day for the last eight years like it’d be her last, Stella Abbott (Lucy Hale) gets the shock of a lifetime when she’s informed her terminal cancer is cured. Now that she’s actually not dying after all, she’s forced to face the consequences of her actions and her family’s dirty secrets suddenly start coming to light. In an effort to keep things as positive as could be for the youngest Abbott during her treatment, her family racked up quite the load of dirty laundry and it’s time for it all to come out. Stella is also faced with the task of figuring out who she really is and what she wants out of life – something that’s never been an option for her before. Cancer is no longer her defining characteristic so she must confront the very real dilemma of what it means to be just Stella. That’s almost scarier than cancer.

The show is led by “Pretty Little Liars” alum Lucy Hale in a role I believe she was born to play. From the trailers alone, Hale shines in the shoes of the young Stella Abbott, bringing her signature charm and underrated comedic timing to her newest character. Hale is a powerhouse talent who finally gets the opportunity to showcase her versatility as an actress and challenge herself in a way we’ve never seen from her before. Any doubt that she’s capable of leading a show on her own falls to the wayside the second you hear her voice and see her command a scene. Hale has the rare ability to not only hold her own against the best and brightest, but to consistently steal scenes in the process. She’s the perfect person to bring the character of Stella to life and I can’t wait to see her impress the masses and finally get the recognition she deserves.

Hale is joined by an insanely successful supporting cast, with veteran television star Dylan Walsh playing the patriarch of the family and the laugh-out-loud hilarious Gillian Vigman playing her newly experimental mother. Brooke Lyons and Jayson Blair play Stella’s older siblings, each in their first (well-deserved) starring roles, and Carlos PenaVega officially returns to live-action television since his role on the smash hit “Big Time Rush.” Rounding out the cast is the brilliant (and relative newcomer) Elliot Knight as Stella’s husband Wes. A good cast can make or break a series and I’m thoroughly convinced that Life Sentence managed to put together the dream team of talent. They click, in and out of character, and they all seem so natural together that you’re almost tricked into believing they’re an actual family.

From the minds of creators Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith, “Life Sentence” appears to be a true gem in the making. Iconic “Scrubs” creator Bill Lawrence and innovative director Lee Krieger are executive producers along with the creators; making it seem like all the pieces perfectly came together to create one of the most anticipated shows of the new year. The long-awaited series is bound to make an impression and prove it was more than worth the wait.

Highlights

The series has not one, but two interracial couples between the main characters and if the trailer’s anything to go by, Stella’s husband Wes is going to be with her every step of the way throughout this new journey. It’s that kind of positive representation where a mixed raced couple can be at the forefront of the show without being a major talking point or made into a joke that television needs more of. I’m also personally rooting for them because Hale and Knight’s chemistry, both on and off screen, is absolutely off the charts. I’d watch the two of them do just about anything. Stella and Wes could watch paint dry and I’d be all for it. They’re that good together.

Additionally, in an age where so many shows are filled with love triangles and relationship drama, it’s nice to see an honest coming-of-age story that revolves around more than the main character’s love life. At its core “Life Sentence” is about the Abbott family, the support system they provide for Stella and what it means to truly find yourself. While her romantic relationships do play into the series, Stella is not defined by the man in her life, and all too often female leads are treated in such a way. It was refreshing to watch a trailer where the leads were already in a happy relationship and weaving through their issues together, rather than being bombarded with the tease of break-ups and a myriad of love interests – something that’s too present in shows today. It has a little bit of everything. It’s a comedy-drama hybrid, filled to the brim with heart. This show is going to make viewers laugh and cry and everything in between, but it’s a ride I can’t wait to go down.

The CW is filled with amazing shows, not something every network can boast, but so much of their line-up is either supernatural or super hero based that when shows like this come along I’m immediately pumped for them. “Life Sentence” is relatable and honest, with a very “Jane the Virgin” vibe that makes it an incredible addition to The CW’s lineup. There’s a very distinct tone to the show and it’s one that reflects the real world in such an original way. It’s authentic and features the range of emotions we all go through, whether we’re battling an illness or scarred for our lives by a family member’s confession. It’s something fresh and different, a special take on a topic that’s been tried before, and I’m eagerly awaiting this season (and hopefully additional seasons as well.)

A Lesson with ​Life Sentence

Right now, “Life Sentence” is exactly the kind of show the world needs. There’s a lesson to be learned through Stella’s journey. The series has a very clear message, it’s hopeful and signifies the importance of a positive environment while still being an escape for viewers. An escape from the real world in the form of entertainment and its sanguine nature are two things we desperately need today. Life is filled with uncertainties and tragedies that are beyond our control so what matters is the way we react to them. Stella was facing certain death. She wasn’t supposed to live a full life and she definitely wasn’t supposed to be cured. Then, she was. Against all odds she beat the unbeatable, she pretty much stared death in the face, fearlessly, and came out on top. Through her strength and her family’s support she accomplished something nobody thought she was capable of, it was a miracle, but one the Abbott family earned. They didn’t give up and while they’re all dealing with the consequences of their actions now that they’ve fulfilled an impossible task (amusingly, of course), there’s something crucial to be discovered we can take into our real lives. I think it’s something that will resonate with viewers everywhere and possibly give them that extra push they need to get through whatever hard times are coming their way. There’s light at the end of the tunnel and even if you have to crawl to get there, all that matters is actually making it. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you or how many stops you have to make along the way, life has speed bumps yet that’s what makes it interesting. This is your journey so make it count. Make the most out of your situation and turn those lemons into some delicious lemonade.

Another reason I’m such an avid believer in Hale being the only person to bring this character, and even this world to life, is the fact that she literally embodies everything Stella and the show are, even in her personal life. Hale is a ray of sunshine, in every sense of the word. She radiates positive energy and is an inspiration to a dedicated fanbase affectionately named “Halers,” but she’s never fake about it. Her sunshine-y optimism doesn’t stray into the line of naivety and she’s been open about her personal hardships. She’s incredibly genuine, which makes accepting a lesson from her so easy. There is nothing artificial about her. She understands the importance of powering through the pain, gaining strength from those trials and tribulations, and never letting them hold you back or stop you from smiling. She speaks her mind, is confident about what she believes in and is aware of her unique platform — where she can set an example and encourage her fans, young and old, to be true to who they are and not shy away from those dark times. They’re a part of life and we need the bad to really appreciate the good. I can’t name an actress better suited to preach that to the community than Hale.

What are you going to do with your Life Sentence?