30 replies to this topic

[RowingPains]

MTV Show about five twenty somethings in Chicago. Am I the only one watching?

[Scrb]

Are they suppose to be slackers or they were promising students caught up in a bad economy?

[RowingPains]

Are they suppose to be slackers or they were promising students caught up in a bad economy?

Honestly I think the name of the show is kind of misleading because it's mostly been about friendship and raising a baby. The two creative types: the writer and the aspiring model are only underemployed because that is the nature of their chosen professions. Reviva is basically a stay at home mom and the other two are in entry level positions. All in all they are a rather privileged lot. But the show is cute and I like Michelle Ang and the exploration of the character's sexuality along with the group moments are what keep me coming back.

[gingercharm21]

I watched like half an hour of the pilot episode. This might come out sounding wrong, but I thought it was incredibly fucked up for the singer/songwriter girl to hide the fact that she was pregnant from the guy for like 9 months and then flip out on him when she showed up.

[RowingPains]

I watched like half an hour of the pilot episode. This might come out sounding wrong, but I thought it was incredibly fucked up for the singer/songwriter girl to hide the fact that she was pregnant from the guy for like 9 months and then flip out on him when she showed up.

No you're absolutely right and I have a huge problem with this character and her rude, entitled behavior. They tried to write it off as hormones but so far she's still insufferable to me and the writers really need to do something about it. But I think the other characters are worth sticking around for.

[bparhad]

I watched like half an hour of the pilot episode. This might come out sounding wrong, but I thought it was incredibly fucked up for the singer/songwriter girl to hide the fact that she was pregnant from the guy for like 9 months and then flip out on him when she showed up.

That's exactly when I had to quit, only my breaking point was when she was so insulted that he asked if it was his kid. He hasn't seen you in awhile and you just show up, he has a right to ask. He did ask in the stupidest way possible, but that's a whole other issue.

Now, they may have explained this after I stopped watching, but - according to the title card near the beginning of the pilot, we catch up with these characters a year later. How in the hell was that girl pregnant with that guy's kid then? They were both talking as if they hadn't seen each other since they slept with each other on graduation, in which case, it totally wouldn't be his kid. Or did they explain that they'd seen each other since then?

[runningwithmace]

Actually, the three female characters are all really offensive stereotypes: the sweet virgin from Minnesota (hilariously, MN is one of the only states with legalized pot and gay marriage, making it less of a conservative backwater than most of New York State), the high-maintenance girl in designer clothes who's sleeping with the sleazy older boss who makes her eat dog food, and the new mother who is so completely self-absorbed she can't understand why someone can't answer each of her 50 calls and texts each day while they're at work.
Not a single one of these girls shows any sign that they are strong, independent, or self-reliant. The virginal writer is the closest to being any one of these, which is sad, because she's portrayed as naive and submissive. And I'm sorry, but showing us how the high-maintenance ditz who's unpaid internship somehow afforded her a closet of designer clothes can string her boss along by being sexually suggestive with everything she says is a far cry from showing us a strong female character. I'm pretty sure her boss sees what I do: a little girl who thinks she's hot stuff despite having no real-life experience at anything outside of shopping trying to seduce an older man. Of course he'll let her seduce him and tell her he dumped his girlfriend. He wants to bang a twenty-something girl because she's too dumb and inexperienced to see through his (very flimsy) facade.
Don't get me started on Baby Momma. You know the phrase 'don't stick your dick in crazy?' She is the reason why. What makes no sense is how she's portrayed as even remotely attractive or desirable-- every time she threatens to move out, her baby daddy scrambles to keep her around. She threatens to move out like eight times an episode. You'd think the guy would realize that if she left, his life would be a lot easier. Sure, he might not get to see his kid every day, but he also wouldn't have to see the nutjob and her weird nose-mole.

[RowingPains]

Not a single one of these girls shows any sign that they are strong, independent, or self-reliant. The virginal writer is the closest to being any one of these, which is sad, because she's portrayed as naive and submissive. And I'm sorry, but showing us how the high-maintenance ditz who's unpaid internship somehow afforded her a closet of designer clothes can string her boss along by being sexually suggestive with everything she says is a far cry from showing us a strong female character. I'm pretty sure her boss sees what I do: a little girl who thinks she's hot stuff despite having no real-life experience at anything outside of shopping trying to seduce an older man. Of course he'll let her seduce him and tell her he dumped his girlfriend. He wants to bang a twenty-something girl because she's too dumb and inexperienced to see through his (very flimsy) facade.

I agree that most of them started out as stereotypes but with the exception of Reviva, I think they're going in a different direction than one would expect. I mean I was ready to hate Daphne for being that dumb girl who sleeps with her boss, so I was glad when his boss laid the smackdown on her for putting herself in that position. I also think the naive virgin is coming into her own, the more she gets comfortable with her sexuality and the new relationship with that lawyer chick.

[Empress1]

That's exactly when I had to quit, only my breaking point was when she was so insulted that he asked if it was his kid.

Yeah, I watched the pilot and thought she was absolutely insufferable. First of all, like bparhad, I was confused by the timing - I thought it had been a year since they saw each other/slept together, in which case he wouldn't be the father. Second, not only did he have the right to ask if it was his kid, I'll go a step further and say he'd have been stupid not to ask AND he should get a paternity test. You don't just take someone at their word when they show up after an extended period of time claiming that you're going to be a father. She can feel whatever type of way she wants about it; he should do it anyway. Third, I got so fed up with her whining "I don't want you to take a corporate job because of meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" I was like, well, what did you tell him for then? You clearly aren't going to work, kids cost money, what did you expect?

I should have known better than to watch; MTV's scripted programming is typically shitty.

[mrsbucket]

I really wanted to like Raviva. She seems so cool, and does the song-writer thing. But the whole childish showing up on the doorstep without contact for 8-9 months was pretty terrible, and as mentioned before, it wasn't wrong of Lou to ask if it was his...since he has no idea what she's been up to since they last saw each other.

I also hated how her mother was portrayed as self-involved and unhelpful when Raviva threatened to move out of Lou and Miles' place for the 7th time. I mean, Raviva's mom saw her through high school AND college, THEN she got pregnant. Officially not her mom's responsibility. This woman is at least in her 40s...when does she get to enjoy her life, instead of having her universe revolve around Raviva?? If Raviva wanted someone else to take care of her baby, she should have gotten pregnant in high school...or placed her for adoption. Her comment about being "baby free for the first time in a million years" (you mean like a week???) b/c her mom was babysitting and had a room she dedicated to Rosemary in her house???? really grated. I know quite a few women Raviva's age and YOUNGER who manage to be better moms without whining a fraction of the amount Raviva does.

Also to add to the Raviva hate files...no mention of thinking of working?? She's just gonna stay home and write songs and call Lou 50x / day? How does he stand her?? She had the potential to be awesome, but she's definitely the least likable character on the show.

[gingercharm21]

When I watch a show like this and see a character like Raviva, I just have to wonder if it's intentional on the part of the writers. Are we really supposed to relate with her/ side with her? Or do they purposely make her annoying?

[RowingPains]

When I watch a show like this and see a character like Raviva, I just have to wonder if it's intentional on the part of the writers. Are we really supposed to relate with her/ side with her? Or do they purposely make her annoying?

I don't think they do. I mean we all knew that Daphne getting involved with her boss was a bad idea and someone in the show actually told her to stop being a dumbass. But no one ever seems to comment directly on the wrongness of Raviva's behavior.

[BookThief]

And...to be shallow...Raviva's voice gets on my last nerve. I'm still watching this, though I don't know why. I'm probably more than 8 years older than these kids, with more education, and the one is "underemployed" at a $30,000 a year job (though at least he only got it because of his dad). I make just over half that, so if he's underemployed am I, like, subemployed? At least the other characters that are working (except maybe Daphne who is finally getting paid) are earning salaries that are probably a little more realistic these days for recent grads (and beyond!).

But yeah, most of these characters are annoying at least once an episode--and some the entire episode (cough, Raviva, cough cough). I definitely like this better than their Skins attempt, but not better than Teen Wolf or Awkward.

[BooBear]

I definitely like this better than their Skins attempt, but not better than Teen Wolf or Awkward.

I also watched it and also hated it. Bear with me because I haven't seen them all but I thought the characters were very unlikable. You know how older people play the younger generation as lazy, entitled, simpletons? Just watching this would confirm that view.

And I'm sorry, but showing us how the high-maintenance ditz who's unpaid internship somehow afforded her a closet of designer clothes can string her boss along by being sexually suggestive with everything she says is a far cry from showing us a strong female character.

So insulting, and I love they way "she" seems to be using him. Please... on what universe? I am sure he is really in love with her -- right.

She is the reason why. What makes no sense is how she's portrayed as even remotely attractive or desirable-- every time she threatens to move out, her baby daddy scrambles to keep her around.

I saw the one where she literally calls her boyfriend every 5 seconds at work and then, gets mad at him for not answering. Then, she decides to clean out the apartment for no apparent reason -- right then - even the boyfriend kept saying *can't we wait until I am home* and throws out the roommates stuff. I totally didn't get that episode. Crazy that he has to you know... work!

But that apartment is crazy for Chicago. Big and apparently affordable. I couldn't move out of my parents house for 2 years after graduation.

Edited by BooBear, Nov 4, 2012 @ 5:20 PM.

[kellyrawks]

I actually like this show but Raviva (awful name btw) is insufferable. She is the most ungrateful, selfish and immature person I've seen on tv in a while.Every thing she does is completely unlikable. Showing up pregnant without telling him, getting mad when he asked if it was his, getting mad when he had to go to work, calling him every 5 minutes, throwing stuff out of apartment without asking and the latest spending money she doesn't make indiscriminately. At this point I think she should just leave Lou with the baby and save the show.

Lou's boss is a complete jerk and I get he's mad the boss's son just blows in and lands a position but he does come off overly harsh. They could tone it down.

I felt bad for Sophia, her parents seemed cool but their reaction was completely uncalled for.Maybe they will come around but cutting off support will not make Sophia straight way to abandon her.

[RowingPains]

As much as I don't like the thing between Daphne and her boss, I really hope Daphne and Miles don't happen. I'd rather they stay friends and roommates, because it's become obvious that Miles is crushing on her and whether it's requited or not, it can only lead to bad things in their current situation. Sometimes I just wish they would leave good platonic relationships platonic.

[bilgistic]

I'm still watching this show, even though it's ludicrous and maddening.

I want to slap Daphne. She's already bitching about not having enough money and needing to pay her student loans when she just started making $39K a year (she negotiated with her boss to make $750/week). I did some very rough math, and she's probably bringing home about $2500/month. She can't swing $300 of that to Direct Loans? Cry me a river, whiny brat. It took me 14 years post-college to make as much as she is one year after school. I was paying my home, car, college and other loans all at the same time, with no help from mommy and daddy. I realize it's TV and not real, but stuff like that takes me out of it so far, so fast.

And then Sophia just quits her job to do...nothing. Oh, she's "writing". I thought the point (or one of them) of this show is that jobs are so hard to get that even smart college graduates have to take crappy jobs.

I hate the stupid cheating/not-cheating/will-they-cheat storylines for Lou and Raviva. If they break up, who will get custody of the Magical Partially Invisible Baby Who Never Cries?

[chickieloveknit]

I want to slap Daphne.

I'll join you in that sentiment. I couldn't believe her last night. How long has she been working at this agency? A couple of months? But she deems herself so worthy of an executive level salary and benefits! Then makes an ass of herself in front of her female boss, then gets her male boss fired, then has the nerve to ask again for a raise from the female boss.................only to have it all forgiven and end with her in the arms of her crush/boss? Are you kidding me?!

I like Miles, and yes, he's adorable, but not in the way the character is being made out to be. Miles is cute in the pick-up-girls-at-the-bar kind of way. Not in a supermodel kind of way. I feel like they're presenting him as this drool worthy (to both males and females, apparently) God when really he's just a short, cute, kid.

Not liking the Lou hook-up storyline. Lou deserves better than awful Reviva but he's better than a cheater.

Sophia, whatever. Glad you have friends who will let you mooch off them while you write your non-existant book.

[bilgistic]

I couldn't believe her last night. How long has she been working at this agency? A couple of months? But she deems herself so worthy of an executive level salary and benefits! Then makes an ass of herself in front of her female boss, then gets her male boss fired, then has the nerve to ask again for a raise from the female boss.................only to have it all forgiven and end with her in the arms of her crush/boss? Are you kidding me?!

I know! I was almost screaming at the TV last night. I've moved beyond slapping to wanting to punch Daphne in the face. Anyone anywhere else besides the make-believe land that is TV would be out on her ass so fast her head would spin. Am I missing something? Is she so irresistible? Is she so intelligent that no one could take her place? (She strikes me as amazingly clueless.) The only sense I can make of it is that the female boss knows that Daftne will never be smart enough to make it up the ladder, so her (boss's) position is secure.

Sophia, whatever, indeed. I don't know why Lou and Raviva didn't move her in weeks ago. That was obvious. Stupid, but obvious.

Still hating the cheating storyline. Hating it a lot.

[sunsheyen]

Thoughts on the Daphne & Miles hookup? I'm glad that there was some awareness shown by one of the group of just how wretched Raviva is (even if its disclosure was accidental). I so hate her. This man unquestioningly gave up his dreams to have a job to pay YOUR bills (since making music will feed/house/clothe her baby-NOT) yet you can't stop harping on how much of a sellout he is, etc. As far as the friends not taking sides, I'm surprised any of them still bother to talk to her.

[bilgistic]

I fell asleep watching the show last night (on TiVo later, after it aired) and haven't watched the rest yet, but I realized last week that I don't really like any of the characters, which isn't a good thing for a TV show. Generally, you need someone to root for.

Sophia is kind of likable, but who quits their job to "write"? (Also, every woman she meets now is a lesbian or potential love interest? Is this a lesbian Jennifer Lopez movie?) Miles is kind of an airhead, Lou is an idiot, Daphne is stupid, and Raviva is a hosebeast. Her telling Sophia to not get a job last week ("Jobs suck!") after Lou left (correction: she kicked him out of his apartment) because they were "going to be fine" was just baffling. I literally said to my TV, "How are you going to be "fine" when you just broke up with your baby daddy who was paying all of the bills?!?" I don't condone his behavior at all, but her delusions about reality are just as big as Daphne's.

This show could be so much better, but I'm afraid it's either pandering to or written by the supposed entitled young age group it represents.

ETA: I watched the rest yesterday. So, did Miles not tell Daphne that Todd is a strip-club regular, and about his general skeeziness? It seemed that he didn't, since she talked to Todd on the phone and was "still with" him. He just looks like a perv. How does she not see anything? Oh, yeah--older guy with money.

I am leaning toward positive on Miles/Daphne. They are both airheads and they were friends first. She can't be into him for his (lack of) money.

This show will probably die after this one season. I don't think it gets any promotion (the only other MTV show I watch is Catfish, and I never see commercials for this show), and has maybe one repeat during the week. Compare that to any other show on MTV.

Edited by bilgistic, Dec 31, 2012 @ 11:54 AM.

[BookThief]

I don't think it gets any promotion (the only other MTV show I watch is Catfish, and I never see commercials for this show), and has maybe one repeat during the week.

I'm not even sure it gets one repeat! The latest episode (was that on Saturday?) was the first one I've seen in a while. My DVR will record later airings if it can't get the first one. But I haven't seen an episode in a while. I started to watch the latest ep and there was all this new stuff in the "previously on..." part that I had never seen. I didn't realize I had missed any episodes (shows having "fall finales" has become such a normal thing now). I went to MTV's website and realized I had missed 2 episodes somehow. I think it's the original airing and that's it--though they do have full episodes on MTV's website and actually pretty good recaps too.

However...with that said, I think I'm out. When I was going through my DVR schedule to see if anything was going to record over the weekend I let out a sad "oh" when I saw this was on. I started watching and realized I had missed at least an episode and had no desire to spend a lot of time catching up. I watched the recaps but when one was about letting Daphne pick the sex music I was like "WTF am I watching!?" I just can't relate to these people despite being underemployed myself (though, as I said in my first post here--a few of these people are actually doing much better than many of us and still whine about it). And as many here have said, most of the characters are unlikeable and I don't understand most of the decisions they make. So...yeah. It took this show not being on (at least so I thought) for me to realize, when it came back, that I just didn't like it. I was hoping for more but this just isn't capturing my attention.

[Rocker73]

I have tried to continue to watch this show, but 2 things are making it increasingly difficult:

(1) IMO, the woman who plays Daphne is a terrible actress...and unfortunately, her storyline about Todd vs Miles is front and center, so she is on camera alot. Her crying scenes in the most recent episode were cringe-worthy. And through her tears, I couldn't quite make out what she said...did her mother or her brother die?

(2) Raviva's singing...I think she is a decent actress, so I don't know if it is her voice or the type of music she sings that has been causing me to mute the audio whenever she opens her mouth to sing.

I actually like the characters of Lou, Sophia and Miles...

[bilgistic]

Daphne said her brother died. The promo for the next episode showed a folded flag being held, so I assume he was in service. I don't remember if it was ever said on the show that he was.

[shemaree]

I really hate how MTV is treating this show! It went from promos about new episodes on Tuesdays, to being slowly pushed off the face of the earth by airing 8pm on Saturday. They don't even show promos for the episodes on Saturday, or air repeats.

I was able to catch up on the episodes from watching them On Demand. I had no idea when this show aired because it just seemed to disappear. Now I've setup my DVR to record the show because I sometimes forget it airs on Saturday (due to NO PROMO).

I really like Underemployed. The storyline is very interesting and it's something a lot of 20 somethings could possibly relate to. Yes, most of them are unemployed and they live in an insanely huge apartment in Chicago (lol), but it's still pretty interesting. I can completely relate to graduating College, having all of these dreams and expectations, only to be thrown into cubicle life.

Daphne mentioned her brother was in the military before. I believe she even took a phone call from him in a previous episode.

Also, I've watched some behind the scenes stuff on On Demand, and had no idea Michelle Ang had a New Zealand accent!

ETA: Rosemary is the quietest baby EVER! lol

Edited by shemaree, Jan 12, 2013 @ 10:00 PM.

[bilgistic]

So I guess last night's episode was the season (series?) finale? I seriously doubt we'll see any more of the show, given how it's been non-promoted by MTV, meanwhile, BUCKWILD and Snooki & JWOWW are shoved down our throats. I'm not happy about all the loose ends and cliffhangers.

Nice non-try at a scripted show, MTV. I guess I still have Awkward. until MTV ruins it, too.

[gingercharm21]

I just couldn't continue watching. I hated Raviva too much, and if I had been Lou, I would've demanded a paternity test when that dumb ass showed up on my doorstep pregnant. I know he was also horrible when he was screwing around with that office girl, but I sure wouldn't have let Raviva kick me out of my own home. She can go home to her mother instead of doing nothing but working on her "music".

[shemaree]

So I guess last night's episode was the season (series?) finale? I seriously doubt we'll see any more of the show, given how it's been non-promoted by MTV, meanwhile, BUCKWILD and Snooki & JWOWW are shoved down our throats. I'm not happy about all the loose ends and cliffhangers.

Nice non-try at a scripted show, MTV. I guess I still have Awkward. until MTV ruins it, too.

I was confused too since they didn't show a preview for the next episode. I really hope they reconsider and have a season 2. MTV loves to leave cliffhangers and kill off a decent show.

Remember "My Life as Liz"? what happened to that? If anything, they need to cancel that snooze fest called Washington Heights and replace it with Underemployed.

Just when you thought Jersey Shore was finally laid to rest, spin off after spin off keeps appearing. I doubt Buckwild will be cancelled because everyone loves a good train wreck show. It's like a teenage Honey Boo Boo.

[bilgistic]

Is Washington Heights a "reality" show?

[shemaree]

Is Washington Heights a "reality" show?

It's hard to tell. It looks like a scripted documentary. Similar to Laguna Beach/The Hills.