Dead Television: Andi Mack

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Dead Television: Andi Mack Season 3

REVIEW

Season 3 of Andi Mack concludes the series with many heartfelt and meaningful moments, though it also suffers from uneven character development and a few missteps in storytelling. Still, the season’s highlights, particularly Bex and Bowie’s journey, make it a memorable end to this groundbreaking show.

The biggest highlight of the season is Bex and Bowie, who get engaged and eventually married by the series finale. Their relationship remains the emotional anchor of the show, showcasing maturity, love, and growth. One of their standout arcs at the halfway point of the season involves Bowie’s ex, Miranda, mentally manipulating Bex into doubting their marriage, not out of a lack of love, but out of fear that tying the knot might ruin the harmony they’ve built. This conflict is relatable and well-executed, adding depth to their storyline. The extended family’s involvement, from Celia’s wedding planning to Bowie’s mother, Cookie, meeting Andi, enriches their narrative further and underscores the importance of family in the series.

Buffy’s arc also stands out, as she starts an all-girls basketball team and learns humility, teamwork, and sportsmanship along the way. Her growth into a more mature and well-rounded character is one of the season’s most rewarding developments.

Cyrus continues to shine with engaging side stories, particularly his growing bond with TJ. Their dynamic offers some of the most heartwarming moments of the season. Cyrus’ ability to help people see the good in TJ allows for meaningful development on both sides. A standout episode has them meeting a young boy playing with his dad’s gun, a simple yet powerful story about gun safety that delivers an important message. Cyrus’ big moment comes when he finally comes out to Jonah, who accepts him with warmth and understanding, completing a beautifully handled arc of self-acceptance and friendship. This also brings his storyline full circle, as like Andi, he moved on from Jonah as well.

Jonah, unfortunately, is not handled as well this season. His storyline feels inconsistent, as he initially seems to pine for Andi but quickly moves on to dating Libby, a deaf girl played by Millicent Simmons. While Libby’s presence brings valuable representation for the deaf community and teaches viewers about communication beyond texting, unfortunately the relationship lasts only two episodes before Jonah breaks up with her (off-screen, no less). He then reenters a relationship with Amber (also off-screen), despite their previous toxic dynamic. Amber explains that their reconnection stems from shared struggles within their respective families, but their relationship doesn’t feel organic. Jonah’s refusal to define their relationship leads to another breakup, adding confusion to his already erratic arc.

Andi’s development this season is one of its weakest aspects. Her tendency to overreact to situations not directly involving her resurfaces, particularly when she becomes upset with Bex and Celia for not inviting her to wedding dress shopping. She also distances herself from Buffy, Cyrus, and Jonah simply because Buffy dates Walker, a boy Andi had a brief connection with last season. This behavior feels immature and forced, contrasting with the organic growth seen in other characters. While Andi eventually decides to attend SAVA (a significant step for her future), it makes her earlier arc about preserving Andi Shack feel somewhat pointless, diminishing its emotional weight.

Other relationships this season also falter. Buffy’s romance with Walker is abruptly ended without much payoff, and her potential romance with Marty feels contrived. He has a girlfriend that’s introduced and subsequently breaks up with him in the same episode. Kira, a new character introduced as a rival to Cyrus for TJ’s attention, is essentially a rehash of early-season 2 TJ. Her arc lacks depth, and her motives for keeping TJ and Cyrus apart are never explained. Thankfully, TJ ultimately stands up to her, leading to his getting together with Cyrus in a satisfying conclusion to their relationship. Which Luke Mullen confirmed, TJ was gay, Terri Minski told him before filming his second episode.

Despite its flaws and above-mentioned controversy, Andi Mack Season 3 still delivers plenty of heartfelt and impactful moments, particularly through Bex, Bowie, and Cyrus’ arcs. While Andi’s growth feels forced at times and several subplots lack resolution, the series remains an important and groundbreaking show that ends with a celebration of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It may not have tied every loose end perfectly, but it leaves behind a legacy of meaningful storytelling and representation.

RANK: 3 out of 5

Dead Televison: Andi Mack Season 2

REVIEW

“Andi Mack” Season 2 continues its legacy of creating deeply relatable characters and engaging storylines. The series captures the struggles, joys, and growth of adolescence in a way that feels genuine and authentic. From friendships to family dynamics, the show maintains its ability to resonate with viewers of all ages, making its characters feel like people you know, or perhaps like yourself.

One of the standout storylines of this season is Cyrus’ journey. As the network’s first openly gay character, Cyrus’ arc is a groundbreaking moment for representation on family television. The show and Disney itself handled this storyline with care, portraying his self-discovery and coming out with sensitivity and respect. Beyond his personal journey, Cyrus shines as a supportive friend, using his psychiatry skills (obtained from his parents and stepparents’ profession) to help both TJ and Amber confront their insecurities. His empathy and insight add depth to his character and offer valuable lessons about understanding and kindness.

Speaking of Amber, her development is another highlight of the season. What began as glimpses into her insecurities in the first season evolves into a much deeper exploration of her character. Through revelations about her challenging home life, dealing with financial struggles and her parents’ fighting, the show transforms her from a perceived bully into a multi-dimensional, relatable person. Amber’s lashing out becomes understandable, showcasing how pain can manifest in unhealthy ways, but also how growth and compassion are possible.

The series also deserves praise for its thoughtful exploration of relationships, both healthy and unhealthy. Andi and Jonah’s dynamic provides a lens into the ups and downs of adolescent relationships, including communication issues and mismatched expectations. In contrast, Buffy and Marty’s relationship highlights mutual respect and support. The show also delves into cultural themes, such as the Mack family celebrating Chinese New Year, which provides meaningful representation. Additionally, it addresses significant issues like dyscalculia and anxiety with care and realism, helping viewers better understand these conditions and their impact.

However, the season isn’t without its flaws. While Andi’s family is central to the narrative, other parental figures are noticeably absent, leaving the kids to navigate heavy topics largely on their own. The only time we ever see other parents, is at Cyrus’ Bar Mitzvah, and Buffy’s basketball game. The Miranda and Morgan subplot felt mishandled, with little resolution or purpose. Similarly, Jonah’s first panic attack triggered by seeing Andi with another boy, felt underdeveloped, trivializing a serious issue but this storyline gets better handled later. Buffy’s moving-away story arc, which was drawn out for multiple episodes, ultimately lacked weight when she returned by the season’s end. Lastly, Andi’s bratty behavior, especially regarding her parents’ potential reunion and her grandparents’ decision to sell their house, sometimes detracted from her likability, making it harder to root for her in certain moments. Also Dr. Metcalf’s still here.

Despite these criticisms, “Andi Mack” Season 2 remains a powerful and groundbreaking season of television. Its ability to tackle real issues, develop complex characters, and represent a diverse range of experiences continues to set it apart as one of Disney Channel’s most impactful series. With a balance of heart, humor, and hard-hitting topics, the show proves it’s more than just a teen dramedy, it’s a meaningful exploration of growing up.

RANK: 4 out of 5

Dead Television: Andi Mack Season 1

REVIEW

“Andi Mack” Season 1 is a great start to a series that captures the essence of real-life experiences and lessons through its relatable characters. The show’s strength lies in how it portrays the everyday struggles and triumphs of its young protagonist, Andi, and her friends. From navigating friendships and crushes to grappling with complex family dynamics, the characters’ journeys are authentic and resonate with both kids and adults. The life lessons they learn are applicable to viewers of all ages, making the series not only entertaining but also meaningful.

Bex’s storyline is a standout element of the first season. The show thoughtfully follows her journey from being the fun-loving “older sister” to stepping into the role of a parent to Andi. This transition is handled with sensitivity and depth, exploring the challenges and growth Bex experiences as she embraces motherhood. Andi’s reaction to discovering she is the result of a teen pregnancy adds another layer of realism to the narrative, portraying her emotional turmoil and eventual acceptance with honesty and empathy.

The realism of “Andi Mack” is one of its most commendable aspects. The Mack family is portrayed as a somewhat dysfunctional yet loving unit, dealing with their issues in a way that feels genuine. Unlike many shows where problems are resolved within a single episode, “Andi Mack” takes the time to explore its characters’ struggles and growth over multiple episodes, adding to the show’s authenticity. The series does not shy away from addressing complex topics, making it a refreshingly realistic portrayal of family and adolescence.

The cast of “Andi Mack” is another highlight, with each actor seemingly tailor-made for their respective roles. Peyton Elizabeth Lee shines as the titular character, bringing depth and relatability to Andi. Lilan Bowden is exceptional as Bex, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the struggles and joys of her character’s journey. Joshua Rush is also a standout as Cyrus, providing a heartfelt and honest portrayal of a young boy navigating his identity and friendships (which is very important for next season).

Overall, “Andi Mack” Season 1 is a compelling and heartfelt start for a series that excels in character development, realistic storytelling, and outstanding performances. It sets a high bar for subsequent seasons, promising a journey full of growth, understanding, and meaningful life lessons.

RANK: 5 out of 5