We are four episodes into NBC’s Rise, and so far, many storylines have been introduced, but few have been explored in depth. And while there is only so much that can be squeezed into one 42-minute episode, it would be nice to delve deeper into certain plot points. Here are seven storylines that definitely deserve further exploration on Rise.
1. Gordy’s Struggle with Addiction
Addiction and alcoholism are real problems that people of all ages struggle with. So, Gordy’s struggle with drinking is plot point that has the potential to resonate with many people. However, we haven’t really delved into the root of his problem. We know Gordy’s relationship with his parents is rocky and football is one of his passions, but we still don’t fully understand the root of his struggle. At the end of episode four, Gordy is missing, but we still don’t have a deeper understanding of his addiction.
2. Mr. Mazzu’s Home Life
It’s obvious: Mr. Mazzu is super dedicated to his work with the Stanton High musical. But, he also has a home life that includes a wife, three children, and Maashous. But, aside from the Gordy drama, we really don’t have much understanding about his relationship with his wife and children. We see flashes of them in each episode, but none of these moments are expanded on. In the first episode, it looked like sparks were flying between Mr. Mazzu’s daughter and Maashous, but this is never addressed again. Mr. Mazzu and his wife have many moments of tension, but they never escalate, and just seem to disappear. It’s clear that Mr. Mazzu’s home life is full of drama, so why can’t the domestic drama match the drama on stage?
3. Simon and Lilette’s Friendship
We know that Simon and Lilette are friends. He encouraged her to try out for the musical and looked out for her at Robbie’s party. Lilette was so mad when Simon announced that he would be transferring schools. They obviously care about each other, so why don’t we see them interacting more on screen? How did they become friends? At this point, I care more about Lilette and Simon’s friendship than the flirtation between Lilette and Robbie.
4. Literally anything about Gwen
Gwen’s character had a strong start, as she was reconciling her feelings concerning a) losing the lead role in the musical and b) her father’s affair with Lilette’s mother. Based on these plot points alone, Gwen makes for a really interesting character. It would be nice to see her fleshed out as a foil to Lilette as opposed to an antagonist.
5. Maashous’s Back Story
Maashous is the best character on this show. Hands down. I just want more Maashous. In episode three, we learned a little bit about his home life when Mr. Mazzu went to visit Maashous’s foster mom, but we still don’t fully understand how Maashous ended up sleeping in the lighting booth. The more I think about it, why isn’t Maashous the star of this show?
6. The relationships between the students and their parents
Most of the drama in this show occurs between parents and children. Lilette and Gwen are dealing with their respective parent’s infidelity. Simon has to reconcile his desire to be in the provocative musical with his parent’s religious beliefs. Robbie is coping with his mother’s illness. Gordy and Mr. Mazzu’s children have to compete with a high school production of Spring Awakening for their father’s attention. Again, 42 minutes is a short time to tackle the stories of so many characters, but it would be nice to explore the parent/child relationships in more depth.
7. What is going on with this musical?!
A key storyline in Rise is that the students of Stanton High are rehearsing for the school musical. Yet, most of the show takes place outside of the auditorium. And when we are briefly in the auditorium, it seems like they are always rehearsing the same musical number. Or, if they are singing a new song, it’s only to support the angst that is involved with one individual’s storyline. When will they be ready to perform this for the school? How much time will they devote to the other musical numbers? When will the set be built? I have so many questions.