Review: The Lying Game

BY TAYLOR MANDEL

Many teenage girls’ Monday nights are dedicated to watching “The Lying Game,” ABC Family’s latest hit series. Based on the chilling Sara Shepard books, this show has viewers hooked to its mysterious vibe.

The story starts off with estranged twins Emma and Sutton (both played by Alexandra Chando). It is explained in the pilot episode that three months earlier, Sutton found her long lost twin while searching for her birth parents. The two were separated at birth and lived completely different lives. Emma was forced into an abusive foster home while Sutton lived in luxury with two loving parents in Arizona.

After the twins meet, Sutton devises a plan to switch places. She would head to California where she believes their birth mother resides and Emma would take her place as a spoiled teenager. Most of the show is focused on Emma trying to be someone she’s known for only three months. While Sutton is searching for clues, Emma is stuck in the midst of friend and boy drama as well as a major mystery. Behind their smiles, Sutton’s parents and close friend know something about the twins’ mother and are doing whatever they can to make sure Sutton, who is really Emma, never finds out the truth. It becomes extra suspenseful when people get suspicious of Emma.

Sara Shepard is known for her teen thriller novels. “The Lying Game” isn’t even her first series to become a hit ABC Family show. “Pretty Little Liars” has gone through two seasons, and its own mystery is still racking our brains. The two shows are very similar, but I’m not sure “The Lying Game” will be as successful as “Pretty Little Liars.” While it has attracted a large fan base, “The Lying Game” does not seem substantial enough to last for another season. Once the birth mother is discovered, does that mean the show is over? How long can that story line go on for? Maybe it’s like Hannah Montana, where once the secret is out, the show falters.

Nevertheless, “The Lying Game” has a great plot and keeps viewers on the edge of their seat. I love the characters; the girls are beautiful – the stylists have done a remarkable job with wardrobe – and the boys are incredibly good looking, but they all seem a bit awkward with each other. I understand Emma is bound to be a little timid around Sutton’s family and friends, but there’s no excuse for Sutton’s parents or for her two best friends. Also, the casting for Sutton’s father and godfather is not ideal. They look so similar that it’s easy to mix them up, which is an issue because they have prevalent roles.

So far, I’m pleasantly surprised with how the plot has unfolded. The drama, mystery and fashion have me captivated and wanting to watch every week. It’s the perfect show for unwinding after a tiring Monday.