Teen Drama Links for August 15, 2023

Aug 15, 2023

Dammit, Marianne and Connell. You’ve done it to me again.

Over the weekend, I completed my third annual “Normal People” rewatch, which was actually the the sixth time I’ve seen the series overall. Notably, this was my first time watching the show on a proper television instead of my laptop.

I felt excited and scared as I was about to begin. I knew I’d be taking my emotions on quite the journey. Was I in the right head space? Would I ever be in the right head space? No.

The show, of course, wrecked me again in all the best and worst ways. I melted over the same lines, broke over the same lines. It took so long to get through because I kept pausing after so many scenes to marinate over what I just watched, to recite the dialogue again in my head, to feel every word.

And feel it I did. When I finished at 11:43 p.m. on Saturday, I was crying, of course, but thankfully not sobbing like I have in the past.

It’s never been lost on me that in the final scene, the way Marianne and Connell are sitting, their bodies form the shape of a heart.

This show has left an imprint on my heart like none other. I don’t think any other ever will.

SAG-AFTRA Strike Update

Some news and notes…

On yesterday’s “Drama Queens” podcast, the hosts announced that since they cannot discuss “One Tree Hill” with their castmates due to the strike, every other week they will be doing a “23 Questions” conversation with a co-star with questions unrelated to the show. This first installment was with Torrey DeVitto (Carrie).
- As I wrote on Twitter, it is unclear to me whether the rewatch will be continuing as it had been. In terms of the non-“23 Questions” weeks and next week’s edition, they said they would be “reminiscing” about their “memories.” Is that their way of saying they will be doing a rewatch installment — even though they didn’t direct people to the next episode like usual? Or were they indicating they are pivoting the content — as SAG-AFTRA has encouraged rewatch podcasters to do? We shall see.
Meanwhile, “9021OMG” did not come out yesterday (or today, as of yet). On Instagram the other day, they requested questions about season 5 for a Q&A edition, and the timing struck me as weird since they are only two episodes into the season. Are they also pivoting their content away from a rewatch? Time will tell.
Mystery (sorta) solved: The “work” Brian Austin Green (David, Beverly Hills, 90210) recently alluded to on Instagram is a movie called Chasing Midnight that was slated to start shooting this week in Canada. (Edmonton Journal / Daily Hive)
- The film is not listed on the list of productions that have been granted SAG-AFTRA interim agreements, so I am not sure of the legalities of Green, a SAG-AFTRA member, participating. It may be fine; it may not be. I honestly don’t know. UPDATE 8/16: Chasing Midnight is now listed as a production that has been granted an interim agreement, allowing Green and other SAG-AFTRA actors to participate in the production.
  - Indeed, there is a lot of conflicting information and opinions surrounding the interim agreements, as this article explains well: “Confusion in Hollywood as Some Productions Are Allowed to Continue” (The New York Times)
Missed this last week: Former SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris (Andrea, Beverly Hills, 90210) shared a photo of herself and Mark Damon Espinoza (Jesse, Beverly Hills, 90210) on the picket line. (Instagram)
Carteris is also running again to be a SAG-AFTRA delegate. (Instagram)
The next “Bye, Bitches” fan Zoom chat hosted by Melinda Clarke (Julie, The O.C.) — taking place this weekend — will feature Norman Buckley (editor and director, The O.C. / director, Gossip Girl / director, 90210), with Clarke continuing to refrain from answering questions that relate to “The O.C.” and other struck work. (Patreon)
- As Buckley’s unions aren’t on strike, he is free to discuss his work on any project.
Chris Pratt (Che, The O.C.) said he was unable to join the “Parks & Recreation” cast on the picket line, but he “stand[s] in solidarity with them.” (Instagram)
Willa Holland (Kaitlin, The O.C.) and Katie Cassidy (Juliet, Gossip Girl) reunited with “Arrow” cast and crew mates on the picket line. (The Hollywood Reporter)
- “Arrow” was created by Greg Berlanti (executive producer, Dawson’s Creek), and the article notes he “sponsored a Yeastie Boys bagel truck for picketers as part of the reunion.”
James Lafferty (Nathan, One Tree Hill) and Stephen Colletti (Chase, One Tree Hill) also hit the picket lines together. (Instagram)
- They were joined by Lafferty’s wife and their “Everyone Is Doing Great” co-star, Alexandra Park.
A rally in support of the strike took place in Wilmington — where “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill” were shot — over the weekend, with participants including Nina Repeta (Bessie, Dawson’s Creek) and Peter Jurasik, who appeared on “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill.” (WWAY / Facebook)
- Repeta and I spoke about living in Wilmington during our 2021 interview. (TDW)
Due to the actors and writer strikes, the Emmys — for which several teen drama stars received nominations — have been pushed from September to January. (Deadline)