The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Four Review

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(More customer reviews)The critically ABC Family series "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" received a lot of attention during its first season as the series took on the challenges of teenage pregnancy. Showing us the ramifications of being pregnant as a young teen but also the responsibilities and difficult choices one needs to make as a single mother and also showcasing the challenges of teenage sexuality and peer pressure.
"THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" focuses on the life of teenager Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley). Your typical girl next door. A 15-year-old who plays the French Horn in a band and part of a typical American family ala dysfunctional. During a summer at band cap, Amy met her high school band's "player" Rickey Underwood (Darren Kagasoff) and with one very quick one night stand, this teenager had her life change in ways she would never imagine. The first season of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" focused on Amy dealing with being pregnant and the months leading to her giving birth and having to decide between giving the baby up for adoption or keeping it.
The second season began with Amy wanting to raise the child on her own but depending too much on her mother Anne to help her out. Anne (played by Molly Ringwald) is strict and wants Amy to learn that having a baby has major challenges and to make things complicated, Anne is pregnant herself and not knowing if the father is her ex-husband George (played by Mark Derwin) or her new boyfriend.
In volume 3, we have seen changes with the friends as Benjamin (played by Kenny Baumann) who is Amy's boyfriend is starting to feel left out, especially as Amy wants the baby's father, Rickey (played by Darren Kagasoff) involved in the baby's life. Ben ended up going to Italy after the recommendation of his father and while there, met another girl.
Meanwhile, tragedy hit Grace Bowman (played by Megan PArk) as her father was killed in an accident, vulnerable and at her lowest of low, Jack (played by Greg Finley) ends up helping his ex-girlfriend and eventually, the two become boyfriend and girlfriend once again. And the two start to discuss having sex once again. As for Adrian (played by Francia Raisa), she starts to become more self-conscious about her sexual promiscuity.
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Volume Four" features the second half of season two with 12 episodes on three DVD's.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager" is presented in widescreen (1:78:1) and for the most part, the picture quality is satisfactory for this drama series. Also, it helps that the series features various settings, including multiple outdoor shots which definitely makes the PQ for the DVD much better.
Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The series is front and center channel driven, dialogue is clear and understandable and music comes out quite clear from the front channels. The series is not the type of series that utilizes special effects or the use of the surround channels but if you have a modern home theater receiver and a 5.1 or 7.2 setup, definitely worth selecting audio on all channels on the receiver for a more immersive soundscape.
Subtitles are in English SDH.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Volume Four" comes with a few special features on disc three. Included are:
* Behind the "Secret" Scenes - (44:06) Featuring the following short featurettes: With Mikaela Pt. 1 - (1:44) Featuring an interview with Allen Evangelista (Henry) and Amy Rider (Alice), With Mikaela Pt. 2 - (2:14) Continuing the interview with Allen Evangelista (Henry) and Amy Rider (Alice) and the two end up interviewing Mikaela, Shooting Hoops - (1:14) Featuring the Daren (Ricky) Kagasoff with his brother Justin and actor Greg (Jack) Finley shooting hoops during a break on the set, Megan Talking to Canada - (:49) Since Megan (Grace) is from Ontario, Megan talks about a Canadian working in Hollywood with director Anson Williams ("Happy Days" Potzie) and Music Scoring - (2:32) The composer for the series talks about working with a great music crew.
* Cast on Family - (5:02) The cast talks about what they expect from their characters and what has made their series a success.
EXTRAS:
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Volume Four" comes with a slipcover case and also included is an exclusive sneak peek to "Ashley Juergen's Secret Diary".
JUDGMENT CALL:
I have been a big supporter of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" since its debut on television for the most part, for the first three volumes, the series has had its fair share of ups and downs. This second half of the second season, seems to be a bit of a mixed bag.
One of the biggest problems the series now faces is that it is becoming to mundane as sex is the storyline that seems to have consumed each episode of the fourth volume, there are no new teen characters for which the main core can move towards. If one person has a problem, it's like the character has disregarded all their other friends (and has no other friends) and can only confide in one of the people who happens to be a main character.
As much as I like to believe everyone has been brought together because of Amy's pregnancy in the first season, these teenagers were all part of some click and have left it to become friends with each other and what made "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" so unique was that it nearly covered the challenges of today's teenager. Now, it feels as if the writers have no where else to go. If one had to create a relationship conflict, it has to be within the group of core characters and I have to admit, this latest volume has literally frustrated me with its direction in writing.
The series reached its high point when trying to showcase high school life, teenage pregnancy and the challenges that teenagers face when it comes to peer pressure but it has become a series that focuses too much on the sex amongst its grownups and teenagers and it seems like the writers don't know where to go.
Even a series "Degrassi Junior High" has been able to find ways to overcome the group dynamics by varying storylines in which the group is not always hanging out with each other. Even "Beverly Hills 90210' (and it's current incarnation) has found ways to utilize other teenagers, other adults into the storyline.
The problem with the series now is that its far removed from how things were with the core characters, some which is understandable but some direction in storyline decisions which I find mundane, contrived and becoming too kitsch. The series has had it share of surprises but Ben and Adriana and now Adriana may be pregnant?
Amy, the young parent and former band member will always have challenges and there is so many storylines to explore with that. Meanwhile, her younger sister Ashley has transformed from this rebellious youth, to now the character who is hanging out with Adrian and Grace. She's younger, the writers should be able to find storylines that reflect challenges of young teenagers at her age, trying to fit in high school, without having to force her to become friends with people of Amy's age group. There is no reason Ashley should even be hanging out with Amy's friends. She's mature for her age, please writers... give her some new friends, introduce some new characters without having to force Ashley to hang out with Amy's circle of friends.
As for Ben, the storyline with him going to Italy, had the potential to be much stronger. If anything, he could have came back with confidence, a new relationship and for the most part, the writers played his character well...with his confusion around his feelings towards Amy. But once again, the writers feel the need to do this sex swapping and in this case, with Adrian. I see where the context of revenge on both sides leading to this sexual pairing but it could have been with someone else outside of the group.
Grace, the cheerleader, the person who has gone through major changes since her father died. I felt that this was a good storyline for her character but there has to be a breakaway from Jack. She's a beautiful cheerleader, who I am sure can attract other jocks or guys at that school without having to resort to Rick or Ben. There is no need for this beautiful teenager to be stuck within her own group. She's popular, she now has issues, then go with that.
As for Jack, the jock of the bunch, I thought it was great how they explored with his character earlier on of trying to pair him with an African American young woman but then the writers ended up going back to having him mess with Adrian and back and forth with Grace. Similar to Grace, Jack is popular, he's a jock and I'm not expecting a "Friday Night Lights" storyline but I'm sure there are other cheerleader friends that wouldn't mind challenging Grace for Jack's attention. Or at least, using his poor choice of decision making and leading him astray with other things other than sex.
I do feel that Adrian and Ricky's part of the series works well. Adrian is always going to have these issues especially with sex and I have no doubt the writers are going to showcase the repercussions of her easy going lifestyle in the next season. For Ricky, I see him wanting to get more involved in his child's life and the writer's did a good job for volume four.
Overall, "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" needs to take some risks, utilize new characters who show up from time to time but somehow preventing these characters from shacking up with each other all the time. The series is...Read more›

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In the wake of their breakup, Ben and Amy explore new relationships, though their attraction still lingers. Meanwhile, Ashley tests her parent’s limits, and Anne wants to remarry George on their next anniversary, but will he be able to wait that long? Relive every moment of televison’s celebrated drama – uninterrupted, plus enjoy fascinating bonus features, with The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Four.

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The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season Two Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The ABC Family series "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" received a lot of attention during its first season as the series was critically acclaimed and also how ABC Family didn't sugarcoat the challenges of teenage pregnancy. Showing us the ramifications of being pregnant as a young teen but also the responsibilities and difficult choices one needs to make. The series was also popular for its portrayal of teenagers of today. Again, nothing sugarcoated and despite it being on ABC Family, the series shows us the real-life challenges that teenagers are facing. These characters are just regular people, not upper class and each of them have their own set of problems.
The series primarily focuses on the life of teenager Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley). Your typical girl next door. A 15-year-old who plays the French Horn in a band and part of a typical American family ala dysfunctional. During a summer at band cap, Amy met her high school band's "player" Rickey Underwood (Darren Kagasoff) and with one very quick one night stand, this teenager had her life change in ways she would never imagine.Amy has gotten pregnant and through each episode, we would see how Amy copes with her pregnancy, how she had to contend with morning sickness, becoming the talk of the school and even at one point, considering an abortion.
In the second season, Amy now must face the realization that she has responsibilities and that she can't depend on her parents for everything. But also major changes for each character as the season progresses.
Here is what is included on "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER - SEASON TWO" DVD (summaries, no spoilers):
DISC 1:
* EPISODE 12 - The Secret Wedding of the American Teenager - Because Amy is not ready for the responsibility of being a mother (and thinking her mother and father will automatically take care of the baby), she wants Ben to consider marrying her immediately via eloping (using fake ID's). Meanwhile, Amy's mother Anne requests a divorce from George and that he should move out of the house.
* EPISODE 13 - Baked Nevada - Both Amy and Ben's father are upset that their children tried to get married. Meanwhile, Adrian's father (who is a cop) tries to find out where the fake ID's came from.
* EPISODE 14 - The Father and the Son - Rickey's father comes to town and tells Amy's parents that his son can't be trusted and the bad blood between Rickey and his father is reborn. Meanwhile, Adrian's father tries to have his daughter keep away from Rickey.
* EPISODE 15 - That's Enough of That - Rickey tries to cope with his father's request to sell his and Amy's baby for money. Meanwhile, Amy can now find out the sex of her unborn child. And Jack serves his community service and discovers something big.
DISC 2:
* EPISODE 16 - Chocolate Cake - Amy talks to Rickey about putting the baby up for adoption. Meanwhile, George's co-worker (a gay couple) is interested in being adoptive parents. Meanwhile, Rickey upsets Ben and puts into his head that she wants the baby's father in her life.
* EPISODE 17 - Unforgiven - Amy and Ben have difficulties in their relationship and now Ben needs some time away from Amy. Meanwhile, Anne and George try to help Amy by looking for adoptive parents. Jack finds a new girl that he is interested in.
* EPISODE 18 - Making Up Is Hard to Do - Ashley is trying to find a way to get Amy and Ben back together. Meanwhile, Rickey causes problems during the adoption interview process. Adrian meets a guy who likes her for her and not for sex.
* EPISODE 19 - Money for Nothing, Chicks For Free - Anne tries to look for a job and Ashley meets a guy who is interested in her. Meanwhile, Jack gets himself into a little trouble.
DISC 3:
* EPISODE 20 - Maybe Baby - Ben's father wants Ben to know a big lesson about money and that if he wants to marry Amy and take care of a baby, he will need to make money on his own. Meanwhile, everyone comes to visit Amy and give her advice about the baby. And Amy makes a decision about her baby and if she's read to put the baby up for adoption or to keep it.
* EPISODE 21 - Whoomp! (There It Is) - It's Amy's baby shower but the problem is that she may be going into labor. Meanwhile, Grace makes a big decision in her life.
* EPISODE 22 - One Night at Band Camp - While Amy is in labor, she remembers the day that she and Rickey met.
* EPISODE 23 - And Unto Us a Child Is Born - Amy gives birth to her baby and Rickey comes to the full realization that he has a child. Amy's father moves out of the house and Ashley also makes a major decision with her life.
The main premise of "SEASON TWO" is Amy getting near the date she is to give birth but all the emotions she has to deal with. Having to take responsibilities as a mother, having to decide if she needs to give the baby up for adoption or keep the baby and how she will have two men in her life. Of course, each of the other characters have their own storylines and drama but every character is utilized well in this second season and I was quite impressed. The second season was just as touching, emotional and enjoyable as the first season.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
Fortunately, the series is in 16×9 widescreen and because it's a newer series, the overall series looks good on DVD. Audio selection is regular stereo or Dolby Digital 5.1. Primary audio is mostly dialogue but you will have music segments which utilizes your speakers more than anything. But dialogue is clear. And for music, very cool to hear Molly Ringwald sing the opening theme.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" comes with a few special features. Included are:
* "Secret Life (You and Me) by the Strange Familiar Music Video - (3:55) A ballad sung by The Strange Familiar featuring clips from "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" Season One.
* Character Secrets: The Cast Tells All - (10:09) Featuring interviews with the cast members of "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER". The cast members discuss their characters and their role in the series and also talk about their favorite characters in the series.
* Cast Close-Ups - Going behind-the-scenes of "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER". This is a section in which a young teen named Mikela gets to learn about the making of the TV show and interviewing crew members and cast members. The interviews featured are Mikela with:
- Shailene Woodley - (2:59) Interview with the the actress who plays Amy Juergens.
- Mark Derwin - (3:07) Interview with the actor who plays George Juergens.
- Molly Ringwald - (1:33) Interview with the actress who plays Anne Juergens.
- Megan Park - (2:37) Interview with the actress who plays Grace Kathleen Bowman.
- Daren Kagasoff - (3:06) Interview with the actor who plays Rickey Underwood.
- Greg Finley - (1:29) Interview with the actor who plays Jack Pappas.
- Ken Baumann - (1:12) Interview with the actor who plays Benjamin "Ben" Boykewich.
- India Eisley - (1:53) Interview with the actress who plays Ashley Juergens.
- Francia Raisa - (1:37) Interview with the actress who plays Adrian Lee.
JUDGMENT CALL:
"THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" was another enjoyable season that was just as solid as the first. Well-acted, awesome storyline and great how each character was utilized throughout the series and overall, a good balance of fun and teenage angst.
The characters are quite likable and pretty much what is happening with American teenagers today. These are characters and storylines that young people and parents can relate to.
The series does a great job at handling the character development of each character and of course, with topics focusing on sex and friendship but also ramifications that result from sex (one night stands, cheating, affairs, etc.). This second season goes further as Amy learns that having a baby is her responsibility and that her expectation of her parents taking care of the baby full time while she attends school goes out the window; Ben who is in love with Amy and ready to take care of the baby learns that his father won't share the wealth with him and he has to make money on his own but also having to realize that Rickey will need to be part of Amy's life whether he likes it or not; Grace who is the girl who practiced abstinence and wanted to wait for the right guy for marriage now contemplating sex; Adrian who always gets what she wants sexually now having to deal with meeting a guy who doesn't want to have sex with her but he likes her for her and not her body; Jack exploring relationships with women of different ethnicities and bad boy Rickey having a life changing moment when his abusive father returns to his life and when his baby is born.
This second season continues where the last season had left off but presenting real problems for these characters. And each actor portrays their character role remarkably well.
For the parents or adults watching this series, you'll recognize the parents of these teenagers. "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" features quite a bit of talent with 80's teen queen Molly Ringwald playing the character of Anne (Amy's mother); "Life with Bonnie" actor Mark Derwin as Amy's father George; "Melrose Place" actress Josie Bissett playing Grace's mother; "Smallville" and "Dukes of Hazard" actor John Schneider as Grace's father; "The Sopranos" actor Steve Schirripa as Ben's father Leo; "Ghostbusters" Ernie Hudson playing the part of Dr. Ken...Read more›

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The drama and secrets continue in the top rated second season of the hit ABC Family original series that has fans and critics buzzing all across America. Good girl band geek Amy is smart, talented and pregnant. That's just one of the secrets that Amy, her friends and family deal with in this poignant portrait of modern day high school life. Experience an award winning series overflowing with humor, heart and compassion.Bonus Features Include: Cast secrets revealed, exclusive music video of the Strange Familiar, behind the scenes with the cast, on set interviews

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The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season One Review

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(More customer reviews)I watched a few episodes of this show when there was a marathon running on ABC family. Can you believe that this show is on a FAMILY channel?
This show is NOTHING but a sex show, as EVERYTHING IS ABOUT SEX and revolves around it. It makes Sex and the City look tame. I was so shocked and disgusted. The characters play musical chairs with their lovers, and they aren't even LEGAL yet. I don't know about you, but I was a teenager only a couple of years ago and I knew very few people like this. We had a word for them and it certainly didn't include the words "American teenager." Even if some were sexually active, they were not this sexually active to the point of sleeping with a friend's ex-boyfriend, and their parents knowing about their activities.
This show portrays American teenagers in a horribly negative light, showcasing them as sex crazed and overly promiscuous people. I am ashamed that a show like this was able to be made, shown and promoted for young people to watch. Not to forget that the actors CANNOT act. How have Mayim Bialik aka Blossom and Molly Ringwald, two GOOD actresses, been reduced to star in this hack of a show?
I am in NO WAYS a prude, but having a show like this depicting and glorifying all types of sexual activity for teenagers is degrading. While the show does promote safe sex, a BETTER idea is to promote ABSTINENCE and NOT sleeping around with everyone. The show runs like a soap opera where everyone was at one time or another involved with every other character. There are all the elements of a trashy soap opera in it, with the exception that most of the major characters are in their teens and still in high school.
STAY AWAY!

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All secrets come to the surface in the fantastic first season of the hit ABC Family original series that has fans and critics buzzing all across America. Good-girl band geek Amy is smart, talented, and pregnant. That is just one of the many surprises facing Amy's friends and family in this poignant portrait of modern-day high school life. Experience an award-winning series overflowing with humor, heart, and compassion. THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER is hours of engaging entertainment. From the creator of 7th Heaven, Brenda HamptonWinner 2008 Teen Choice Award, Choice Summer TV Show. Number One cable series among teen and adult demos, Number One series on all television among teens. Source:NTI Coverage Area on 9/4/08, research data provided by ABC Family

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