On Sept. 22, new TV show “Scream Queens” premiered to much anticipation. “Scream Queens,” penned by Ryan Murphy (“Glee,” “American Horror Story”), Ian Brennan (“Glee”) and Brad Falchuk (“Glee,” “American Horror Story”), is based around the notoriously exclusive and fictional Kappa Kappa Tau sorority who, under the order of the dean, must accept any pledge this school year. Obviously, this is going to lead to some tension between the rich, conventionally pretty elites of the sorority and the wannabe “outsiders.”
In addition to these rampant social confrontations, things are even worse for the girls—a devil-masked serial killer is trying to kill them off one-by-one. No one knows who the killer is, but the sorority will literally be dying to find out.
Add in a strong cast composed of notable actresses like Emma Roberts (“We’re the Millers”) as Chanel, sorority president, and Jamie Lee Curtis (“Halloween”) as Dean Munsch, guests stars such as Nick Jonas (Jonas Brothers) as Boone, fraternity brother, and “Scream Queens” is one compelling show.
The premiere was made up of the first two episodes, titled “Pilot” and “Hell Week.” After watching both, one conclusion could be made: “Scream Queens” is mediocre, but full of potential. The “Heathers”-influenced show occasionally hits the mark with jokes aimed at social commentary. When Chanel #2 (Chanel can’t even bother to learn the names of her minions), played by Ariana Grande, texts the serial killer, the scene is deliciously funny and very “Scream”-esque, but fails with some tasteless racial jokes that move far, far past comedy into much more sinister territory (calling the maid “white mammy”—really?).
Stereotypes are also abundant—the show builds off characters like the “sassy black girl” and “rich and white mean girl.” Tasteless jokes and overused stereotypes greatly affect the quality of the show. “Scream Queens” has the accuracy of a toddler—it hits a few marks but misses others by a landslide.
The tastelessness will certainly push many viewers away, but the overall “American Horror Story” reminiscent content, enigmatic cast and few moments of comedy will keep some coming back every week. There’s something alluring about seeing expensively dressed sorority girls being forcibly, or in some cases, willingly banded together in order to keep a secret and to stay alive. Plus, there’s the question of who the red devil serial killer is, a question that will presumably be answered in the season finale.
So, is it worth watching “Scream Queens”? Despite a so-so premiere, don’t rule it out just yet. It’s simply too early to tell. If the writers cool it down with the tasteless jokes and heat it up with more comedic, twisted social commentary, the strong cast will carry the show just fine.
