I cannot remember the last time I was able to sit down with the whole Family to watch something as enjoyable and viewer friendly as John Kent Harrison's 'Change of Plans'.
The following was a story that was both touching, fun and tear-jerking without having to resort to petty violence or over-the-top scenarios.
We begin with Sally and Jason Danville (Brooke White & Joe Flanigan), the seemingly perfect couple who are moving up in the world and off on their Anniversary trip when they suddenly receive a distressing phone call. Sally's friend Teresa and her husband have passed away leaving them with the duty to care for their four adoptive children.
But this isn't a synopsis rather than a rundown of what worked, what didn't and what we can hope for the future of 'Change of Plans'.
First of all, 'American Idol' contestant, Brooke White makes her acting debut and for the most part, she does an excellent job. Especially when she shares a tear filled story with the young, scene stealer, Clarissa Suwoko concerning a Zebra. And there are many moments like this that tug at your heartstrings. Even I found myself crying in many scenes that dealt with Jayme Lynn Evans, a new talent that is sure to go a long way.
But it isn't all about the heavy scenes, Joe Flanigan has never been funnier. He does flex the dramatic muscle but he is better as the good-looking, comic relief.
The supporting cast does a great job backing the story and letting us inside their little world. From Justin Kelly's wise-above-his-years portrayal of Jayme's love interest to the smarmy High school Quarterback, Craig Cornfield, we see these characters in our own lives and acknowledge them as such. Now I am a big fan of Phylicia Rashad but she seemed a bit too soft spoken in this first episode of what I hope becomes a series because as soon as the credits start to roll, you immediately wish for more.
With catchy songs, a great story and even an appearance by Randy Jackson, 'Change of Plans' is a fun, Family friendly program that we have not seen in a long time and that is such a great change :)
The following was a story that was both touching, fun and tear-jerking without having to resort to petty violence or over-the-top scenarios.
We begin with Sally and Jason Danville (Brooke White & Joe Flanigan), the seemingly perfect couple who are moving up in the world and off on their Anniversary trip when they suddenly receive a distressing phone call. Sally's friend Teresa and her husband have passed away leaving them with the duty to care for their four adoptive children.
But this isn't a synopsis rather than a rundown of what worked, what didn't and what we can hope for the future of 'Change of Plans'.
First of all, 'American Idol' contestant, Brooke White makes her acting debut and for the most part, she does an excellent job. Especially when she shares a tear filled story with the young, scene stealer, Clarissa Suwoko concerning a Zebra. And there are many moments like this that tug at your heartstrings. Even I found myself crying in many scenes that dealt with Jayme Lynn Evans, a new talent that is sure to go a long way.
But it isn't all about the heavy scenes, Joe Flanigan has never been funnier. He does flex the dramatic muscle but he is better as the good-looking, comic relief.
The supporting cast does a great job backing the story and letting us inside their little world. From Justin Kelly's wise-above-his-years portrayal of Jayme's love interest to the smarmy High school Quarterback, Craig Cornfield, we see these characters in our own lives and acknowledge them as such. Now I am a big fan of Phylicia Rashad but she seemed a bit too soft spoken in this first episode of what I hope becomes a series because as soon as the credits start to roll, you immediately wish for more.
With catchy songs, a great story and even an appearance by Randy Jackson, 'Change of Plans' is a fun, Family friendly program that we have not seen in a long time and that is such a great change :)