REVIEW: Freeform’s Party of Five is Not Afraid to Go There

In 1994, Christopher Keyser and Amy Lippman created a series that would eventually become an immediate hit for them and that series was called, Party of Five. The series lasted 6 seasons and won the Golden Globe for Best Television Series-Drama. Now, Keyser and Lippman have teamed up with Freeform to release a new version of the hit series and I wouldn’t quite call this version a reboot.

Freeform’s Party of Five is more reflective of what is going on in today’s world. The show follows the five Acosta children, Emilio (Brandon Larracuente), Beto (Niko Guardado), Lucia (Emily Tosta), Valentina (Elle), and baby Rafa, who are left on their own after their parents are detained and deported by ICE. With the threat of never seeing their parents again always bubbling on the surface, it is up to the children to not only keep their household running but also keep their father’s business afloat. The show touches on a topic that audience goers may only be hearing about only on the news. It will be interesting to see if they continue to keep their focus on this as we get further into the season or if the focus will move more towards problems regarding the children.

The first two episodes, airing tonight, January 8, are heavily focused on the deportation of their parents and the children’s reactions to their parents’ deportation. All of their lives change drastically, especially in the first episode, but it is how they deal with the change that helps guide the story along.

A major theme that is found in the first two episodes and a theme that will be prominent as the series continues is the importance of family. Their parents are adamant that the children will be fine as long as they stay together. However, with no guidance, the children are torn between what they want to do and what they need to do. Some want their old lives back, while others realize that isn’t an option any more. These differences create for some pretty interesting scenes between the children and will hopefully continue to play a part as the series progresses.

For those tuning in tonight, bring some tissues. The first episode is moving and may be extremely emotional for some. The second episode isn’t quite as emotional, but it is a good follow-up to the pilot. The episode will leave you curious enough to stick around for the next one and, hopefully, they next one after that.

Grade: B