When I started watching Ripple, I thought it was some kind of Hallmark series about people just living in New York, but as I got further into the series, I realized it was so much more. I think Ripple is what you could call a guilty pleasure TV series. It's neither incredibly fascinating nor so boring that you want to turn off the TV. It strikes the perfect balance, but add a dash of pain and hope, and you have an excellent series to enjoy during the holidays, when you just want to relax and be happy. The series is full of emotions, and that's what makes it so easy to watch.
The 8-episode series doesn't waste any time showing what it's trying to convey, what this "Ripple" is, and how all these characters are going to connect. I think it reminded me of when I first started watching soap operas like Grey's Anatomy. The tone of the series is very similar to those nostalgic soap operas. Plus, the presence of Ian Harding from Pretty Little Liars, with his graying hair, reminds us how old we're getting, which gives it an even more endearing touch.
Creator: Michele Giannusa
Stars: Frankie Faison, Julia Chan, Ian Harding
The holiday season is for comfort, sweets, and everything that feels like a warm hug. This series delivers exactly that. At first glance, it seems a little silly—oh, strangers who have some kind of connection in New York City, how exciting!—but it's actually the characters that make the series feel grounded in reality, and although there's a touch of fantasy, the series is actually very human. All the characters are charming, even the musician who suffers from anxiety and takes out her emotional distress on everyone who tries to be kind to her.
The series follows four main characters: Walter, Kris, Nate, and Aria. Each character has their own story; Walter's begins at a difficult time when someone close to him dies. This leads him to Nate's bar, Lumi West, where all these characters eventually interact. It has everything you need for a good TV series: drama, romance, pain... it's all there and so much more.
I really enjoy series with so many characters because there's always something interesting happening. Each character feels familiar to someone, whether it's the level-headed Kris, who now wants to strike out on her own, or the young and anxious Aria, struggling to find a balance between love and work, or even the grieving Walter, who needs to make friends to move forward. It's true they seem a little superficial, but each actor brings an authenticity to these characters that makes them truly endearing.
There's a scene in the last episode that, in a way, I feel defines the essence of the series. It's Ellis, the bartender, talking to a new customer. This conversation feels like it's pulled straight from real life. It's raw and delves into philosophical themes, but that's precisely my point; it fits perfectly with the tone of the series and, in essence, tells you that we're nearing the end, so here's a little message of hope.
Each episode begins with a message like this. They are narrated by different characters and set the tone for the entire episode. The chemistry between the cast members is also excellent. You can tell they all get along, and that's what makes the series work. Since all the characters are going through something, you ultimately want them to succeed, and that feeling encourages you to keep watching and root for them all. But I have to say, my favorite character is the young Finn, who brings a more edgy touch to the series. She's not a main character, but the series knows what it's doing by making her a recurring character, so she has a real impact on us. Her connection with Nate is deeply touching, and watching them interact is truly heartwarming. The same goes for the daughter, who is absolutely adorable.
Visually, the series looks almost artificial, and I've since discovered that it was filmed in Toronto, even though it's supposed to be set in New York, so now it all makes sense. There's an unsettling fading effect throughout the series that gives it that Hallmark feel. Ironically, I just found out it was created for Hallmark+ before being licensed by Netflix, so now everything clicks into place. If you're looking for something entertaining but don't want to watch a typical Christmas movie, Ripple is a safe bet. It has a touch of simplicity that makes it the perfect content for unwinding, and it makes you feel smart as you discover the connections between the characters. The original music that Aria sings is also quite good, and Sydney Agudong has an excellent voice, sweet and full of nuance.
In short, Ripple is an entertaining series that has some slow moments, but it quickly picks up the pace. It's not for everyone, but if you're feeling a bit nostalgic and are in the mood for something melodramatic, I definitely recommend it. On the other hand, if you hate sentimental dramas about unexpected connections, this series is exactly what you'll dislike, so you're better off not watching it. In summary, I give Ripple 3 out of 5 stars because I really enjoyed the way the characters connect and how simple conversations turn out to be quite profound. The series has just the right amount of tenderness and sweetness for the start of the holiday season.
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