I keep reading a lot of people that Rini is a cliche but I honestly don’t see it. I don’t see what would make people believe that they’re a cliche. What do you think?
I think if you look at the skelton dynamic you might think it’s a cliche? Boy and girl are dating, break up because the guy doesn’t want to get serious, girl tries to move on, guy wants her back once he loses her.
But there are so many LAYERS to that story that completely change the framing of it all.
Teen shows so rarely give such interesting, complex motives for their characters actions. That’s what I love about this show—there’s depth everywhere you look for it, and that’s so valued and appreciated by me.
Ricky couldn’t say I love you because of his parents (divorce affecting a child in their everyday life—depth)
Nini tried to move on because he couldn’t be honest. (Miscommunication—typical for a show, but still realistic)
Ricky NEVER moved on, but actually KEPT HIS DISTANCE as she dated someone else and gave her the space she needed when she told him no. (Not pressuring the girl or actively trying to win her back with the exception of joining the play which he did before he realized she wasn’t playing and also it quickly became more than just about Nini).
Ricky wanting Nini back had NOTHING to do with EJ, he wanted her back before he even knew they were dating (a teen guy not using jealousy to drive his actions—NEVER happens)
The fact they rise above it as friends in the moments that matter (being genuine friends beyond just a ploy to date each other—revelatory)
Nini being jealous seeing Ricky with Gina but going out of her way to bond with Gina anyway and be there for her, because she’s hurting, and none of it is Gina’s fault (teen girls not being pitted against each other in a teen show—groundbreaking)
Nini and Ricky having countless arguments but none of them are ever taken to an unhealthy or toxic place (two teens not saying the worst possible things to crush each other for selfish impact but having healthy conflict that is still interesting—FRESH)
Nini not taking Ricky back right after she dumped EJ because that won’t solve their problems (a girl wanting a boyfriend badly but refusing to get back into a relationship she doesn’t trust and instead staying alone and figuring things out in due time—WHERE ELSE DOES THAT HAPPEN?)
I could keep going, but you get the picture