Otterbein’s own Jake Robinson made his debut in Monday’s episode of “The Carrie Diaries,” the prequel to the hit television series, “Sex and the City.” Robinson landed a role as a recurring character in the series and he didn’t disappoint. The episode, “Fright Night,” was the fourth episode of the series and revealed topics most adults encounter, but the show manipulates them to appeal to teenage audiences.
I am happy to say that Jake Robinson did a phenomenal job portraying Carrie Bradshaw’s crush “Bennett.” He is referred to as “prince charming” by Carrie and it appears that partygoers in the episode would describe Bennett as witty, gorgeous and talented. If you’ve ever seen Robinson perform in his time at Otterbein, you know he commits to his characters well and this show was no exception. I felt that Robinson used his emotions to make Bennett into a theatrical, fun character who everyone likes— typical of how Robinson made audiences feel during his Otterbein performances.
I can’t help but wonder whether Robinson was a nervous wreck due to his character’s complexity and ties to the main cast. He had a big role in this episode and, spoiler, he even shared an on screen kiss with Carrie’s friend Walt. That’s right, he kissed Carrie’s best friend Walt despite the fact that Walt said he’s not gay. This was not only an epic moment for Bennett but also a turning point for the show.
The fact that Walt might be gay scares him, and he ends up running away after Bennett kisses him, scolding Bennett for his advances. So we find out early in the season that Bennett is gay and that homosexuality will be something that Walt is going to have to face whether he wants to or not. This is a great setup for the following episodes because we all want to see how Carrie and her friends react, especially Maggie, Walt’s girlfriend of two years. By last week’s episode, the two had broken up, but their relationship may have rekindled when the show ended with the two having sex.
The show also brings up some typical issues that teenagers face: homosexuality, drugs and uncomfortable sexual situations. It should be a good series for those who need a good show to jump into and follow every week. But if you’re looking for something just like “Sex and the City,” keep searching, this isn’t quite as adult.
For everyone who loved “Sex and the City” for Carrie’s witty personality, jokes and punchlines — fear not. She is still the same old Carrie with the same thoughts, worries and actions, only this time she is a virgin among friends who are faced with sexual situations that are new. This series seems to be a teenage version of “Sex and the City” which will make it more relatable to a younger audience. To be honest, this is probably a show I wouldn’t watch if I wasn’t assigned this story. But I’m not sorry I did.
