written by Kris Seppala, contributor
“Selfie,” a new show on ABC, offers a comedic insight into the social media craze. While the show is satirical in nature, it presents an honest truth regarding how saturated our culture is with online social platforms.
One surprising fact about this show is that it has a premise inspired by “My Fair Lady” (sad to say there are no Cockney accents). “Selfie” revolves around Eliza Dooley (played by Karen Gillan), a beautiful woman who is proud to have over 2,000 friends and followers on social media. After an unfortunate incident that taints her reputation, Eliza realizes, “When Siri is the only person who is there for you … being friended is not the same thing as having friends.”
Enter Henry (played by John Cho), a man who works at the same pharmaceutical company as Eliza. His specialty is rebranding products and he couldn’t care less about anything involving social media. In fact, he thinks it’s stupid and useless. Eliza comes to him asking him to “rebrand” her into an actual likeable person and intrigued by her hopelessness, he takes the challenge.
At times, it’s hard to feel sorry for Eliza’s character. There are moments that seem ridiculous whether it’s referencing Flappy Bird in regards to how her day is going or saying “hashtag” as she speaks. While she is an overt characterization of a ditzy millennial, there is a certain accuracy to some of her behavior, which the show is banking on viewers to relate with. Here is where Henry plays a much-needed foil, not only as a guide for Eliza, but as a guide for millennial viewers. To sum up the series’ message, there is a scene where Eliza is trying to capture something she sees on her phone, but Henry tells her to put it down. She claims she’s just trying to get it and Henry responds, “You’re getting it, but you are in fact missing it.”
The series has a unique premise that is entertaining and thought-provoking (nothing too deep, but certainly food for thought). If the show takes any more inspiration from “My Fair Lady,” there might be a budding romance between the two main characters. While some of the current media jokes are bound to be ancient history by next week, there are constantly new social media trends popping up. This gives the show constant material to work with. Don’t let the title fool you, this show is less about focusing on one’s self online and more about how to be present in real life with real people. I’d give this show four out of five “likes.” #SorryJustHadTo
