Dear ‘PEN15,’ let’s stay together, forever

by Lisa Shore

I wanted to break up with television. From the marathon of serial killer documentaries to the rash of dystopian dramas based on a metaphor involving a post-apocalyptic viral outbreak run by zombies and a mutant scientist caste system. And of course, the familiar trope of the indie turned mainstream actor/actress in the superhero-of-the-moment anthology. Let’s put it this way — I went to the movies or turned on the TV to escape from reality, not to be reminded of it.

But then I found the light at the end of a dark TV tunnel — the Hulu Original “PEN15.” “PEN15” is a 10-episode comedy that holds the mirror up to the universal awkwardness of seventh grade. I mean, who didn’t feel the thunder down under when her My Little Ponies started mounting each other? It’s all there: mean girls, drama, boys, chorus, band. And that moment in every young girl’s life when she realizes she’ll never be Posh Spice.

What makes this pubertal-charged coming-of-age comedy stand out from in this increasingly popular hormonally-challenged genre are the actors. Specifically, 30-something show creators Anna Konkle and Maya Erskine, who portray fictional versions of their 13-year-old selves. All the other kids, well, they’re played by actual kids.

I know it sounds, well, uncomfortable. But, trust me, it works. Konkle is a theater-trained actress while Erskine had reoccurring roles on hit television shows “Man Seeking Woman” and “Betas.” The two met as undergrads in The Tisch School for the Arts at New York University. Their collective experiences, combined with University of Southern California film school graduate Sam Zvibleman’s artistic and visual acumen allow the viewer to experience the distorted reality of their 13-year-old former selves. Zvibleman is portrayed by a real kid, actor Taj Cross. Honestly, you can’t help but develop a crush on this kid — talk about awkward.

This show’s best moments are the smart way it examines each piece of ancient adolescent history. An age that, in the grand scheme of things means nothing, but the experience of it leaves you marked for life. The writing highlights the absurdity of adolescent romance and shines an important light into the dark corners of how boys and girls begin to form opinions about sex and body image (episode six, “Wild Things”) and the pain and isolation that accompanies a turbulent home life.

Konkle, Erskine and Zvibleman have made a smart show about stupid middle school. Every episode is deftly layered with authenticity and heart. You’ll find that you’re not just laughing at them, you’re laughing at yourself too. Dear “PEN15,” let’s stay 2gether, 4ever.