After several episodes, I gave up on both of HBO’s previous shows about teen angst (Euphoria and We Are Who We Are). This look at sexuality and gender identities among a group of Cali teens is lots less angsty and a lot more fun. The show rotates thru episodes when the situations are repeated from a different POV, while others just take them on an escape. There are plentiful drugs and lots of sexual interactions. What makes the series stand out is the snappy dialogue and the enjoyable characters, esp. Justice Smith as the waaay out of the closet, smart Chester. The first episode is the strongest, but there are sufficient surprises and crazy moments to keep the series fresh and entertaining. It was created by Daniel Barnz (screenwriter and director best known for Cake) and his 19-year-old daughter Zelda, so that explains why some of the language is so current. Plus, Barnz’s husband and Zelda’s other dad is also an exec producer, along with Lena Dunham. (5 episodes have been released with 3 more coming this season and the remaining 8 coming whenever.) 
(4 / 5)
