When “Peyton Place” came out in 1956, it which was considered shocking for its sex, scandal, murder and more. Ever since, writers have been upping the stakes on salacious, sensational stories. This new series ups the ante to include lots of “shocking” secrets set in a rich conservative Texas community. The East Coast sensibilities of a new resident from Boston (Brittany Snow) are challenged at every turn. A bigwig’s beautiful, powerful wife (Malin Akerman) befriends her and introduces her to their gun-toting, hard-drinking ways. They are also spiteful and full of gossip, which leads to lots of juicy betrayals. Toss in a murder mystery, which could have been done by half the people in the cast. Thru all the gossip and spiteful interactions, there are sexual variations to keep it surprising. The one adjective that best describes this series is “trash.” The actors all do fine and it’s well paced, but it’s all about trying to be entertainingly shocking, which it does with deliciously devilish delight. (Eight 45-minute eps) 
(3 / 5)
