Red Is The New Bond

The leaves might be falling but shows are just blooming. Fall marks the start to new series, returning seasons, and all-around excited viewers. Among the hype of ABC's new #TGIT line-up, FOX has a story of its own to tell.

Or should I say Charlie has a story to tell?

Fox's newest hit, "Red Band Society," based on a true story, came to life on Sept. 17 through the voice of Charlie (Giffin Gluck), also known as 'coma boy'. This Steven Spielberg creation tells the story of six kids battling different types of illnesses, bound to an Los Angeles hospital, all told through a series of voiceovers from Charlie who has been a coma for quite some time now.

A little strange right? Not necessarily.

The cast and their "also known as" names
Courtesy of spoilertv.com

There are six individual stories to be told. Jordi (Nolan Sotillo), the 'new guy,' Leo (Charlie Rowe), the one who has been through it all, Dash (Astro), the one who thinks he can even get the nurse the like him, Emma (Clara Bravo), the girl who needs to close her text book and eat a meal, and Kara (Zoe Levin), the heartless cheerleader in heart failure. And what better way to capture all these characters' stories than by someone who can see everything that is taking place from above? A reliable outsider who is literally on the outside...outside the realm of life. 

Octavia Spencer as 'Nurse Jackson'
Courtesy of FOX.com

This is what I like most about the show: the different plot-lines that are taking place. It keeps the show up-beat and always turning a new page. If you don't like the story of one character, they will soon move on to the next and keep you interested and craving to find out what happens next. The characters add spunk to the plot and it is always nice to see different personalities coming together to blend into great and adventurous friendships.

The cast includes award-winning actress Octavia Spencer who plays Nurse Jackson, but is better known in this series as "scary bitch." Spencer brings so many angles into the show. Being the head nurse of the pediatric ward at the Los Angeles Ocean Park Hospital, Nurse Jackson has a trough exterior but some wicked humor as well. She knows the ins and outs of these patients which shapes her motherly (yet, stubborn) role to the kids in the hospital. This character is pivotal to the show for providing balance and the rare flare you can only find from Spencer. 

"Red Band Society" brings together six kids who would have made the most unlikely of friends if they were simply amongst a crowd of classmates. But here in Ocean Park Hospital, these characters band together through a bond of life-threatening medical situations. This is where we can start to see controversy of the show. 

But I challenge you to turn the other way when those opinions are proposed. Embrace the show for its heartfelt warmth of encouragement and friendship and get lost in the stories of these patients rather than fall into society's bellyaching about the show glorifying illness. 

First of all, the show is based off of a true story. Do you really think someone like Steven Spielberg is going to go and mess that up? Second, we are all knowledgable enough to know the reality of hospital life. Television's job is to provide entertainment.

So is there is going to be some plot pampering? Yes. But is it such a sin to want to escape the harsh reality of life for an hour one day a week? No. If anything, this show is bringing awareness about the ugly truth that not all kids get to come home from school, have a snack, and go play outside with the neighbors. We are shown through this series that some kids actually attend school just down the hall from their room inside the walls of the hospital itself.

Tell your cynical friends this one...

Image promoting the charity donation movement
Courtesy of FOX50.com

What most people don't know is that before the series even hit the small screen, charity actions were already being taken. "RED BAND SOCIETY: BANDING TOGETHER FOR GOOD" was a movement that encouraged fans to share promotional content via social media outlets before the show's premiere (i.e. photos, videos, GIFs, etc.) By doing so, FOX donated $1 (up to $100,000) to five charity partners, including Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ryan Seacrest Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Teen Cancer America and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Achieving the goal of $100,000 not only brought about support and awareness, but it was the perfect way to bring this television story to life.

To some, the show "Red Band Society" is old news. "Polseres Vermelles," translated in English as "Red Band Society," is a hit Spanish television show capturing the attention of viewers since its premiere in 2011. Turns out Fox's new series is actually an adaptation. 

So grab some popcorn, perhaps a tissue, and band together with me to see where these significant red hospital bands lead the incredible and inspirational team that make up the "Red Band Society."

 m

Courtesy of spoilertv.com

Tune in to watch Red Band Society on FOX every Wednesday @ 9pm