A 2000s lil daydream: Paper Dolls, The Series
It was already two years ago (?) that this show had been rumoured/announced and it has finally landed last month. Now, where to begin. This to me is a flashback, a journey back to the early 2000s where Popstars was ruling the TV and, whatever we like it or not, the music charts all over the globe. This show not only narrates a similar storyline, but it is produced (also) by no other than Belinda Chapple of Bardot. Although not the OG Popstars (let's not do TrueBliss dirty) but it was thanks to Bardot and their success that Popstars went truly global. Recently, during Covid lockdowns, they tried to do a little on-line reunion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Poison, to a degree of success only, but apparently Mrs Belinda got inspired: she reunited later with Katie to release some new music, under the name of Ka'Bel, she wrote an incredible exposé book called The Girl in The Band, and Paper Dolls!
Of course, there is a giant disclaimer about this series, stories and characters not being inspired or based or referencing to Bardot's story and members (for that, we need to go and read the book!). However, having watched the show (except for the season finale) I'd say it will make some fans giggle and think "yeah right." I know I did.
The story of Paper Dolls is quite simple: set starting in 1999, it is the sad and harsh reality behind the successful manufactured band Harlow, born from the debut TV Show Poprush. Each of the girls gets their background with a good dose and mix of traumas, dramas and all that jazz. I'm not going to recap the show, do go watch it. There are things I found a bit much, and things I absolutely loved.
Things I didn't love: Charlie is a bit much. They really loaded the character and made it probably less fun for the actress to play. And it shows. The girl needed a break. Izzy as a character I fully get it, but I don't see it fully portrayed.
Things I was questioning watching it: was there really all that sex and drug behind the scenes in 1999/2000 with pop bands and TV shows like that? I mean, sure they were popular but none of the bands were that big. Or maybe I was that naive and I'm protecting those memories? I sure hope so, cause Paper Dolls is heavy on those! Also, can you imagine if in a reality show they had the guts to cast the daughter of a record label guru and a former popular solo artist? I mean, the other way round maybe? There were no Jade Ewen back in 1999!
Now, the things I absolutely loved. First of all, my favourite doll: Jade. I cannot express how much I would stan her. Lesbian girl power, edgy attitude that would make Sarah Harding proud, killer looks and (probably) the best actress? And they gave us the storyline of the double-closeted popstars dating to cover up. In 1999. Now if the world was that cool...
Margot. Again, more lesbian power, bring it on. Killer character. Was I the only one kind intrigued that they managed to give someone a Sophie Monk look? Not to spoil much, but that last scene of Episode 6 got me "WTF" is such a delicious way! nom nom, Cannot wait for the finale.
But most of all. The music.
Yes. They went all for it. They made the girls actually release music. Release. In the real world. A fictional manufactured band releasing music. This is Popstars inception and I am so here for it!
6 song EP, including the absolute bop Monster which is a clear stand-out. Honestly something that Little Mix could have easily released at some point of their career together.
Your Body is second best. I mean, we even got a duet. This actually has some touches of Liberty X Dream About It, which takes me back!
The inevitable cover of Fame. I absolutely love the choice. That, Maniac and What a Feeling were almost a mandatory choice from popstars bands. Either it was genius to think as they did back then, or the laziness has never left the industry. In both cases, work! They did a slow spin, which in the context of the show makes a lot of sense, but I would have rather have had another banger. We are in a serious lack of proper active girlbands these days, so excuse me.
Another cool thing, for my own taste at least, is that all the songs are from the same team of songwriter and producer. Now, I still have no idea who this JANEVA, but they have a Spotify page so I'm gonna check that out. Yes, a part of me is hoping Harlow would release more music, hopefully with a second season of the show NOT inspired by Scandal'us (...).
I could have not be happier with the show. It has given me overall what I was craving: Bardot back to the spotlight, shit and storms regarding the girls, crazy and over the top storylines, a dream (to be crushed) of future seasons, pop bangers, a stunning fictional band to stan... what else could have I hope for?
Watch and stream Paper Dolls (2023) on Paramount+ or wherever available in your country!
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