(i probably missed a couple, that i watched, feel free to add to the list)
10 things i hate about you (2009)
black cake
city on fire
crashing (2016)
dare me
daybreak
deadly class
everything now
everything sucks
freaks & geeks
freeridge
genera+ion
get even
grand army
grease: rise of the pink ladies
harlan coben’s shelter
heathers (2018)
hellcats
high fidelity (2020)
high school
i am not okay with this
i know what you did last summer
julie & the phantoms
my lady jane
now apocalypse
panic
queer as folk (2022)
red band society
selfie
the bastard son & the devil himself
the girl in the woods
the secret circle
the society
twisted
up here
vampire academy
wayne
wolf pack
peak teen tv
tv shows i watched this april (ranked)
Control Z was an entertaining watch /at times/. However, I wouldn’t go around recommending it to people. The characters and the storyline lacked depth, and too many questions were left unanswered. While watching it I couldn’t stop thinking how much the plot, the characters and some directorial choices reminded me of other better shows. So here’s the list of those that I would rather watch instead. However, it can also be considered as a list of shows that you might like if you enjoyed Control Z.
GOSSIP GIRL [2007-2012]
Gossip Girl revolves around the lives of privileged white teenagers and their “problems”. Lots of sex, love triangles, mind games and secrets. Oh, and of course there’s a mystery blog that publishes all the secrets of Manhattan’s elite (that being basically four people). The secret identity of gossip girl isn’t that big of a plot point, at least early on. The main characters are probably too busy partying, hooking up and dealing with their terrible parents to care about somebody documenting their lives.
Gossip Girl has a lot of similar elements to Control Z, but it’s way more messier, dramatic, over the top and fast paced. Although its problematic moments and lack of representation definitely make it a guilty pleasure, it’s still one of the most iconic teen dramas to this day.
ELITE [2018-...]
If you want to watch another show in Spanish, this one’s for you.
Rich teenagers in a private school. Check. Mystery drama. Check. A LOT of secrets. Check. And on top of that, sex, drugs, parties and MURDER.
The most appealing thing about the show must be the striking set of characters with different backgrounds, struggles, fears and desires. Although, just like in Control Z you can’t really trust anybody as you set forth on this murderous journey.
PRETTY LITTLE LIARS [2010-2017]
A story about four estranged friends, whose lives are turned upside down by an anonymous threatening their lives and unraveling their secrets.
This is honestly a mess of a show. Too convoluted, with many plot holes, and questionable storylines. What kept the attention of the audience throughout the years were the characters and the romantic pairings. Nonetheless, the show’s entertaining and suspenseful. With higher stakes if we compare it to Control Z.
T@GGED [2016-2018]
T@gged is a psychological thriller. We follow three girls who try to find out who’s tagging them in violent videos.
The production is low-budget, yet there’s beautiful scenery and camera work. It isn’t a typical glossy teen show. The characters and their struggles are realistic and relatable. It tackles such topics as drug abuse, suicide, depression, self harm, cyber bullying. It is darker and scarier that Control Z, and it is the only underrated show on this list.
SPOILERS FOR CONTROL Z BELOW
YOU [2018-...]
If you enjoyed Raul’s villain origin story in episode 7 and/or would like a more realistic and in depth glimpse into the psyche of an obsessive stalker, YOU is for you. It takes the stalker plot to another level, actually exposing it for what it is in real life, creepy and unhealthy. Watching a girl through her windows, following her at the park and kidnapping everyone who stands in your way is not cute. Joe is no Raul, but he is what Raul failed to be, a well-written villain.
SHERLOCK [2010-2017]
So, Sofia being able to read everyone’s secrets just because she’s introverted and observant was far-fetched. Moreover, it wasn’t original. The idea of cutting frames, flashing clues and close-ups was taken straight from Sherlock. It was the first show Control Z reminded me of. And if you want a detective show of higher quality, here you go.
Thanks for reading❤️ Hope you found something new to watch!
ELITE S3
SPOILER WARNING
Okay, was this season the best or am I so addicted to this show that every time it comes back I love it even more?
First and foremost. Polo deserved to rot in jail for the rest of his life, not to escape his agony by dying and get forgiveness from Guzmán. Just because he‘s dead he’s not any less of a murderer. Polo apologists can F off. You can like him as a character but do not excuse his actions. Marina’s murder was not an accident. Polo made a choice, and we saw how he wanted to hurt Ander the same way in S2. He could kill again... Well, at least now he won’t.
Now on to my favorite characters.
Rebeka continues to be the best. I’m glad she got more of a storyline this season. She’s definitely a character who you’d want to be best friends with. The scenes of her supporting Ander and coming out to him were beautiful. A lot of people - me included - wanted Rebe to be non-straight. When she admitted her feelings for Carla, I couldn’t believe we actually got the possibility of Rebeka and Carla ditching Samuel to be together. Sadly, I was right not to believe it. These «feelings» sank into oblivion just after they were revealed. We got no interaction (besides Rebe giving Carla drugs and apologizing about it), no longing looks, no development (even one-sided). Instead Rebeka was stuck in a forced romance with no chemistry, showcasing only jealousy over Samu towards Carla. As for Samu, he seemed to love Rebe as a friend, much like Marina loved him in S1. After all, Rebeka truly deserves someone who will reciprocate her feelings and a better crimeless life, which I really hope she will get in S4.
Samuel has done the impossible in S2 by becoming my favorite character. He used to embody “the good guy” trope which I hate, but he developed from this perfect-innocent-annoying character to a protagonist you can actually cheer for. Some people may argue that he’s still irritating and doesn’t deserve Carla. Nonetheless, I believe he balances off La Marquesa very well and I totally supported him on his quest for justice over two seasons.
Guzmán didn’t really shine that much in this season, yet he managed to returne into my top favorite characters. He still struggles to control his anger and grief, but he’s already more mature than he ever was, which is mostly visible in his behavior towards Nadia and Lucrecia.
Guzmán’s friendship with Samuel was the best this season, alongside Lú and Nadia’s, and I hope to see more of it next season.
Carla. The character I didn’t care about in S1, didn’t trust in S2, and finally loved in S3. Her story this season was heartbreaking, and getting more of her family dynamic helped to understand how her mind works. She’s used to being a kid acting as an adult, manipulating, simulating feelings, taking care of business and people who threaten her family’s image, because that’s the only model of behavior she’s ever had. That’s why her obtaining freedom from drugs, parents, and social expectations at the end couldn’t be more satisfying.
Lú and Ander. The only characters that made me cry this season. Two characters I like a lot, each with one flaw that I can’t forgive. Lú’s one being incest which is a choice not a part of love-is-love formula, and I hate the show for romanticizing it. And Ander’s - being friends with Polo.
Lú has always been an interesting character for me (resembling Blair from Gossip Girl). She obviously hid all her insecurities under a bitchy exterior, and I wanted to see more of her emotional side, which was given in her beautiful friendship with Nadia. Lú and Nadia are two sides of the same coin, and them becoming frenemies was long-overdue. Them supporting, comforting each other, and going to study abroad together was a dream come true. (Their friendship reminds me of Santana&Rachel from Glee, let’s hope this one’ll work out).
Lú was expected to be a hbic when the show came out, but eventually that slot was taken by Carla. Lú wasn’t really involved in the main plot until this season. That’s why her killing Polo was unexpected to say the least. Towards the end of the last episode I thought that whoever killed Polo must be someone who you wouldn’t even think of. Sweeping aside the obvious Guzmán and Samuel, I determined Ander, Nadia and Lú as my suspects. Still when Lú went after Polo with the bottle until the very killing I thought it was a decoy. Lú becoming a murderer was in fact an accident even though she probably went in with an intention to hurt him. Her feeling remorse was truly heartbreaking, and I hope we’ll see more of the aftermath this all had on her.
In such a murderous show it‘s valuable to have a different perspective on life and death through Ander’s character. His journey this season made the concepts of justice and resentment shine in another light.
The part of Ander’s story that I didn’t like was his romantic relationship and it wasn’t even his fault. That’s why we’re moving on to the character who disappointed me the most.
THE DOWNFALL OF OMAR
By this point Omar has collected so many flaws that I hate his character.
Let’s start from S2 when him being friendly with Lú was cute and all but also meant betraying his sister, who shall I mention has never done any harm to him, only helped and supported him.
Then he certainly crossed the line this season by cheating on Ander with Nadia’s boyfriend. Continuously. Nadia was quick to forgive Omar which was so infuriating. Not only did he not prevent his sister from falling for a liar, but he also kept sleeping with him. Furthermore, when confronted about it instead of apologizing he turned the situation on Nadia.
Needless to say, Ander did not deserve to be cheated on AND being lied to. Omar still hasn’t told he cheated. When Ander pushed him away by lying that he cheated, Omar seemed more concerned with where would he live now rather than the break up itself.
At this point Omar and Ander didn’t seem like a good match, and I was begging for them to break up. How happy was I when they actually did. It felt necessary and realistic for this relationship to come to an end. Unfortunately, I was early to celebrate. They had to go and ruin this perfect ending. I am mad Omar went back to Ander. I can’t believe this relationship will be dragged on for another season. I hate the fact that Omar will go to Las Encinas now. May I ask how could Omar even get a scholarship with his low grades???
There’re a few relationships left to discuss.
There was a lot of everybody-sleeping-with-everybody going on, but not much deep connections.
Guznadia and Carmuel didn’t get a lot of screen time, even though the few scenes they got were sweet.
Carla’s enslavement of a relationship was truly toxic and appalling.
Malick and Nadia’s relationship was hard to get on board with since the beginning and of course disappointing by the end in both the ship and Malick’s character.
Malick and Yeray were not captivating nor charming. Overall, S3 failed to introduce new characters especially compared to S2.
It was cool to see that the show didn’t abandon polyamory representation. Valerio, Polo and Cayetana getting together was unpredictable. I expected Valerio to get with Rebeka, and even her mom, but those rendezvous blew over like they never happened, and left Valerio to the psychos.
Do you know what would be even cooler than this threesome? A thruple consisting of actually likable characters. When will we get Rebeka with Samu and Carla? That would be quality representation.
With all my impressions laid out I have to say that this show is amazing. It keeps the audience in suspense with an intriguing plot while also developing numerous multidimensional characters and tackling serious societal issues and philosophical questions.
i don’t think ppl talk about these shows enough! (or at all)
tv shows i watched this march
two episodes in
im so here for otis & ruby, the relationship makes both characters more interesting and less unbearable, plus they are so much better than maeve & otis, i can actually ship them.
i love cal. i want to see more of them. it was heartbreaking to see the bathrooms aka their safe space being demolished.
since season one adam has been my favorite character (after maeve), and i’m so happy to see his development. he makes me go 🥺 every time he’s on screen.
eric and adam are so cute. i really hope they work out.
i’m glad isaac told maeve the truth, and while i like isaac i don’t think maeve will be with him. i don’t think maeve needs a love interest this season tbh.
i hope we get an aimee centered episode.
episode 3
sorry viv and jackson, i used to really ship you last season but now i’m cal and jackson all the way
viv is kinda annoying this season so far. it’s in character but like she used to be one of my favorites
i want to fight hope
why do i love ruby now
episode 4
okay i do like otis and ruby but why did this turn into their show? i want to see other characters more!!!
i can’t wait to see hope’s downfall. istg if she’s not gone by the end of the season i will riot.
i’m really liking maeve with isaac. their scene was so sensual and beautiful.
i just really hope otis and maeve both move on separately like they’re doing rn, and never get together. i don’t think they’re right for each other, and they’re just boring together.
ready for paris adventures yessss
episode 5
jean is a queen
jackson on a trip is hilarious
flying feces whyyy
i love adam sm
oh no the girls are fighting
not ola and lilly having a fight over aliens
oh no don’t tell me maeve and otis are gonna find some motel and there will only be one bed
i’m living for adam and rahim becoming buddies
jackson and cal 💔
maeve’s not here? kevin’s not here. KEVIN!
you tell him, maeve. otis sucked last season.
nononono. NOOO. disgusting. don’t kiss. stupid paris.
poor ruby 😭
episode 6
lilly backstory yesssss
vagina cupcakes I WANT
why is aimee the sweetest human being
i wonder if the season will end with maeve going away to the us
i’m so glad we’re seeing more of eric’s family
hope can die in a ditch. she would be a terrible parent considering how she treats her students. *me imagining violently smashing hope’s car to cope* who made this bitch an educator? is this allowed? IS THAT ALLOWED?! poor kids, they’re legit traumatized now
i’m sorry but with this crisis going on, i can’t care about some silly maeve and otis drama
otis DOES make everything worse. fuck otis. i don’t want to see him anymore either.
hell yeah viv. fuck that millennial bitch up.
no, eric, don’t just go away with some stranger. i’m scared.
why is everyone fucking cheating?! is it so hard to keep your tongue in your mouth?
episode 7
ahhh i love everyone working together
omg this bitch is absolutely unhinged
“sex free campus? people fuck in the bushes” is my favorite quote, thank you eric
ruby matthews is officially THAT bitch, she did what i wanted to do the whole season
sucking on my titties is the best anthem. i love this show.
cal and jackson are definitely my favorite ship this season, i really hope they work everything out
the way connor swindells portrays adam is incredible
i need jean to be okay
they’re each other’s mums stop i’m crying
i wish mr groff cared more about his son than about getting back with his wife, like he hasn’t even talked to adam this whole time or made any sort of effort
lmao not A RAIN KISS i can’t believe a ship i don’t care about actually get a rain kiss
the finale episode 8 let’s gooooo
lmao what is this mean girls moment
adam and rahim being besties is hilarious
i’m sad cal and jackson didn’t work out but i get it, i’m glad they’ll still be friends
the maureen and aimee goat adventures
my baby adam i’m- i can’t, why is he getting hurt
why did adam and eric have to break up
not otis building up this absolute bitch that should be in jail
SHUT UP he’s not the father?!
seeing adam happy is everything
proud of maureen for ditching michael
eric third wheeling in the tree house lmao
i feel like this season left everything disheveled, and i’m left feeling empty. it felt more like a mid season finale than a season finale. i enjoyed season 3 but i think i prefer season 2.
tv shows recommendations rant reviews & listicles on the stuff i watch insta, serializd, letterboxd: @visionaxry
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