The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

Posted: 10 Oct 2012 04:45 AM PDT

Drop Dead Diva gives new meaning to soul switching.

TAKE away the brilliant comic lines, the fabulous clothes and make-up, the quirky spin on leading a secret double life and Drop Dead Diva would just be another show about lawyers. Instead, the series is everything and more. In fact, it's a show with such a broad appeal that it's a wonder it hasn't lost the plot.

For those not in the know, Drop Dead Diva, which stars the irresistible Brooke Elliot, is about overweight, overachieving lawyer Jane. She also has a drab wardrobe and, oh, dies.

At the same time, soon-to-be-married aspiring model Deb meets her demise at the backend of a truck. In heaven, Deb hits the "return" button on the "sorting room" computer and Deb's soul finds its way into Jane's body. And this is when the heart and humour of the show begin.

In contrast, Jane and Deb are as alike as peas and carrots. But watching self-absorbed, fashion conscious Deb settling into Jane's skin – and discovering that she's not only racked up a few dress sizes but acquired a brain, was the hook that viewers latched onto.

Elliot's juggling of the two personalities is spot on, and as the seasons have progressed the Broadway star has just continued to captivate audiences with her deft handling of the two personalities while resolving court cases.

Now, of course there are many loopholes in the story. The burning question being how is it that Jane has lost her memory but can remember case studies and everything she learnt at law school? But, if you wanted cleanly plotted out scenarios and straight-laced drama, then you'd be watching The Good Wife.

Drop Dead Diva is on point though in terms of creating interesting and believable dynamics between the ensemble cast – Margaret Cho (Jane's assistant), April Bowlby (Deb's best friend), Kate Levering (Jane's work rival), Jackson Hurst (Deb's fiancé) and Josh Stamberg (Jane's boss) – and sparking the imagination with intriguing court cases.

Season Four kicks off with Jane on vacation with new-found love interest Owen (Lex Medlin), the judge.

After three seasons of dangling the forbidden love angle (because Jane can't reveal herself as Deb) between Jane and Deb's fiancé Grayson, who ironically works at Jane's law firm, it is refreshing for loyal viewers to see Jane – to put it bluntly – get some.

This new perspective, ultimately will beget the suspense throughout the season on whether Jane will have her happily ever after, and the addition of guest star Kim Kardashian to Season Four, may seem like a ratings ploy but it just reaffirms that with Drop Dead Diva viewers can always expect the unexpected.

The much-hyped about inclusion of Kardashian, which also potentially could cause a wedge between Stacy and Jane's friendship, also serves to allow for breakout star Stacy (Bowlby) additional screen time to continue to wow audiences with her over-the-top and affable ditziness. Another addition to the character pool is Luke (Carter MacIntyre), who is Jane's new guardian angel.

Among the terms of coming down from heaven is that the job of the guardian angel is to ensure that Deb/Jane manoeuvres through her new life with ease, and never lets on the truth about the soul switch.

Luke's presence is a fun relationship because he enters Jane's life at a time when she thinks she's got it all sorted, and doesn't need a Jiminy Cricket type to keep her honest.

While there are a lot of character developments revolving and evolving this season, it does not detract from the courtroom action, which largely contributes towards the reason why viewers keep tuning in and the success of the show.

Elliot, who in an interview admitted that though she's always prepared to be surprised by some of the court cases in her script, was left completely floored by the case of the woman who eats her dead fiancé's ashes!

This formula of infusing risqué stories with quirky details pretty much covers the theme of the season.

Though Drop Dead Diva often plays up absurdity and fantastical moments, it never loses its credibility or integrity.

Its very endearing qualities and underlying message of finding beauty in imperfections and battling for the underdog sum up all that has made this series easily accessible and relatable.

Drop Dead Diva (Season Four) airs on weekdays at 8.30pm on beTV (Astro B.yond Ch 720).

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Selasa, 9 Oktober 2012