Katy Keene Review: Pilot (Season 1 Episode 1)
Fun, light and fancy-free.
Those are the adjectives that describe how it feels to step into Katy Keene Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot.” If Riverdale’s world is dark, twisted and sinister, Katy Keene is unicorns, rainbows, and candy-colored whimsy.
It’s a jarring, yet refreshing, escape from the hell mouth we’re used to seeing our Archie Comic characters exist in. A lighter setting allows the characters to breathe and connect in ways the townspeople of Riverdale and Greendale simply don’t have time for.
This first installment allows for more bonding between the main characters than Riverdale has seen in four entire seasons, and it becomes clear Katy Keene is putting friendship at the top of its list. Supportive, warm and welcoming, this gang invites you in, taking time to send the message that these cohorts won’t be turning on each other anytime soon.
While the tone couldn’t be more starkly different, the Riverdale cinematic universe traits are still present.
The cinematography is devastatingly beautiful — so much so that it deserves its own character spot. The sets look clean enough to eat off, despite the location of NYC. The characters themselves also give off the typical Archie impression; dressing like prototypes from the 1950s co-existing in a modern-day era.
It’s all very lively and playful, and even with the unrealistic backdrops, the lack of murder and magic allows Keene to feel much more grounded in reality.
The pilot structures itself well, using newcomer Josie as a beacon for delving into Katy’s already pre-established world. With the two connecting through mutual friend Veronica Lodge, Katy is allowed to talk about herself, and her friends, in low context ways that keep the dialogue from falling into the typical early episode over exposition.
Josie promises to be one of the most intriguing characters in Katy Keene, considering audiences already know and root for her. Grossly underused in Riverdale’s plotlines, Josie feels much more at home in the vibrating city, where her dreams can come true and no mob bosses or gang fights will stand in her way.
Josie: Is this what it’s like every day in NY?
Pepper: Oh Josie darling, it’s only Tuesday!
Katy: Welcome to New York!
She also feels most human of the core four, with Ashleigh Murray bringing the same vulnerable dynamic she brought to Josie in Riverdale, except this time she’s given the screen time to shine.
Katy Keene herself is a ball of sunshine and pure spirit, which is an energizing thing to experience from an Archie Comics character. She radiates positivity and optimism, dedicated to achieving her goals and dreams — and those of her friends — no matter the cost.
Hale is perfectly cast for the role and delivers well. It’s not surprising Robert Aguirre-Sacassa used her as the prototype for Keene before casting even began.
The only problem with Katy, really, is that there is no problem.
She’s great at any job given to her, saving the day a total of three times in just the first episode. While it’s lovely to see a female protagonist get stuff done, it also potentially lands her as a Mary Sue.
Josie has baggage, we know that from her time on Riverdale and it carries directly into her conflict with Alex Cabot.
Jorge, the drag queen/Broadway aspiring second roommate, is a glorious addition to the cast but struggles with finding where he belongs in the world of performing arts.
Even Pepper — who ends the pilot as the show’s biggest mystery thus far — is funny yet condescending, connected yet over boisterous, giving her a slight but specific amount of depth.
Katy knows what she wants, and how she wants to get there. She has a long time boyfriend, a great attitude, and a plethora of people who believe in her. Her mere existence, it seems, is a positive influence on everyone in her orbit.
She’s the kind of girl who always comes out on top but does it without being vengeful or petty. The kind of girl you wish you were — except that girl doesn’t really exist. Characters thrive when their flaws are laid on the table.
It’s growth that gives complexity, and complexity that makes someone interesting and worth watching.
Luckily it’s early, and even in Katy’s candy glossed, impregnable version of the Big Apple, there’s the chance for imperfection.
Random Thoughts:
- The cinematography nailed it, but the soundtrack is also top-notch in developing the tone.
- Katy is wearing an “I <3 KO” T-shirt in the first scene, and that is just sickeningly cute.
- If only walking down Manhatten streets came with your own Taylor Swift backing track, friendly waves hello, and absolutely no garbage anywhere whatsoever. If only.
- KO recognizing the dress Katy made for Ginger is such a lovely moment. We stan an attentive boyfriend.
- Calling someone a nobody because they have less than 1,000 followers on social media? It tracks.
- I would love to see some differently sized body types of The CW, and especially in the Riverdale universe.
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What did you think of this episode of Katy Keene? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Katy Keene airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.
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Kat Pettibone
Kat Pettibone is an aspiring TV writer, artist, and poet. As a Pacey Witter Fan Club lifer who never missed a TGIF, she has dreams of becoming your generations small screen Nora Ephron. She's also an avid lover of coffee, dogs and all things spooky.