Miley Stewart: A role model?

HANNAH MONTANA: 3.02 “Ready, Set, Don’t Drive”

To be honest, this was not my favorite episode. I was really disappointed. I think the premise was a great idea, but I think my main flaw fell on Miley.

Before I start to attack anyone’s favorite TV character, let me explain myself. I really like Hannah Montana. I’ll admit that I watch it around other people my age all the time, despite eye rolls and snickers. I think that the writers are very clever (in fact, I wrote a post about this a while ago here). I like the one-liners, and to be honest, they can really play up some great characters like Robbie Ray and Lilly. Honestly, I don’t mean to hurt anyone with my review, but this episode hurt me as much as I am going to hurt it.

So here we have Miley wanting to drive. The only thing is, when did Miley become such a brat? It all started with the thoughts that were voiced over in the episode while she was driving with her dad. Sure, Robbie Ray’s were supposed to be funny but hers just came out mean, insulting her dad and such. Then it continued, as she yelled at her tester about dropping things in her car.

Now, if any of the rest of us were in this situation, we’d think the same thing and possibly react the same way. I mean, dog poop on your mat and phlegm on the dash–gross. But the way that she exploded, focusing most on the “new car” aspect after her not-so-nice comments about her dad just combined to become bratty.

Then she became conniving. Now, I get it. This is a sitcom plot device. We always have someone going behing someone’s back to get what they want. I mean, look at the episode when Jackson and Miley snuck out to go to parties while LIlly and Oliver covered? They do that. The thing is, usually they learn their lessons.

I didn’t see that in this episode. Sure, Miley was humiliated when her father used a megaphone at her party, but I didn’t see her turn her ways around like we’ve seen before. I was missing that. When do we see nice Miley again?

You’ll see in my title that I ask whether Miley is a role model. I’ve watched Disney Channel for a long time, and it always seems like Disney wants to turn their stars into role models for viewers. It’s always been nice. I think that’s why some of the High School Musical kids are having so much trouble (sorry, Vanessa Hudgens), because Disney wants them to continue this trend.

So when did the characters themselves turn so…rude? This is the first episode that I’ve really not seen any sort of turnaround. And I’ve touched on this before, so let me clarify: It’s not that I think every show out there should have a moral or even role model characters. But since Disney Channel seems to use that as a defining feature of their shows, where did it go? I hope it didn’t get lost in the popularity.

Anyway, there were some highlights. I did enjoy Miley’s interrogation.

Tina, Oprah, Tina, Oprah

30 ROCK: 3.02 “Believe in the Stars”

It was the big episode for 30 Rock on Thursday. Who was there? Oprah. And it was quite funny.

First, let’s all enjoy how appropriate–or politically incorrect–this episode was with Tracy and Jenna’s trade-off on who has it worse: women or African Americans. I’m amazed at how they were able to costume Jenna. We’ve got some great makeup artist working on 30 Rock, clearly. And I must say, Tracy looked frighteningly like a character from White Chicks. Well, except the claws. That was…hilarious. Who would have thought of adding that to add a laugh. Weird. But great.

Ok, second and most of all, Oprah! I love how everyone was obsessed with Liz’ encounter, comparing her to a godly figure. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be thrilled with Oprah’s appearance. I thought it would be over the top and, well, unfunny. But it wasn’t bad. I enjoyed the drugged Liz talking to Oprah, and most of all, I loved the twist.

Whoever cast Pam did a great job. I loved that she was able to handle Tracy and Jenna, even though she was just a tween. That was great, and completely unexpected.

Oh, and can we picture Oprah saying those tween things like that she gets to fly first class because of her dad and things like that again? That was funny, too.

And let’s not forget Jack and Kenneth. For me, Kenneth has been this character that I’ve liked and thought was funny, but I didn’t really pay much attention to him. Tonight, he shined. I loved his morality that shined through and even his effect on Jack. Jack seemed really thrown by him, and to be honest, while I liked Jack’s backhandedness in making Kenneth finally go to the dark side, part of me was sad to know that yes, Kenneth stole cable.

But then again, I’d be sadder if he was unable to watch anything at all! After all, he only loves two things in this world: everyone and TV.