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The Dartmouth
March 29, 2024 | Latest Issue
The Dartmouth

First DTV 'Kiss' is memorable

With lines like "I'll give you a blitz and maybe we could get a meal or something," "Kiss and Tell," Imago Media's latest production for DTV, is an entertaining spotlight on taboo themes at the heart of Dartmouth's dating scene.

The hilarious opening scene of the series premiere, which features Jay Kaplan '02 and Elenor Sigler '01 seducing one another in the Berry stacks, successfully introduces the quandary that arises throughout the episode: Is it possible to find love at Dartmouth?

The show also explores how far a student has to go to find that love.

In the style of the hit HBO series "Sex in the City," "Kiss and Tell" revolves around the lives of four single '03 women, who in their quest to find love at Dartmouth, must deal with the non-sensical realities of dating at the Big Green.

The first episode, titled "Great Sexpectations and Good Vibrations," looks specifically at whether or not it is possible for upperclass women to date underclass men.

The characters of this Dartmouth production successfully parallel those found in "Sex in the City." Maya, who is wonderfully played by Wendy Liu '02, is more or less the Carrie Bradshaw of "Kiss and Tell." Sitting at her computer, Maya drives the story line with insightful comments and personal experiences that delve into the dilemmas at hand.

Alex, played by Rachel Globus '02, is the Miranda-like character. Cynical of love and quick with pessimistic yet witty comments, Globus gives a convincing portrayal of the character who has her feet firmly planted in reality.

Jocelyn Singer-Sargent '04, in the style of Charlotte, is tangled in romantic notions and plagued by concerns of propriety.

But in the image of "Sex in the City's" Samantha, "Kiss and Tell" would not be complete without the sexually driven, seductive and promiscuous character of Natasha, played by Morenike Balogun '03.

Overall, the acting is well done. There are shaky moments, however, when some actor's comments seem artificial and over done.

In the first episode, Audrey is attracted to a new man only to unfortunately discover that he's a freshman -- he's off limits, right? She is forced to decide whether or not she can date him.

Natasha successfully seduces a freshman (played by Todor Kalaydjiev '05) only to realize that younger guys are not at all what she hoped they would be.

Meanwhile, Maya pursues a recently single acquaintance, Dan (played by Ryan Abraham '04), a guy she's known for a while but never approached.

Alex, a victim of frequent "sexile," takes matters into her own hands and researches sex toys.

"Kiss and Tell" highlights those subjects that we all think about and live though, yet only share with our closest friends.

The directors, Jethro Rothe-Kushel '03 and Ryan McElroy '04, are able to portray Dartmouth in a new light while at the same time incorporating familiar locals like Collis, Home Plate and the Reserves to create an effect that, for some Dartmouth students, may seem all too real.

The cinematography employed by the directors is very impressive for a college production, and is very promising for future episodes.

The show also boasts a familiar and expertly chosen soundtrack -- it opens with Tom Jones' "Sex Bomb" -- that successfully captures the themes addressed in the new show.

"Kiss and Tell" is easily on par with other shows of its kind. Complete with racy sex-scenes and uncensored language, it is a show that single girls, and maybe even guys, around Dartmouth can relate to.

Look out for upcoming episodes of "Kiss and Tell," and when it comes on, sign off Blitz, put down your books and watch -- you may learn something.