Guilty Pleasures: Greek

Welcome to our first Guilty Pleasures column, where we will write about a show we enjoy, although it may be slightly embarrassing to admit it. Today's guilty pleasure is Greek on ABCfamily (Mondays at 9) (the network can be a big hint as to what might be considered a guilty pleasure...)

      Greek, which premiered in July of 2007, will air its series finale in just five episodes. Although it has been generally been a critical favorite, it hasn't been the biggest ratings-earner for ABCfamily, though it was one of their first original programs. Now I know what your thinking, why would I want to watch a show about college kids on ABCfamily of all places, where it is likely watered down and overly tame. Well before watching even the first episode of Greek, I would have agreed with you. Underneath its generic packaging, Greek is actually one of the most entertaining comedies, portraying real characters with fully developed backgrounds and stories.
      One of the things that makes Greek so enjoyable is the fact that it is a comedy. While shows like Gossip Girl and Secret Life of the Pregnant Christians are extremely melodramatic (actually, Secret Life is almost a comedy because of the sheer ridiculousness of its drama), Greek is a comedy at heart, never going too long without a joke to lighten the mood, no matter how dramatic a storyline gets (which actually isn't very much anyway). The humor of the show is what draws you in, referencing pop culture from various eras, and catches you off guard as you begin to appreciate the characters delivering the witty retorts.
      One of these characters is the laid back president of party-frat Kappa Tau, Cappie. Always ready with a snappy comeback or abstract-in-its-reference nickname, Cappie could be considered the comic heart of the show. However, his romantic interest Casey Cartwright (Spencer Grammer, Kelsey's daughter) and her pal Ashley of sorority Zeta Beta Zeta offer substantial laughs as well. The only character that lags initially is Casey's nerdy engineer brother, Rusty, who is pledging Kappa Tau and is are introduction into this world. His character often falls prey to being stereotyped and unoriginal, but once the show begins to fully focus on each character equally, he is able to break out of his initial mold.
      Although some of the early storylines can seem overly conventional and predictable (rivaling fraternities, cheating boyfriend, etc.) they quickly progress into some fresher plots. However, what really makes these plots improve is the richly developed characters, including even the expansive supporting cast of equally (and in many cases more) hilarious characters. After a few episodes of Greek, you will be eager to add it to your guilty pleasures, and after a chapter (half-season) or two, you may even grow to consider it an innocent pleasure after all.