Stream It Or Skip It?

As a tween or teen in middle school, finding your identity can be a challenge. Now, picture starting at a new school at 12 years old with no familiar faces. This is the scenario the protagonist of a new Apple TV+ series for young viewers faces, and his response to the situation is unexpected.

ME: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: Rain falls outside a classroom window as a student observes from his desk.

The Gist: Ben Vasani (Lucian-River Chauhan) witnesses the class bully, Jason (Brock Duncan), tormenting another student and decides to intervene. His stepsister, Max Davis (Abigail Pniowsky), discourages him, but Ben trips Jason anyway. This leads to a chase into the bathroom, where Ben hides in a stall. When the bullies open the door, a different kid emerges.

“Four, maybe five weeks earlier.” It’s Ben’s first day at a new school after moving with his mother Elizabeth (Dilshad Vadsaria) when she married Phil (Kyle Howard), Max’s father. Ben is shown around by Kenny (Jeremiah Friedlander), who gets along well with him. Throughout the day, Ben ponders his identity in this unfamiliar environment. He also faces Jason, who damages the camera Ben brought to school. As he goes to sleep, Max’s question lingers in his mind: “Who do you want to be?”

The next morning, Ben wakes up to find everyone staring at him as if he’s a stranger. Looking in the mirror, he sees Kenny’s reflection.

As Elizabeth and Phil search for Ben, he convinces Max of his true identity and she advises him to hide. Detective Darren Kennedy (Sharif Atkins) is called in to help find Ben. Along the way, Ben meets a girl (Amanda Reid) who empathizes with him and offers reassurance.

What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Me, created by Barry L. Levy (StartUp), shares similarities with I Woke Up A Vampire but with a more subdued tone.

Our Take: The first episode of Me reveals Ben’s shapeshifting ability, where he can take on the appearance of others. With the help of Carter, Darren’s missing daughter, Ben learns to control this power. The dynamic between Ben and Max, brought together by their parents’ marriage, is surprisingly positive. Max becomes Ben’s confidant and aids him in understanding his abilities.

Watching Ben navigate this new power is intriguing, though the ultimate goal remains unclear. His interactions with allies like Max, Kenny, and Owen suggest a journey of self-discovery amidst challenges like facing Jason, the school bully. The role of Carter in Ben’s development adds complexity to the narrative.

What Age Group Is This For?: Suitable for ages 8 and up, though younger viewers may not be as engaged.

Parting Shot: The episode ends with Darren reflecting on a picture of his daughter as Cat Stevens’ “Father And Son” plays in the background.

Sleeper Star: Kyle Howard’s portrayal of Phil, a middle-aged figure in a blended family, stands out for its departure from his previous roles.

Most Pilot-y Line: Ben’s decision to bring an expensive camera to school raises questions about his judgment, especially considering the risks involved.

Our Call: STREAM IT. Me presents a unique exploration of identity and relationships amidst supernatural elements. Despite some pacing issues, the show’s performances and themes make it worth watching.

Joel Keller (@joelkeller) covers topics ranging from food and entertainment to parenting and technology, all while embracing his passion for television.