Unravelling the Mystery of Alaska

A TV SERIES REVIEW

BY KIRBY DINGLASAN

This 2019 eight-episode series adaptation of the first novel of John Green published on 2005, produced by Triple Hill, Production Fake, Empire Production, and Paramount Television and in release by Hulu is a teen drama story was inspired from the author’s high school experience.

The story portrays Miles “Pudge” Halter (Charlie Plummer), a teenage boy infatuated with people’s last words. “I go to seek a great perhaps” is his favorite quote attributed to the French poet Francois Rabelais. This lets him uncover more of life’s possibilities by deciding to leave his normal life in Florida and enroll at the Culver Creek Preparatory High School, a boarding school in Alabama. There he met his roommate Chip Martin (Denny Love) who is a nerd connoisseur in planning—like a soldier—of revengeful pranks around the school, mutated to be called “The Colonel”. The Colonel introduced Pudge to his friends, Takumi Hikohito (Jay Lee) and Alaska Young (Kristine Froseth). Since their first meet-up, gorgeous but emotionally unstable Alaska became special to Pudge. With her collected books, Alaska is dreaming to build a book shop that she will later call My Life’s Library. The better Pudge understands her story and attitude, the stronger it 22 feature

When Alaska spent time with Pudge one night, she received a phone call that made her hysterical. She immediately asked Pudge and Colonel for help to leave the school. The men distracted Mr. Starnes while Alaska drove away. Unfortunately without them knowing, Alaska drove toward her death in a car crash.

Pudge and Colonel blame themselves for the tragedy. Devastated, they search reason for her sudden departure. They found out that Jake, Alaska’s ex-boyfriend, made the phone call reminding her that it was their anniversary and that that was the same day her mother died. It became clear to Pudge and Colonel that Alaska remembered her mother and was about to visit her grave.

Directors of the television series were successful in clarifying the story by using before-after technique. Archaic background music, minimal integration of technology, attires, and personal talks were some evident features that made it effective in depicting the 2005-vibe setting.

Further showcased were the diverse characters fittingly represented by the chosen artists quintessential to giving justice to the myriad personalities. Beyond doubt were the powerful dialogues that gave much dramatic impact to its entirety. Remarkable plot twists of unpredictable events sparked interest and excitement for more episodes ahead.

“Looking for Alaska” is a meaningful young adult fiction showing the varying perspectives on living the teenage life. It is worthy of watching because of relatable dances, pranks, bonding, sex, alcohol and smoking. It shows the actual lives of teens—the openness, freedom, curiosity and independence. This story of Alaska strikes realization that what we possess bring impacts, and as a teen they are aggressive in decision-making; being wise in action and choice is the key to standing out among the rest. ***