Netflix’s teen series Boo B*tch combines supernatural and romcom elements for satisfying show with relatable message

The first episode begins 48 hours before her death, when Erika and Gia are irrelevant and ignored – they’re not even on the text chain that all their classmates use. That is because of the fact that three years ago on yearbook photo day, Erika accidentally punched Riley, the queen bee of Parkway High, and broke her nose. Thanks to a mishap, Erika becomes known as Helen Who, a nickname that haunted her ever since.

As their “last hoorah”, Gia convinces Erika to attend a senior party, where we find out more about Erika’s love interest, Jake C (played by Mason Versaw), who happens to be dating Riley. On the way home from the party, a car and then a moose run into Erika and Gia.

Erika wakes up to see that though part of her corpse is visible from under the moose that crushed her, she, for some reason, is still conscious. She realises that although she has become a ghost, with powers, she is visible and able to talk to people. Erika and Gia try to find out what has happened to her, even getting help from the goth group at their school.

Even more perplexing is that people seem to recognise Erika more now that she has “died” than they ever did when she was alive. It seems that she was more of a “ghost” in life than after death. While the mystery behind Erika’s powers remains unknown, she soon falls for the allure of popularity and social media. Erika also manages to date Jake C, her long-time crush. As Erika becomes more popular, she starts valuing her new friends and fame more than her relationships with Gia, her family members, and even Jake C.

As Erika continues down this path, she eventually realises that she can’t take life or true friendship for granted.

Although Erika’s character was pretty average when she was “invisible” in high school, once she became popular and famous, she was unforgivably mean and rude to everyone – so much so that she almost became the villain of the show.

The romance between Erika and Jake C is cute, but it lacks significantly in depth. The series never really sheds light on his perspective, and little is known about his personality and hobbies. The couple’s solo scenes usually end in them making out, or in a disagreement. Gia’s relationship with Gavin, on the other hand, is far more intimate and swoon-worthy.

Netflix’s Heartstopper brings electrifying chemistry, LGBTQ+ representation

Even though elements in the series such as ghostbusters and an instant rise to fame are far from relatable, on a less exaggerated level, losing yourself in the desire for popularity or making new friends is something that most teens can understand.

The show sends an important message to teens that it is important to value the meaningful connections and relationships in your life and to live life to the fullest without regrets.

Unfortunately, Boo B*tch is a limited series, so it most likely will not be coming back for a second season. That being said, the ending was quite satisfactory and does not leave viewers wanting more. Be prepared for a shocking plot twist.

Rating: 3.5/5