Grand Army

Grand Army is at its best when it lets the stories of these young people, and the exceptional cast of unknowns who play them, especially TV first-timer Odley Jean, lead the way.

Grand Army finds its heart in its remarkably talented teenage actors, particularly A’zion, Odley Jean (Dominique) and Amalia Yoo (Leila). The success of their performances lies in their ability to shift modes seamlessly.

In its best moments — which tend to come in the Joey and Dom stories — Grand Army enters rare air for high school shows, elevating surprisingly close to the genre’s thoughtful standard-bearer, My So-Called Life.

As solid as all of the lead performances are—Jean and A’zion being particular standouts, though they all more than hold their own—it never felt like there was enough of any one thing for me to grab onto.

The series is ultimately more of an ensemble teen drama a la “Degrassi” or “13 Reasons Why,” only grittier than the former and, thankfully, less bleak than the latter.

Grand Army is ambitious, often to a fault. Still, there are flashes of beauty — let me say again, Odley Jean is a revelation — amid the gritty teen boilerplate.

It's frustrating when the "Army" writers get in their own way. But when A'zion or Jean are on screen, the show instantly rights itself, guided by the sheer charisma of the two young actors.

All five of the leads put in fine performances. ... But the show lacks focus, at least at the outset.

Whatever the behind-the-scenes conditions, there’s no denying two realities: that Grand Army lets several of its cast members shine through complex characters and culturally specific plotlines and that the show’s ambitions underscore its messy, sluggish, all-too-frequently frustrating storytelling.

if its stories are engaging, they’re also a bit patronizing, with that sheen of after-school special that indicates something well-meant but lacking authenticity. There’s a lot of good stuff in there, and I wouldn’t suggest it’s a toxic or counterproductive bit of programming. But I think the show meant to be more than what it is. And on that count, it has failed.