"Girl Meets World" perfectly captures the essence of its predecessor's earliest years, putting a modern-day twist on the classic coming of age story.
Riley Matthews (Rowan Blanchard) wants to make the world her own, but her father (Ben Savage) doesn't think she's ready. The pilot episode acts as a passing of the torch, from one protagonist to the next, and the route it assumes getting there should assure both new and familiar viewers that "Girl" isn't your average Disney Channel series.
Riley's relationship with Maya (Sabrina Carpenter) is, of course, similar to that of her father's relationship with Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong), but the generational gap allows it to stand on its own. It's hinted that Maya, too, comes from a broken home, and Riley makes the world her own by agreeing to be there for Maya whenever she needs a helping hand.
Blanchard gives an impressive performance as Cory and Topanga's (Danielle Fishel) daughter, and the character's naiveté matches that of her father's, without question. Carpenter, however, stands out amongst her fellow castmates, portraying Riley's rebellious but good-natured best friend. In the installment's climax, her juvenile persona is overshadowed by a glaring vulnerability when she reveals to Cory that she has no one at home to help her with her homework. Cue the awes!
It's evident how little Fishel is given to do in episode one. In fact, her character is never mentioned by name. Fortunately, her scenes with Savage show promise that "Girl" will be able to appease those itching for more of the same old Cory and Topanga dynamic. "Let's get married, let's have a kid, let's have another kid," she says, mocking him after an argument with their daughter. "Well you listened to me, ya' big stupid," he replies. In that moment, I knew the show was in proper hands.
Savage has big shoes to fill, acting as both teacher and mentor for "Girl's" teenaged ensemble, filling in for Mr. Feeny (William Daniels). In the pilot, he shows he's capable of such a performance while making it his own, never losing what made Cory Matthews the lovable oddball that audiences adored. Daniels, of course, makes a surprise cameo in the pilot's tag, as Savage envisions his former educator after letting his daughter take on the world.
When a "Boy Meets World" sequel series was announced, I wasn't sure what to expect. Little did I know how well it'd turn out. "Girl Meets World" might not appeal to everyone, but it's a well-mannered family comedy with wholesome values and good morals, and TV could use a few of those.
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