“Heathers,” the dark comedy starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, has developed a cult following since its 1989 release. The movie revolves around the titular clique — three of whom are named Heather –and a deadly string of events at Westerburg High School in Sherwood, Ohio.  

 

The film has inspired a musical and most recently, a television series. “Heathers” was set to premiere on the Paramount Network on March 7. However, due to the show’s violent nature, was postponed in the wake of the Parkland shootings. The premiere can be viewed on the show’s official website.  

 

The pilot episode reboots the movie pretty much on-the-nose, and fans of the film will recognize a lot of the main plot points. 

 

Veronica Sawyer is a member of the notorious Heathers. The arrival of a mysterious hunk, J.D., prompts her to question her allegiance to the clique’s leader, Heather Chandler. Veronica and J.D. plan to slip her a vomit inducing pill, but accidentally kill her in the process.  

 

The biggest difference is the creative liberties that the show takes in reimagining the iconic– albeit straight and white — characters. Heather Chandler is heavyset[MA2] [R , Heather Duke is gender-queer, and Heather McNamara is African-American. Additionally, quarterback Kurt Kelly is gay and Veronica’s former friend Betty Finn is played by an Asian actress.  

 

“Heathers” is a youthful delight and viewers will find an abundance of similarities to The[MA4]  CW’s latest hit, “Riverdale.” Both shows use the same, popular format – highlighting unrealistically pretty people with delightful drama over the backdrop of a town bursting with secrets and power struggles. Both shows equally draw success from presenting old, familiar characters in a way that is new, fun and vibrant.  

 

“Heathers” can outshine “Riverdale” if it chooses to rightfully flesh out all its diverse characters. “Riverdale” has gay and black representation in its main cast, yet both characters are seemingly invisible. Hints of a future romance between Heather Duke and Kurt Kelly give me high hopes for the show’s success on this front.  

 

The series is set for a ten-episode first season. Although the pilot’s plot points mirrored the source material, a crucial cliffhanger showed that “Heathers” will certainly be deviating from the movie in subsequent episodes.  

 

Fans wanting a homage to the original rather than new stories are still in luck. “Heathers” promises to continue paying homage to the movie in both subtle and obvious ways. The show has already paid ultimate tribute by casting Shannen Doherty — the original Heather Duke — in the recurring role of J.D.’s deceased mother.  

 

Overall, “Heathers” is a show designed to be your new guilty pleasure. While nothing could ever live up to the greatness of the original movie, the TV series does a decent job of satisfying the cravings of the “Heathers” fan base. I would recommend checking it out. As Heather Chandler would say, “It’ll be Very!”