Riverdale Syndrome

I have been watching the much-talked-about OC, which, even though I have been watching it, is not really that fabulous and sometimes downright boring. I am having a hard time appreciating anything American. It all looks cookie-cutter to me. I feel like all teen dramas fall pray to the Riverdale Syndrome of the same template. Other than the fact that Adam Brody (the geeky, sarcastic urban outfitters-clad hottie) is on the show playing Seth Cohen, the show is not really all that new. The Archie resemblance applies to all those American shows. Check this out:

Archie

The all-american boy looking for the special all-american girl.
Beverly Hills, 90210: Jason Priestly
Dawson's Creek: Joshua Jackson
Friends: David Schwimmer
Saved By The Bell: Mark-Paul Gosselaar
The OC: Benjamin McKenzie

Veronica

The rich bitch who is really a great friend deep deep deep inside.

Beverly Hills, 90210: Shanon Doherty (later: Tiffani-Amber Thiessen)
Dawson's Creek: Michelle Williams
Friends: Jennifer Aniston
Saved By The Bell: Tiffani-Amber Thiessen
The OC: Rachel Bilson



Jughead

The geeky best friend who is always the bane of comic relief

Beverly Hills, 90210: Brain Green
Dawson's Creek: James Van Der Beek
Friends: Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow
Saved By The Bell: Dustin Diamond
The OC: Adam Brody



Betty

The undecided doe-eyed virgin.

Beverly Hills, 90210: Tori Spelling
Dawson's Creek: Katie Holmes
Friends: Courtney Cox Arquette
Saved By The Bell: Elizabeth Berkley
The OC: Mischa Barton



Reggie

the jock who everyone hates yet is never out of the picture

Beverly Hills, 90210: Ian Zeiring
Dawson's Creek: John Wesley Shipp
Friends: Matt LeBlanc
Saved By The Bell: Mario Lopez
The OC: Chris Carmack

Music: Sugar Sugar - The Archies