‘Me’ Recap: ‘Pilot’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Lucian-River Chauhan in "Me," now streaming on Apple TV+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Me’.
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If there is one particular truth about growing up that everyone can agree upon, it would have to be… it’s hard. Because we struggle to be heard as kids and teens, and we are of course, at the precipice of so much in our teenage years. Wherein we find ourselves pressured to understand who we are and who we should be and that makes for tough days and tough nights as well. Not to mention, when we hit those teenage years, we deal with unpleasant surprises through bullies and other such nonsense and going through so much turmoil often tends to prompt us to do our best to escape and think upon a life not so stressful.

Often, by fantasizing about becoming someone else. Wherein we can envision a life where we are free from the stresses of finding our own path or searching for an identity, and that oddly brings us peace if only for a little while. For we always return to our regular lives and the lumps that await, but our imagination cannot help but wonder again and again, what would happen if we did indeed become someone else. Because there is a real enticing nature to escaping into the identity of another soul and well, it just so happens that the new series, Me, on Apple TV+ explores just that, and that makes the show’s ‘Pilot’ episode quite powerful in nature.

Simply because it informs us that such a gift, would be a potential curse. A feat that it accomplishes by plunging us into the life of a teenager named Ben who truly is dealing with a lot. For his family is now blended and he has a stepsister named Alex, and that is a lot to process. Not to mention, school is staring to be quite the pain. Simply because there are bullies galore and he is just trying to keep his head above water and that of course… brings forth the surprise in question. For Ben needs that sense of escape, and harbors that want to not be Ben, but be someone else, and he outright gets his wish. Because one fine morning, he wakes up wearing the face of a friend.

Which is the moment that we learn that being someone else, and walking in their shoes, would not be all that it is cracked up to be. Because just like that, Ben is no longer allowed in his own home, and his parents are immediately worried as to what has happened to him. Which leaves him alone, nervous, and worried and of course, full of questions regarding how on earth such a surprise happened. Because he has no immediate control over this newfound power and hasn’t a clue how to switch back and be the person he once was. Granted eventually, Ben returns to the face he knows and deeply loves but is fundamentally changed.

All of which sets up, a stunning season of storytelling. One that is deeply layered in nature. Since clearly, a story about a teenager that can shapeshift, will dive deep into themes about what it means to come of age, what it means to be one’s authentic self. And we will enjoy such messages courtesy of amazing writing, courtesy of Barry L. Levy and his team. Amazing performances from Lucian-River Chauhan and Abigail Pniowsky who play Ben and Max and some slick direction from Michael Dowse. Who provides this story with a unique look and feel and of course, brings out those performances and brings the words together in a manner that is compelling and engaging. If anything, this is a perfect pilot. One that truly immerses us in this world and a journey that we must see to its end, to know if Ben can find himself or if he will be lost in a fantasy that clearly should never come true. Until next time.

To learn more about the creation of this show and its themes, please visit our interview with Showrunner/Creator, Barry L. Levy, and Cast Members Lucian-River Chauhan and Abigail Pniowsky.

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