The nineties are bigger than ever now, and the fan base for “Boy Meets World” is as passionate as it’s ever been. Years after ending on ABC in America, “Boy Meets World” has lived on as a fan favorite, so a revival only made sense. Rather than creating a new series and calling it “Girl Meets World,” though, Disney actually puts forth enormous effort. “Girl Meets World” works as a spin off, sequel, and reboot of the original series, and the producers have re-cast almost all of the original stars of the hit series, right down to Mr. Feeny. It’s a new generation though, so “Girl Meets World” is about Corey and Topanga’s daughter Riley finding herself, as Corey and wife Topanga pass on the baton to their oldest daughter, allowing her to find her own path in the world Corey once “met.”
“Girl Meets World” sets down on Corey and Topanga’s oldest child Riley, a rambunctious and very enthusiastic young girl who garners shades of her mom and dad quite often. Corey and Topanga now live in New York with Riley and their youngest son Auggie, who is in the pilot mainly for cute points. I hope he evolves beyond cute one-liners. Corey is now a teacher in middle school and is tasked with teaching Riley and her best friend Maya. Ironically, Corey is a history teacher watching history basically repeat itself as Riley is a high strung if intelligent young girl, while Maya is more reckless and rebellious, prompting definite parallels to Corey’s relationship with his best friend Shaun. Most of the pilot revolves around establishing the new premise, and promising that the series is most definitely apart of the “Boy Meets World” canon. There are references and visual nods to the original series, while Corey and Topanga have kept their charms and personalities in tact.
Topanga is an easy going mother, while Corey is still very high strung and doting, and is anxiously trying to keep up with Riley and her search for her own identity. Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel are back in their respective roles, never missing a beat as the characters that helped them win over audiences in the nineties. Savage is especially funny as a doting dad struggling to keep his role as teacher and father separate. Rowan Blanchard is well cast, prompting a few laughs, and could potentially carve Riley as an compelling aspect of Corey and Topanga’s life, if the writers break her out of the straight man mold and allow her to be much wackier. Sabrina Carpenter is definitely going to supply friction and difficulty in Riley’s life, and they have a great chemistry that we saw with Savage and Rider Strong. I’m not sure how I feel about Farkle or Lucas yet, but they could play out as entertaining elements in an already lively sitcom.
Nostalgic fans of the original show won’t find much to mine from the stories and comedic situations, but you have to at least be glad Disney didn’t just lazily remake the original show. I can’t think of anyone charming enough to replace Ben Savage, quite honestly. With “Girl Meets World,” Savage and Fishel are supporting characters, there to act as obstacles and mentors for Riley’s own journey in to adulthood, so if you’re expecting a sitcom about adult Corey and Topanga, you’re plum out of luck. That said, “Girl Meets World” is a fun and energetic continuation of the series, with a very touching final scene in the pilot. It may not go on for eight seasons since Disney only allows four seasons for their series, but if the writers balance nostalgia and characterization well, I’ll definitely re-visit “Girl Meets World” when it officially premieres July 11th.