The youth of a country if well groomed become assets that contribute meaningfully to socio-economic development. The youth can also become a problem to a nation if they exhibit certain lifestyles that burdens the national purse. When these lifestyles are not checked, they lead to teenage pregnancies, drug addicts and a lot of social miscreants.
To ensure that the youth become responsible and well groomed, movies as well as TV series have served as a channel to educate the youth on the consequences of certain behaviors. An example of such TV series is the classic ‘Things we do for love’ by veteran filmmaker Ivan Quashigah. Several years later, a spinoff of ‘Things we do for love’ titled ‘YOLO’, was released to further enlighten the youth on the consequences of some of their lifestyle choices.
‘SOSO’ is a 2023 TV series that also seeks to educate the youth on sexual and reproductive health. Directed by Dromo Apenten, the premiering episode of ‘SOSO’ follows the love story of Eugene played by James K. Wiafe and Marilyn played by Bernice Asiako Prah. In a typical Ghanaian home, you are never truly independent until you finally marry and move in with your wife. This is the case of Eugene and Marilyn.
The Episode one opens on Marilyn replying to messages from her friend and her boyfriend Eugene. Eugene just turned 20 and he is having a birthday party. Marilyn wants to be at the party, but her granny played by the amazing Edinam Atatsi wants her to be in the kitchen helping to cook. Eugene has to also deal with his ex-soldier father (James Clark) if he wants to be able to have his party.
It is time for the party, and Eugene’s friends are there in their numbers. Marilyn has managed to sneak out of the house to the party without her granny knowing. Nana Akua (Regina Selasie Aquah) who is also at the party has feelings for Eugene who is already in a relationship with Marilyn. As usual with guys, Eugene leads Marilyn to his room to get intimate. But Eugene should have known that it is a bad idea to even think of doing that in a ex-soldiers house.
The episode one of ‘SOSO’ ended with a cliffhanger scene, which is a strategy used by most filmmakers to keep the audience in suspense waiting for the next episode. However, the theme of the series is vaguely highlighted in the episode one which is supposed to be the hook for the rest of the episodes. 30 minutes is enough time for the theme of the series to be well stated as the characters are being introduced. A more confident directing would have made the episode one the hook it is intended to be.
Though the acting from especially the youth is not that encouraging, they can be forgiven since probably it is the first project for some of them. Aside the acting flaws, the story also has shallow dialogue and lackadaisical characterization. The hard cuts, and rough transitions coupled with the color grading and color correction flaws make the series difficult to watch.
The few plot twist and conflicts created in the episode one shows that ‘SOSO’ has much drama and thrills to offer in the subsequent episodes. The series definitely deserves your time .
Watch ‘SOSO’ on EBN TV every Saturday at 7:00 pm.
