Parents' Guide to This Raging Light

Language

Multiple uses of "f--k," "s--t," "piss," "ass," "douche bag," and more.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Lucille's intense, hormonally charged love for Digby, who shares her feelings but is in a committed relationship, leads to some passionate kissing and, in one scene, Digby's hand under her T-shirt. Also a lot of guilt. Lucille describes a previous episode of eluding a lecherous classmate:

"It was like he had a bomb in his pants that was going to go off and explode the world if he didn't get what he wanted, if I didn't let him touch me. I had to pry myself away that last day, or I would have lost my virginity against a dirty wall, and I wouldn't let him move me to a second location when he said his parents weren't home and we should go there. He promised he wouldn't push me, but I knew better. The brakes don't seem to work so well once you get past a certain point."

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

In one scene, two teens share tequila and a cigarette. Cooking with liquor comes up in conversation, as one adult is a caterer and a kid is obsessed with Food Network.

Violence & Scariness

In a flashback, we learn that Lucille and Wren's current troubles began when their father developed a mental illness and attacked their mother, and Lucille had to physically get between them.

Products & Purchases

Occasional mention of real brands, such as Disneyland, and pop-culture figures such as Frank Sinatra and Mr. Rogers.

Positive Messages

Strong messages about looking out for your loved ones and taking responsibility, no matter who fails you along the way. Also being honorable in your relationships and appreciating the kindness of friends and strangers.

Positive Role Models

Lucille doesn't always make the right decisions, but she has a strong moral compass and is especially determined to protect her little sister, Wren. Though the girls' parents are bogged down in their own troubles and largely absent, the parents and family of Lucille's best friend are helpful, nurturing, and supportive. Mysterious "angels" see to it that the girls have food in the house and take care of them in other ways -- even the boss of the restaurant where Lucille works (in a skimpy outfit) to support herself and Wren turns out to be good.

Educational Value

Lucille is determined to stay in school herself and to keep her sister in school. Two characters ditch school and go to Philadelphia to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Lucille and Eden quote Dylan Thomas and Virginia Woolf.