Malory Towers
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Malory Towers
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Malory Towers is a historical drama based on the popular children's book series by Enid Blyton. The show is centered around the lives of students that attend a women's boarding school in Cornwall. It covers themes such as growing up, fitting in, and moving away from home. Darrell Rivers is a likable main character and great role model. She values her friends, and learns to use her temper to stand up for others. The students of Malory Towers discover the importance of building relationships and community to overcome feelings of loneliness. Conflict between students can sometimes result in pushing, slapping, or name calling, but any violence and insults are always reprimanded and characters resolve arguments positively. Even if viewers haven't read the original books, this series can be appreciated by new and lifelong fans alike.
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What's the Story?
Following the end of World War II, Malory Towers is set at a women's boarding school in the English countryside. Darrell Rivers (Ella Bright) is an incoming student who enrolls at Malory Towers after abruptly leaving her last boarding school. She enrolls alongside two other new girls Gwen (Danya Griver) and Sally (Sienna Arif Knights). They all deal with the challenges of moving away from home and navigating their new school. Memories are made and friendships are built with the help of everything from ghost stories, lacrosse games, and beach adventures. While many characters have trouble adapting due to homesickness or exclusion, second chances allow students to find their own home away from home.
Is It Any Good?
This updated adaptation of a classic book series is a worthwhile reintroduction of Blyton's beloved characters to a younger generation. While still set post World War II, Malory Towers improves upon the source material with a more representative and diverse cast. Some of the characters, like Gwen, fall flat as their writing relies on classic cliches like the "spoiled brat" and "mean girl." However, Darrell is a wonderful character who viewers can invest their time in with the satisfaction of watching her personal growth. Even if she's imperfect, Darrell is constantly learning and reflecting on her mistakes. Through adventures on the Cornish seaside and impromptu midnight feasts, the relationships built at Malory Towers include strong and worthwhile depictions of female friendship.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Which other book characters do you enjoy seeing on the screen? Are you ever disappointed in how writers and producers interpret literary characters and their stories? Which ones, in your opinion, deserve a jump to TV or movies?
Families can talk about how change encourages personal growth, the way it does for Darrell in Malory Towers. Kids: Is the idea of change exciting to you, or does it make you nervous? Can you recall a time when a change in your life had a positive effect on you?
Are all these girls good role models? What qualities do your tweens admire in them? Why is it important to identify role models and be inspired by them?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 6, 2020
- Cast: Ella Bright, Sienna Arif Knights, Danya Griver
- Network: BYUtv
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship, History
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: August 10, 2022
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