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Ringer
By Kari Croop,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Troubled twin sisters serve as doubly iffy role models.
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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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Based on 1 parent review
so far so great
What's the Story?
On the run from a dangerous gangster after witnessing a murder out West, recovering addict Bridget (Sarah Michelle Gellar) swaps identities with her estranged twin sister, Siobhan (also Gellar), a dead RINGER who lives in the lap of luxury in East Hampton -- and mysteriously disappears in an apparent suicide at sea. But taking on Siobhan's cushy life proves far more complicated than Bridget ever imagined.
Is It Any Good?
Aside from a few scattered guest spots over the years, Gellar hasn't really been on television since her cult hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended in 2003. But while Buffy fans might flock to the CW to see Gellar back on the air in this grown-up drama, they might not like what they see when they get there. For one thing ... there's a noticeable lack of vampires.
For those who are sick of the supernatural, however, Ringer has some other things worth tuning in for, including a reasonably well-paced suspense plot and some pretty effective cliffhangers. What it doesn't have is a female lead who feels fully believable -- a significant problem considering that Gellar's pulling double duty.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of duality and the ways in which the show reinforces that theme. What types of visual cues do you see on screen, from mirrors to window reflections, that drive home the idea of seeing double? Why is that theme so important here?
Why are twins so compelling as a creative concept, whether it be in books (such as the Sweet Valley High series), on television (with shows like Sister, Sister), or in movies (like The Parent Trap)? Who are some of your favorite sets of twins in the media?
What are the real-life consequences of drug use and abuse? How accurately does the show portray the life of a recovering addict?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 13, 2011
- Cast: Ioan Gruffudd , Kristoffer Polaha , Sarah Michelle Gellar
- Network: CW
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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