The new prequel series Elle, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, revisits the glitzy world of future lawyer Elle Woods from the 2001 film Legally Blonde. While the show is appropriately pink and sparkly, it ultimately misses the mark, according to TV reporter Charlotte Minter.
Characters More Developed but Arc Too Familiar
The main characters are arguably more developed than in the original film, a benefit of having eight episodes instead of two hours. However, the character arc for Elle feels too similar to the movie, lacking uniqueness to justify being a prequel. In season one, Elle discovers her family is moving from Los Angeles to Seattle after her father Wyatt (Tom Everett Scott) botches a nose job. Her dad is portrayed as more Phil Dunphy-esque than the two-dimensional dad from the original screenplay. The two cities offer contrasting vibes, forcing Elle to adapt to more plaid and fewer frills.
Critics worried that if Elle evolved too much in the series, she would be a far cry from the superficial character at the start of the film. Indeed, Elle follows a similar fish-out-of-water trajectory, shifting from caring about appearance and reputation to valuing community and authenticity. While this growth is lovely, it happens too early in her life, raising questions about what could derail her in a potential second season. Will there be a clumsy regression to align with the film, or is the series meant as an abstract take on the pink universe?
Parallel Moments Connect Series to Film
Some parallel moments smartly link the series to the film. In episode three, Elle arrives at a party in the wrong attire, mirroring the movie moment when Vivian (Selma Blair) tricks her into wearing a costume. Watching the series and film back-to-back reveals significant personal development: in the series, Elle reacts with embarrassment and a desire to hide, while in the film she flips out at her ex-boyfriend’s fiancée. This reaction now makes sense, as Elle has felt like an outsider before and won’t let herself feel shame again, learning from new classmate Liz (Gabrielle Policano), who doesn't care what others think.
After watching the series, Minter felt proud of Elle's growth in confidence, one of the show's best aspects. However, in terms of saying something new, the series falls short. It offers a glossy revisit to the Legally Blonde franchise with a fantastic cast, including the late James Van Der Beek, and fun shoutouts like pink-scented paper. But it doesn't say enough that is new and fails to be iconic like the sugary film.
Cast and Creators Deliver but Miss Originality
The 25-year-old actress Lexi plays Elle with depth, comedic timing, and the soft but assertive traits that make the character lovable. Creator Laura Kittrell and executive producers, including Reese Witherspoon, have made a good attempt. Elle is undoubtedly Legally Blonde for a younger generation, but for those obsessed with the film, it might not hit the spot.
Elle is available to watch on Prime Video from July 1.
