The Secret Life of the American Teenager Review: The Aftermath

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When a show is on hiatus for a long time, it's important to refresh everyone's memory with the premiere, while still moving the story forward. I think The Secret Life of the American Teenager did a great job in "Smokin' Like A Virgin" of treating us to the aftermath of the big lake party

Unfortunately, due to Ashley's irritating reappearance and a few really unrealistic plotlines, I couldn't bring myself to give this episode a perfect 5 star rating. I'm sorry but I'm not sure there is a character on TV who irritates me as much as Ashley Juergens. Not even Simone from Switched at Birth.

Ashley has a paltry arc, her snark isn't even enjoyable anymore and she is just a downright misery to watch. Sorry, but I'm not sorry for wishing she'd stayed in Florida.

Secret Life Season 5 Premiere Pic

Okay, onto everything else I'd so much rather talk about! First of all, it is NOT weird to want a long engagement, especially at 17 years old. Why are George and Nora rushing Amy and Ricky down the aisle? Do they watch Teen Mom? Let the girl finish high school, jeez. At least Ann has some sense. 

Also, let's not pretend that Amy just wanted a "ring." She wanted what the ring symbolized and that was a promise. I don't think Amy has ever been a golddigger or a competitive girl who just wants to get married because all her friends are (let's talk in 10 years). It's also not like Ricky slipped some Kim Kardashian sized Harry Winston sparkler on Amy's finger. It's not about the material ring! 

I think if everyone would stop interfering with their lives, Amy and Ricky could happily make their own decisions. It's when people are in their ears that things get complicated. 

Ben was happy for a hot minute in this episode until he found out his best friend had sex with his almost ex-wife. Ex or not, you just do not go there. Sure, Henry seemed remorseful, but Ben is allowed to take some time to be angry. Then, we have Lauren and Madison. Not only does Madison have a huge set of cajones to sleep with her best friend's boyfriend, but to show up at her house after looking like a sad puppy? Bitch, no one feels bad for you!

Y'all know that Madison is another person on Secret Life that I've just never been a fan of. She and Lauren have always been so gossipy and annoying, but Lauren I have really warmed too. Plus, I truly feel for her, what an awful betrayal from her best friend.

Back to Ben's happiness, this girl Dylan is a red flag. Stage 5 clinger alert! Meeting a guy and having one date does not make him your boyfriend. But I'll give her the benefit of the doubt because she's a teenager and hasn't been jaded by a bunch of failed relationships. While I think it was nuts that she showed up at Ben' door after he last minute cancelled, I think it also shows some chutzpah and Ben seemed to dig it. 

Her friends are not a good influence it seems. Leave it to Secret Life to make it a huge deal about a little pot smoking. This girl seems so innocent but she's lighting up joints, how's that for an oxymoron? How is that even possible with her parents on her ass every second! Shout out to The Facts of Life cameo with Mindy Cohn as Dylan's mom!

I love seeing Grace and Jack together. I am rooting for these two to get back together. She halfheartedly admitted that maybe she does still love him, so I wish she would just stop being so fickle. Good thing she has Adrian to remind her of this fact. I would definitely like to see these two together as roommates. Adrian's cray cray but she's open and honest about it.

So what did you guys think of the premiere of The Secret Life of the American Teenager? Were you happy to see Ashley back? Do you feel like the episode did a good job of bringing everyone up to speed? Don't forget to check out our favorite Secret Life quotes from this week and weigh in on your favorite comments! 

Smokin' Like A Virgin Review

Editor Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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Rating: 3.0 / 5.0 (83 Votes)
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The Secret Life of the American Teenager Season 4 Episode 14 Quotes

Amy [pointing to her ring]: Thank you for this.
Ricky: Thank you for saying yes.

She's a redhead. I love redheads.

Ben