Paper Girls: A Show That Will Leave You Wanting More

Growing Up, Coming of Age, and Navigating Expectations: The Evolution of the Character of Erin in "Paper Girls" and its Resonance with Audiences.

By Mas Moriya

Warning: Some Spoilers Ahead

Are you a fan of science fiction and coming-of-age stories? Are you looking for a show that not only entertains, but also opens important conversations about representation and the experiences of Asian American women? Look no further than “Paper Girls,” the groundbreaking television show that will leave you wanting more. This show will take you on an emotional journey with a group of teenage newspaper delivery girls in the year 1988, who become embroiled in a time-traveling adventure and uncover the mystery of their time-traveling experiences. You will find yourself relating and empathizing with the characters as they navigate their lives, friendships and the expectations of society, all while trying to unravel the mystery.

Logline:
Four young friends' paper routes are disrupted on Hell Day 1988, when they unknowingly time travel to 2019. While searching for a way home, they come face-to-face with their adult selves and learn how to work together to save the world.

While all the leading actors were compelling characters, in this article and the theme of Strong Asian Lead, we’ll only focus on the Asian American lead, Erin.

“Paper Girls” is a television show that tells the story of four teenage newspaper delivery girls in the year 1988, who become embroiled in a time-traveling adventure. The show is based on the graphic novel series of the same name, written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Cliff Chiang. The show, which debuted in 2022, has been praised for its strong female characters and its representation of Asian American women, particularly the character of Erin, played by Riley Lai Nelet and Ali Wong.

The show follows the story of 12-year-old Erin, played by Riley Lai Nelet, who is a bright and ambitious young girl, determined to make something of herself. She is one of the main characters in the show and her story arc is central to the plot. Along with her friends, Mac, KJ, and Tiffany, Erin sets out on a journey to uncover the mystery of their time-traveling experiences and the strange occurrences that are happening in their small town.

Riley Lai Nelet and Ali Wong as Erin.

“Paper Girls” – Amazon Prime Video

Riley Lai Nelet as Erin and Sofia Rosinsky as Mac.

“Paper Girls” – Amazon Prime Video

As the show progresses, we see Erin’s character grow and evolve as she faces the challenges of growing up and coming of age. She is a strong and determined young woman, who is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in. However, the show also explores the more vulnerable side of Erin, as she struggles with the pressures of growing up, fitting in, and dealing with the expectations of her parents and society.

One of the most powerful elements of the show is the portrayal of Erin’s relationship with her 40-year-old self, played by Ali Wong. The scenes between the two Erins are truly heartbreaking as we see the younger Erin trying to make sense of the life that her older self has lived. We see the struggles and the sacrifices that her older self has made and the regrets that she has.
Wong’s portrayal of the older Erin is particularly noteworthy for its nuance and depth. She brings a sense of warmth and vulnerability to the character, making her relatable and easy to empathize with. Her performance is truly a standout in the show and it is clear that she poured a lot of herself into the role.

Riley Lai Nelet, Sofia Rosinsky, Camryn Jones, & Fina Strazza.

“Paper Girls” – Amazon Prime Video

Erin’s storyline, in particular, was one of the most powerful and impactful aspects of the show. Her journey from a young girl to a grown woman, and the relationship between her younger and older selves, was a poignant and emotional experience for audiences. The show’s portrayal of Erin’s relationship with her family and her struggles to reconcile her desires with the expectations placed upon her was relatable and resonated with many viewers.
The show also dealt with important themes such as the importance of female friendship and the power of sisterhood. 

The bond between Erin and her friends, Mac, KJ, and Tiffany, was a highlight of the show and it was inspiring to see young women supporting and uplifting each other in the face of adversity.

Riley Lai Nelet and Ali Wong as Erin.

“Paper Girls” – Amazon Prime Video

Unfortunately, the show was not renewed for a second season, leaving the fans in a state of confusion and frustration. The cliffhanger left audiences wanting more, and it is a shame that we will not get to see the continuation of Erin’s story and the resolution of the mysteries that were presented in the show.

Despite this, “Paper Girls” will always be remembered as one of the most groundbreaking shows with representation of Asian American women on prime time television. It is a show that not only entertained audiences, but also opened important conversations about representation and the experiences of Asian American women. The show’s creators should be commended for their willingness to take risks and tell stories that are not often seen on television.

In conclusion, “Paper Girls” was an incredible show that had a lot to offer audiences of all ages. The show was a direct competitor to “Stranger Things,” but with more Asian American representation and a focus on strong female characters. It is a shame that there will not be a second season, as the show had so much potential and left audiences wanting more. 

 

References:

  1. IMDb: “Paper Girls” https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10623646/
  2. “Riley Lai Nelet.” IMDb,
  3. www.imdb.com/name/nm11605530/.
  4. “Ali Wong.” IMDb, www.imdb.com/name/nm4399227.
  5. “Camyrn Jones.” IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8414653
  6. “Sofia Rosinsky” IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5025909/
  7. “Fina Strazza” IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5025909/