What I liked
The show makes us legitimately fond of an ambitious but hard-pressed teen who stumbles into, then rises to dominate, the street sex worker scene in 1960s San Francisco. The realities of this life are never glossed over, but are woven into a story that emphasizes kindness and the power of community.
Among the show’s strengths are a 60s-esque pop score and a performance by lead Adrianne Owings that balances youthful innocence with determined grit. The supporting cast helps win us over with larger-than-life portrayals that never tread into caricature.
What I didn't like
Real life stories don’t always provide full karmic satisfaction. Jesse undertakes some actions that strain our ability to sympathize with her.
My overall impression
The risky world of prostitutes and pimps backdrops an unexpectedly benevolent Motown-flavored musical, based on a striking real-life autobiography.
