Prime Video's new prequel series, 'Elle,' which explores the formative years of Elle Woods, has drawn criticism for largely retreading narrative ground already covered in the beloved 2001 film 'Legally Blonde.' The show, starring newcomer Lexi Minetree as a teenage Elle, attempts to chart the character's journey as she navigates a move from Bel Air to Seattle in the mid-1990s, grappling with the unfamiliar grunge and counterculture scene.
The premise centers on a pampered protagonist uprooted from her comfortable life, a concept that aligns with classic 'fish out of water' narratives. However, critics argue that this setup feels redundant, as 'Legally Blonde' itself showcased Elle Woods as an outsider finding her way in a new environment at Harvard Law School.
A Familiar Narrative Arc
A significant point of contention is the perceived rehashing of key plot elements. Episode 3, "You're Not the Girl I Thought You Were," features a scene where Elle attends a pool party in a bright pink bikini, only to find the pool being used for skateboarding by local teens. This scenario mirrors an almost identical event in 'Legally Blonde,' where Elle arrives at a Halloween party in a Playboy bunny costume and is met with judgment from her peers.
While the series uses these moments to depict Elle's realization that she must embrace her authentic self, the repetition has been seen as undermining the original film's portrayal of her growth and intelligence. The original 'Legally Blonde' highlighted Elle's resilience and ability to overcome adversity without compromising her values, suggesting she was not someone who would repeatedly make the same mistakes or misjudgments.
Critics suggest that the prequel's narrative choices weaken the established character arc from the original film. The series' premise, placing a younger Elle in a situation that mirrors her later struggles, raises questions about its necessity and contribution to the character's overall development. The notion of Elle Woods experiencing the same type of isolation and adversity years before the events of the film, without any apparent lasting impact on her character, has been described as "head-scratching."
Doubts About Creative Intent
The series' creators have been questioned for not exploring new narrative avenues or adding depth to the established character. Instead, the approach of directly mirroring plot points from 'Legally Blonde' has led to speculation that the show prioritizes extending content over preserving the integrity of the original material. While Minetree's performance has been noted positively, the fundamental narrative structure of 'Elle' has left many feeling that the character of Elle Woods deserved a more original and impactful prequel.