Yesterday “The Hills” made its debut on MTV. The new teen ‘reality’ drama features “Laguna Beach” alum L.C., aka Lauren Conrad, (best known as the arch-rival of Kristin Cavallari), and her move from one beach to another. Laguna Beach to Los Angeles, that is. It’s usually tough to stomach a group of spoiled rich kids who face such life problems as which designer bag best matches their designer dresses, but “The Hills” draws you in, if only to watch rich kids mature and live ‘normal’ lives.

Surprisingly, “The Hills” opens with a more established Lauren seeking life beyond the “Beach”, and exploring possibilities for her future, instead of exploring her tan lines. She is now a college student, with aspirations of working in the fashion industry, specifically fashion magazines. Lauren seems more focused on her future, despite her wealth. Heidi, her best friend/roommate, however is scatterbrained and immature, with plans for the future that include working in public relations solely to attend cool parties and have lots of fun.

Lauren lands a highly coveted internship at Teen Vogue – not due to her experience, (which is what they say they usually look for), but because of her “potential” – in other words, her Laguna Beach fame translated into grounds for her hiring. Her boss and others at the mag are reminiscent of the Anna Wintour–themed titular character in “The Devil Wears Prada” – icily barking orders at the interns, superficially making–over their outfits, and torturously putting them to work as guards of the VIP section at an industry party. Lauren demonstrates the struggles of being on the other side of the velvet rope, as she sneaks her friends in the party, but can’t chill with them, and has to regulate when they convene in the exclusive VIP section. “The Devil” is not pleased with Lauren’s behavior, or her childish non-celebrity friends, and promises a tongue–lashing come Monday.

“The Hills” promises to be yet another show detailing the lives of quasi – celebs who live like A–listers, and the magnificent parties they attend, the luxurious material possesions they own, and the frivolous problems they encounter. If you thrive on watching vain television that taunts and teases you with the fabulous lives of celebrities, then “The Hills” is your destination.


Watch LC in Laguna Beach: