I Ship It

I Ship It is a unique, innovative, and intriguing web series that aired on the CW Seed platform between 2016 to 2019. The show encapsulates the spirit of contemporary culture, touching upon themes like fandom, online communities, romantic aspirations, and the adventurous pursuit of ambition.

The show spans two seasons with a slight shift in the storyline's central focus. The first season, directed by Yulin Kuang and originally released on YouTube, expresses an unabashed love for fandom and geek culture. It features a young woman named Ella, brilliantly played by Mary Kate Wiles, an impassioned fan-fiction writer and all-around pop culture enthusiast. Ella works in a boutique shipping agency by day, but by night, she pens imaginative narratives about her favorite sci-fi television show. This love for all things sci-fi is more than just a hobby - it deeply shapes her understanding of love, relationships, and adventure.

When Ella's boyfriend breaks up with her, she embarks on a whirlwind journey, entering a singing contest along with her best friend, Tim. Their goal is to perform a song about her favorite fictional coupling on the very set of the sci-fi show she adores. The series beautifully weaves in musical elements, adding another dimension to the storyline as Ella and Tim explore their musical talents. The first season of I Ship It is a perfect blend of heartwarming friendship, lively pop music, and a vivacious obsession with fan culture.

The second season brings a twist to the storyline as it transports Ella to an entirely different world. Instead of writing fan fiction in her free time, she is thrust into the role of a production assistant on a TV show, presenting an insider of the showbiz industry. The geeky universe she previously only admired from afar is now her everyday reality. Ella's character steps into a new realm of dream fulfillment, showing development from a fan to an insider in the world that she adored. The second season retains the musical component, with Ella and her co-stars breaking into song at various points in the story, reinforcing the show's core of passion for creativity.

One of the best parts of I Ship It is its depiction of a protagonist who embraces her geeky passions without any hesitation. Ella embodies a female character who unabashedly indulges in her world of fantasy. At the same time, this doesn't mean she's immune to real-world anxieties and emotions. From job worries to relationship troubles, she echoes the genuine ups and downs that many young adults experience. This spot-on characterization adds a level of authenticity to what could have been just another quirky comedy-drama.

Another notable aspect of the series is its portrayal of the fan culture, the concept of 'shipping,' which is rooting for two characters to get together in a romantic relationship. It communicates the role of fan fiction as an expression of creativity and an avenue to imagine alternatives improbable in a show's given structure. The show makes viewers think about the power of fandom, inviting them to reassess their notions of what constitutes valid art and storytelling.

I Ship It captures the essence of friendship and human connection and seamlessly integrates it with the theme of pursuing one's dreams. It does not hesitate to acknowledge and celebrate the wildly inventive and passionate realm of fandom communities, while also asking questions about what's real and what's fantasy. The show is poignant and refreshing in its approach to creating a narrative that resonates with young adults and fan culture enthusiasts.

In conclusion, I Ship It is a delightful exploration of fandom culture that does not shy away from celebrating 'geekiness.' Its unique storyline, engaging characters, and the underlying whimsicality of the showbiz industry sprinkled with musical flair make it a must-watch for all those who enjoy a light-hearted, music-filled romantic comedy where dreams do come true.