Erin isn’t the only member of the gang destined to learn hard truths about what lies in store for her, as she’s joined by Mac (Sofia Rosinsky), Tiffany (Camryn Jones) and KJ (Fina Strazza), who are all dealing with different adolescent challenges and the strange, sometimes inexplicable feelings that go with them.
At the same time, the girls are seeking help to find their way back to the ’80s, which is where “Paper Girls” grows increasingly confusing, as they get drawn further into a conflict they don’t entirely understand — a sentiment, frankly, that an audience unfamiliar with the comics is likely to share.
It’s a talented young cast, and the dizzying time-travel twist asks what it would be like to meet your past (or future) self. Beyond the adult Erin, nicely played by Wong in a more dramatic turn, their adult allies include Larry (Nate Corddry), while being pursued by a ruthless representative of the rival faction (Adina Porter).
Misgivings aside, this Amazon series arrives with sizable ambitions, including a first-season ending that makes clear this isn’t intended to be the end of the story.
As for whether that serialized approach will catch on, stranger things have happened (and indeed did). But thus far, “Paper Girls” doesn’t prove distinctive enough to feel worthy of renewing its subscription.
“Paper Girls” premieres July 29 on Amazon.
