Wish fulfillment

By Casey Gillis

Published: September 3, 2008

I’d kind of like to be Megan Smith, the main character in the new CW series “Privileged.”

Sure, there are a few downsides to her new job as the tutor for a pair of spoiled Palm Beach socialites. But the perks - a hefty weekly salary, unlimited access to a sleek convertible, invites to swanky parties - far outweigh them.

And did I mention that if Yale grad Megan (JoAnna Garcia) succeeds in getting her two charges into their college of choice, their cosmetics mogul grandmother (Anne Archer) will pay off all of her student loans?

Sign me up.

That’s really the appeal of this series: wish fulfillment.

It’s fun to watch a seemingly normal gal enter this new, lavish lifestyle. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that she’s got a cute new neighbor, Will (Brian Hallisay), who you just know is going to fall for her eventually.

A classic fish-out-of-water tale, Megan’s plight is similar to that of Ryan on “The O.C.,” Dan on “Gossip Girl” or even Brenda and Brandon on the original “Beverly Hills, 90210.”

Like Ryan and Dan, Megan is a likeable lead character. She’s a little klutzy and awkward and has the tendency to put her foot in her mouth (“It’s like I have Tourette’s,” she says after one faux pas).

You’ll warm up quickly to the grandmother, Laurel, and her personal chef, Marco (keep an eye out for an amusing exchange between Marco and Megan the first time she meets Will). But it’ll take a little longer with bratty sisters Rose and Sage.

“Privileged” isn’t exactly must-see-TV for this couch potato, but it’s still worth checking in on from time to time.

When not in front of the TV, Gillis can be contacted at 385-5525 or .