Twelve Forever Review: Pilot Episode

Alright where to begin.
Seeing as this is a pilot episode, there really isn't as much to talk about. Everything was forced and rushed as they tried to take the plot of a full twenty minute episode and squeeze it into about eight. I'll admit, they did a pretty decent job. But my very first critique has to be the plot itself. Entirely way too complex for eight short minutes. On top of that, we get no background on anything, we're just plunged into this world that we know nothing about, Party Island. There are a few lines that kind of explain it, such as "I do enjoy the occasional journey into your subconscious" and "(The love for Twelve is real.) It better be. I made these guys up." It wouldn't be as big a deal if the island itself wasn't so...babyish. It just feels like another island made for small children to bounce around and opening up a little bit of background on it would make more sense.
Also, the main character herself, is only referred to as Twelve. During the actual series, she's clearly called Reggie, but not once is this name mentioned. Although, the twelve thing is clever. It very well illustrates her fear of growing up. One thing I wasn't clear on, was whether she just struggled to fit in with her quickly maturing classmates and gave up, or if she just has a crippling fear of adulthood that stunts her thinking and growth. Because, man, is she impulsive and dumb. It almost bothered me how often she just refused obvious attempts of help in favor of taking care of it herself. Which, could sound like an adult thing, but I feel it's more childish to refuse to admit when you need help.
And, the giant mom Shane thing was a really good bit. Easy to dive into. Earlier on, Twelve makes the dumb decision of pouring a growth serum on baby Tristan. Shane gets upset and yells at her for not thinking. This hits some sort of soft spot in Twelve and she yells back, "You sound like my mom!" So not only does Twelve never want to be an adult, but she clearly has issues listening to adults as well. However, after her many attempts to try to solve the issue on her own, Shane tells her to turn him into a giant mom. Reflecting on his comment, "Well, sometimes moms know what's up!" After the giant mother comforts the baby and returns him to normal, Twelve finds herself apologizing to Shane and even calling him cool.
That particular apology moment could be seen two ways. One, she's starting to understand the importance of maturity and slowing down to think. Shane is painted as a very down to earth, thoughtful, quieter kid. Clearly much more mature than Twelve. In the beginning of the episode, she's blindly bashing kids who are growing up faster. And by the end, she's able to see the benefits of growing up and finally appreciates them.
Two, she's thanking her mother for trying to guide her. Shane in that moment could easily represent her mother, who she clearly has a problem with. It doesn't sound like anything abusive--though I could be wrong--but the situation more of screams "older mother with a growing and rowdy kid."And if Twelve really is that kid, then it's very unlikely she's thanked her for her guidance in years.