Oh yeah, true fashion confession…
I wore Earth Shoes.
I strongly disagree. I thought That '80s Show was terrific for what it was: a summer replacement series.
Usually, a summer series is actually the first seven episodes of a show that was pulled from the previous fall’s lineup, and when you watch them, you can see why they were pulled. There’s usually the impression that the creators planned to develop the show over time, but due to weak performers or a weak premise, there’s just nothing to develop.
’80s Show, however, was like a mini-series in itself. They just pulled out all the stops for seven episodes, and didn’t even pretend to have depth. It was actually more like sketch comedy, if every sketch had the same characters, rather than a show with character development and continuity, like Seinfeld or Frasier.
But I was okay with that. I died laughing at some scenes, like the main character’s sister couch-dancing while drinking wine coolers, or the friend whose parachute pants keep making him slide off his own, leather, couch. And I thought some of the actors’ mannerisms were inspired, like the sister’s relentless chirpiness. Or the bit in the final episode, where the evil-blonde character shows up to the main character’s house in tears, devastated because her sister is getting married. As she tells the other women, “She’s juzt doing thiz to spite me…” Half a beat, then, “…THE BITJH!” Not a typo there. You just have to hear how she spews the word out with lugubrious venom, while still keeping that sultry topnote.
I’m sure the creators had the lingering hope that the series would be picked up for a full season. But if they had, they would have been worse off, because there’s no way they could have expanded on what they already did. No matter. They have nothing to be ashamed of, IMO. They put on a funny show. Not a groundbreaker, not a rival for The Simpsons, not a ten-season ratings machine; just a funny show.
I recently saw the episode where it’s Hyde’s 18th birthday, they have a party for him and he refused to go, and Kitty sends Red to go get him. Red comes in and basically said “Get in the car”, Hyde refusing, saying he doesn’t want to go, at which point Red explains to him, “This is your 18th birthday, you’re a man now. 95% of your adult life will be comprised of crap you really don’t want to do. Welcome to adulthood. Now get in the car”.
Hilarious…Red’s by far my favorite character.
Except that it wasn’t a summer replacement or a seven-episode mini-series.
As you can see from this episode quide, it debuted as a midseason replacement on January 30, 2002 and lasted thirteen episodes - a normal half-season - before they put it out of its misery.
Yes, there really is an episode quide for everything somewhere on the Internet.
“That 80’s Show” was obviously doomed, since they cast Chyler Leigh in it. Forget the scripts; it was Chyler’s fault. Chlyer Leigh is the Typhoid Mary of television programs. Her resume:
Girls club (2002) - Cancelled after two episodes despite heavy promotion; among the most spectacular bombs in TV history.
That 80’s Show (2002) - Cancelled after thirteen episodes.
Wilder Days (2000) - I can’t find any info about this at all beyond the most passing mentions. Which isn’t a good sign.
Saving Graces (1999) - So named because the two lead characters, including Ms. Leigh’s, were named Grace. Yecch. No info on this either, I think it may have been an overseas production.
Safe Harbor (1999) - Yet another show that sank without a trace.
Kinetic City Super Crew (1997) - Well, just look at the title and ask yourself how it did.
Now she has appeared in “The Practice,” which, I assume, will be cancelled after this season.
I have no idea how this woman keeps getting starring TV roles.
She’s gorgeous behind all comprehension. That’s how.
D’oh! You’re right: there were 13 episodes, and it did start midseason.
Still. I liked it.
Don’t knock on Chyler, she looked HOT as an 80’s punk!
Ummm well actually if you watch at the beginning, the license plate will tell you what year it is.
Would their slogan be “Bring out the Best and bring out the Hellmann’s?” It would only make sense, seeing what the slogan is on the east coast.
[sub]This is joke/sarcasm[/sub]
I too hate Adam Sandler but enjoy That 70s Show. And Red is definitely the best.
I cannot stand Sandler, but I do watch That 70s Show. Wilmer Vandercamp, who plays Fez, is a very talented actor who can sing and dance. He will be on Broadway some day.
Wilmer Valderrama, that is. He’s dreamy. And I thought I was the only person alive who would take Topher Grace over Ashton Kucher.
Well, for those of you who don’t find the show funny, all I can say is too bad for you. I laugh until tears stream down my face watching it.