Every Tuesday night, I enter a time warp and travel back to the ’70’s. To a time where love bugs, bell-bottoms and marijuana were commonplace. I am a teen struggling with typical teenage problems, including love, friendship, and parents. For just a brief time, I am immersed in this ’70’s world, one of which I have no memories.
Bringing us this reminiscent interlude is the Fox Network with its television series, “That 70’s Show.” Created by the producers of “Saturday Night Live,” the show is in its second season, originating in 1998. The show airs Tuesday nights at 8:30 and is another success in the string of popular series presented by Fox.
Set in the 1970s, the show revolves around a young teen named Eric Foreman, played by Topher Grace, and his wacky family and friends. Much like the youth of today, he faces problems involving love and talking to his parents. But this alone is not enough to make a successful series. Combine this with “SNL” comedy, superb acting, realistic costumes and hilarious antics and the hits just keep rolling.
Eric’s mother Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp), embodies the vision of a ’70s mom. With her quirky laugh and overbearing, but sweet behavior, she adds life to their family. Head of the household, Red Foreman (Kurtwood Smith), plays the typical bread winning, middle class father from 30 years ago.
Like most typical teens, Eric prefers to spend his time with his friends, instead of his parents, hanging out in the basement-converted den. He has a girlfriend named Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon.)
Her family life is not quite as well rounded, as she struggles with parents who are a little too open minded for their own good. Her parents, Midge and Bob, have decided to date other people, yet remain married and in the same house. Sound a little off? Try a disco king next door neighbor who can barely speak English.
Stealing the show is one of Eric’s closest friends, Fez (Wilmer Valderama.) This disco dancing fool with a thick accent is usually unaware that his ways cause such a hilarious good time. It’s Fonzi meets Goofy and the show would not be the same without him.
After a long line of successful series such as “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Party of Five,” the Fox network still does not let us down. This is the first comedy show since “In Living Color” that actually makes me laugh.
For those of us who don’t remember the 1970’s, we can experience it for the first time, and in a positive family situation to boot. And for those that do remember the ’70’s, you can relive the past and all your troublesome teenage years. That is, as close as you can get to the actual experience. “That 70s Show” is wickedly entertaining and I can’t seem to wait week after week to see another episode.
