Some of the best series got off to rocky starts, then found their stride, establishing their mark on popular culture. My favorite example is Parks & Recreations, whose first six mediocre episodes tried to repeat The Office’s formula without success, until, halfway through the second season, it acquired its own personality, ending up as one of the best comedies of recent decades, full of of memorable moments and charming characters.
I’m not saying that That 90’s Show season 2 completely nailed it, but I feel comfortable saying that they’re on the right track, especially the last three or four episodes.
With less reliance on guest appearances from the original cast, That 90’s Show focuses on the new breed of teenage friends trying to enjoy life. If there’s one big credit to be given to the producers of this version, it’s that these characters feel truly new; They are not rehashes of the figures on That 70’s Show, trying to force another “Hyde” or another “Jackie.” That helped me want to get to know them better, and get involved in their adventures, although the humor is still more aimed at modern audiences than those of us who grew up watching the original.
Returning to spend another summer with her grandparents Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty (Debra Joe Rupp), Leia (Callie Haverda) is eager to see her friends, especially her boyfriend Jay Kelso (Mace Coronel), but is still nursing a bit of anxiety over almost kissing Nate (Maxwell Acee Donovan), who is also nursing a bit of guilt over nearly cheating on his girlfriend Gwen (Ashley Aufderheide). Thankfully, the whole thing is resolved quickly and in as vacuous a manner as it usually is on this kind of show, which I was glad for since it’s an overused narrative device and doesn’t have much of an impact for characters we’re just getting to know.
The rest of the episodes go on different adventures, sometimes involving Red and Kitty, but mostly letting the new kids develop their own world. That 90’s Show never made me laugh out loud, but it kept me smiling almost the entire time, basically entertaining, which is the least I ask of anything I watch.
Part of me wishes That 90’s Shows would take as many risks as its counterpart did, but I also understand that it needs to have its own style, so as not to necessarily be accused of being a carbon copy. At least the characters are better written this time around, with better moments to let them shine – my favorites being with Jay and Nate’s friendship. Haverda still doesn’t have enough strength as a protagonist, but her flaws are mostly covered up by having her always around other characters and, to be fair, Leia is being written as a person who things happen to, not someone who makes things happen, and that’s not the actress’ fault. Hopefully they’ll give her more of a chance to present her with more initiative in the future so that, if not at the level of Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Lauera Prepon), she won’t be too far behind them as a main character.
The second season should appeal to those who enjoyed the first, and may even bring back some who weren’t convinced, but it doesn’t do enough to attract those who simply didn’t like it. Let’s see next time.
Podcaster, comedian, film and TV critic, member of the Critics Choice Association, certified Rotten Tomatoes critic, and cat parent. Once as a child I went into a movie theater, and in a way I never left.
