Dazed and Confused in the TV Heartland
By Lee Tarver
Posted on Arizona Reporter: Friday October 23, 1998 6:15 pm MST
First,
there were ‘50s shows in the ‘70s (Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley). Now, there’s a ‘70s show in the ‘90s called, appropriately, That ‘70s Show. The only thing those classic sit-coms
have in common with this new FOX
entry is the location -- Wisconsin, the heart of America.
Reminiscent of the 1993 movie Dazed and Confused, That ‘70s Show spotlights that oft-ridiculed mid-‘70s era of peace sign necklaces, bad haircuts, and 8-track tapes. Like the film, this Sunday night TV comedy involves a group of high school students on the verge of graduating and going out into the world to find the meaning of life. They live their last few days of no responsibilities with both inquisitiveness and passion, all the while dreading when Mom and Dad are next going to embarrass them.
Seventeen-year-old Eric Forman (Topher Grace) spends his Saturday nights with his friends in the basement of his parents’ house discussing everything from the oil crisis to the absurdity of The Brady Bunch. Eric is clearly smitten with his next door neighbor and childhood friend Donna (Laura Prepon), a redheaded beauty who seems to share his infatuation. Eric’s best friend, Hyde (Danny Masterson), is constantly questioning authority and incites the others to protest when President Ford pays a visit to their Wisconsin hamlet.
The tall, dark and handsome Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) disproves that old stereotype about blonde’s intelligence quotient. He is so inept that he can't even break up with his domineering girlfriend Jackie (Mila Kunis), whom everyone finds annoying. Rounding out the group is Fez (Wilmer Valderrama), a Middle East exchange student who unintentionally creates the biggest belly laughs as a result of his misinterpretation of American lingo.
While these teens are at the center of That ‘70s Show, it’s the parents that steal the scenes whenever they’re on camera. Eric’s mom, Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp), is probably the most entertaining character on the program. Her chirpy disposition and willingness to hand out mindless advice beautifully contrasts her denial of her son’s escapades. Kitty’s husband, Red (Kurtwood Smith, that tyrannical father from Dead Poets Society), is much worldlier and disciplinary but nonetheless understanding of Eric’s intentions. . . .
Donna’s parents are the epitome of uncool, always trying the latest
fashions and attempting to relate to their daughter and her friends with misused teen slang. Her dad, Bob (Don
Stark), has an obsession with his hair, which looks like a poodle sitting
on his head Donna’s mom, Midge
(ironically enough, past Charlie’s Angel Tanya Roberts), is built like a ton of bricks and always ready to shake her "groove thing."The farcical appeal of That ‘70s Show doesn’t end there. There are scenes of avocado-colored kitchen chat, cigarette lighter-adorned rock concerts, and cruising around town in a gas-guzzling monster called the Vista Cruiser. And let’s not forget that funky disco music! Does anyone even remember how to do The Hustle? On That ‘70s Show, they certainly try their best at an "adults only" party where Eric sneaks a few beers away for his buds.
The cherry on the top is that infamous yellow smiling face that eventually made everyone gag to death. It pops up between scenes as a segue and reminds us all that we’re lucky to be living in the here and now and can laugh at the then. If that isn’t a good enough reason to tune into That ‘70s Show, then you better check to see that your funny bone is working properly
Produced by the masterminds behind 3rd Rock From The Sun and written by the people who brought us Wayne’s World and The Brady Bunch Movie, That ‘70s Show has been hailed by TV Guide as one their favorites for the new Fall season. The attention to detail by its creators is unmistakably the force that drives That ‘70s Show. This bygone-era artistry can even be felt in the theme song "Hangin’ Out." Adapted from the song "In the Street" by former Box Tops frontman Alex Chilton, this hard rock tune makes you want to put on some bell-bottoms and crank up the volume!
Also give some credit to the heads of programming at FOX Television. Juxtaposing That ‘70s Show between the highly rated Simpsons and the cult classic The X-Files was an act of brilliance. What other network currently has such a successful Sunday night line-up? You get wacky animation, hilarious nostalgia, and sci-fi drama all served up in a veritable smorgasbord of eye candy. It makes for a nice finale to the weekend and a way to temporarily stave off an impending painful reality -- having to go to work on Monday morning.
