Kati and I have been watching That 70’s Show. I remember catching a few episodes when it first started, but it didn’t really grab me back then. It’s one of those rare comedies that grow on you, the humor is more gentle than “in your face” type of thing. There is still the odd moment of being “out there” but usually it’s pretty down to Earth.
The characters definitely grow in stature as each season passes. I believe it ran for 8 seasons from 1998 to 2005.
I’m not really sure why the show is set in the 70’s. There is precious little in the way of “period jokes”, other than the occasional appearance of Tommy Chong reprising his 70’s role of “man” from Cheech and Chong days. It could in reality, have been set in any era. Perhaps the producers were originally aiming to make this like an updated version of Happy Days? If so it failed, but that doesn’t make it bad, quite the contrary, if it had been no more than a poor imitation of Happy Days the show would have failed.
The show centers on the lives and relationships of 5 very different kids hanging out at Erics place.
All the characters are very likable, with the exception of Mila Kunis as Jackie who is of course, not meant to be likable.
Kurtwood Smith is magnificent as the dry cynical Red Forman. Although not technically “the star” he is quite the scene stealer.
Danny Masterson is perfect as the 70’s Fonzie type character Hyde.
Topher Grace as Eric Forman, Ashton Kutcher as dipshit Kelso, and Wilmer Valderrama as the foreign kid Fez round the show out brilliantly.
BUT
For me the undisputed star, the be all and end all of the show is the magnificent Laura Prepon as Donna Pinciotti, Erics love interest.
Show? What show??
Oh yeah….Laura and Topher play off each other just perfectly. Watching the show, you feel that they belong together and any moves to change that creates a real feeling of disappointment. A staggering achievement for a mere sit com.
These two should work together again. Maybe a That 70’s Show movie?


