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Retro Television:
Christine's televised trip down memory lane...
I've always liked watching television, whether it's for entertainment, news, or something to do to pass the time. But when I was younger, it was a little different. Since I wasn't allowed to have an active social life, television became my source of escape. It also taught me many things that, unfortunately, I wouldn't have learned elsewhere. As soon as I came out of the womb I was attached to the remote control, and will probably be buried with a television set when I die (hopefully a plasma screen - those are pretty).
"Perfect Strangers" (1986 - 1993) Starring: Mark Linn-Baker, Bronson Pinchot, Rebeca Arthur, Melanie Wilson, Jo Marie Payton-Noble
Network: ABC
Juicy Tidbits: Balki was from a mythical country called Mypos.
Where Are They Now?: Mark Linn-Baker can be seen in the soon-to-be-cancelled "Twins," while Bronson Pinchot is shedding his naive persona by doing a stint on "The Surreal Life." Jo Marie Payton-Noble, who guest-starred as Harriet Winslow for two seasons, got a nifty spin-off deal starring with America's favourite nerd, Steve Urkel.
Christine Remembers: Two cousins who lived together and dated best friends - this sitcom was the epitome of 80's cheesiness, and yet I never missed an episode. Larry was the straight-laced, high-strung cousin, while Balki was the naďve, easy-going one. Every week, it was your typical misunderstanding/cultural clash sitcom fare, but I liked it because it managed to make me laugh with it, not at it."Degrassi Junior High/Degrassi High" (1987 - 1990)
Starring: Pat Mastroianni, Stefan Brogren, Stacie Mistysyn, Amanda Stepto
Network: CBC
Juicy Tidbits: There is a street in east Toronto called Degrassi, but most of the exterior school and neighbourhood shots were filmed across town in Mimico.
Where Are They Now?: All of the cast mentioned above can now be seen in the resurrected "Degrassi: The Next Generation."
Christine Remembers: If you're Canadian, chances are that you've seen or heard of this show before. Set in a fictional junior high school, it followed the lives of an ensemble of prepubescent kids as they dealt with the usual growing pains. But unlike Hollywood versions of "growing up," "Degrassi" dealt with these issues in a candid and often painfully truthful way. The cast was comprised of virtual unknowns, many of who didn't have any formal training or had never acted before (and sometimes it showed). Joey, Caitlin, Lucy, Spike, Snake - they all became part of something bigger. It was here that I learned about mono, abortion, AIDS, and alcoholism. It was also here that I learned about love, friendship, and good ol' teenage fun. Three cheers for "Degrassi," who never had any apologies for being real."My Two Dads" (1987 - 1990)
Starring: Paul Reiser, Greg Evigan, Staci Keanan
Network: ABC
Juicy Tidbits: At one point, a young Giovanni Ribisi, who has gone on to guest star on "Friends" and as a supporting actor on numerous films, played Staci Keanan's suitor.
Where Are They Now?: Paul Reiser played the uptight, no-fun fuddy duddy father, and went on to play an uptight, no-fun fuddy duddy husband on the hit show, "Mad About You." And although Greg Evigan began his career as a teen heartthrob, he has since disappared - but will soon reemerge for his fantasy cruise trip.
Christine Remembers: Nowadays, a show with such a title would be about a gay couple, but since it debuted in 1987, the concept was a little different. A young(er) Paul Reiser starred as Michael Taylor, while Greg Evian played Joey Harris. The two men get the shock of their lives when they find out that one of them has fathered a daughter (Staci Keanan as Nicole Bradford). Conveniently, Nicole's mother passed away before confirming the identity of the father, and since no one thought to take a paternity test or something, the two men take Nicole in and raise her as their own. Of course, Nicole is rebellious and boy-crazy and generally a brat, leaving everyone's hands full. Bonus points for having the central characters living in a giant expensive loft, although I never saw anyone ever go to work."Out of This World" (1987 - 1991)
Starring: Donna Pescow, Maureen Flannigan
Network: Syndicated
Juicy Tidbits: Evie's (Flannigan) father, Troy Garland, was voiced by none other than Burt Reynolds.
Where Are They Now?: Maureen Flannigan starred in one of the best so-bad-it's-good made-for-television movies, She Fought Alone, along with Tiffani Amber Thiessen and Brian Austin Green. Donna Pescow hasn't done much lately, but she did get her start dancing on Saturday Night Fever.
Christine Remembers: The premise of this sitcom was pretty far-fetched: Evie, the product of a human and an alien, was a teenage girl with special powers. Like its contemporary counterpart, "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," Evie was able to do many cool things, like change clothes whenever she wanted to. But her best ability by far was freezing time by simply touching her index fingers together, in a manner much like E.T. She communicated with her father through a glass pyramid, as he was an alien who lived on another planet. Although I never understood how or why (were the parents still married? Did the mother not know that she was mating with an alien? Why was he able to speak English? Why oh why?) I liked this sitcom for its 80's cheesiness and general ability to give Evie a reason to freeze time every single show.
"Just the Ten of Us" (1988 - 1990) Starring: Bill Kirchenbauer, Graham T. Lubbock, Deborah Harmon, Brooke Theiss
Network: ABC
Juicy Tidbits: Heather Langenkamp, JoAnn Willette and Brooke Theiss, who played the older sisters on the show, all appeared in a Friday the 13th film.
Where Are They Now?: The most active member of this television family seems to be Jamie Luner (Cindy), who has appeared on one season of "Melrose Place" as Lexi Sterling, and recently guest starred on "Navy NCIS."
Christine Remembers: "Just the Ten of Us" was a spin-off from "Growing Pains" about a high school gym teacher with eight children. Because I didn't grow up with "Eight is Enough" (but am saddled with "7th Heaven"), I came to appreciate this show for its ensemble cast of mismatched children. You had the popular older sister, the overachieving ten year old, the sensitive middle child. My friends and I used to take on their roles and pretend we were hanging out, just as they did on the show, in the tree house. Unfortunately, I was always stuck playing the book-wormish, socially inept child.
"The Wonder Years" (1988 - 1993) Starring: Fred Savage, Dan Lauria, Alley Mills, Danica McKellar
Network: ABC
Juicy Tidbits: Daniel Stern (Home Alone, City Slickers) is Kevin's ethereal voice over. Winnie's full name is Gwendolyn.
Where Are They Now?: Fred Savage was quite funny in Austin Powers in Goldmember, and is coming in midseason on ABC. Danica McKellar is finding work here and there. Olivia D'Abo, who played older sister Karen, has recurring spars with Vincent D'Onofrio on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."
Christine Remembers: The fact that I tend to randomly burst into the theme song is a testament of my devotion to the show (okay, a devotion that was aided with re-runs). Kevin, Paul and Winnie were my imaginary best friends. When Winnie broke up with Kevin, I vowed to hunt her down and beat some sense into her. And who could forget the melancholic voice-overs that littered the show? If "The Simpsons" spoofed it, you know it's going down in television history.
"American Gladiators" (1989 - 1997) Starring: Gemini, Hawk, Nitro, Lace, and other one-named wonders
Network: Syndicated
Juicy Tidbits: The first season featured events like Assault, Breakthrough & Conquer, Human Cannonball, Joust, Powerball, The Eliminator, and The Wall. One of the more memorable games, The Gauntlet, didn't appear until the fifth season of the show.
Where Are They Now?: Sporadically running around in giant balls down the street...? Or hitting people on the head with a foam mallet...?
Christine Remembers: It's hard to believe that "American Gladiators" wasn't around longer - when I first tuned into the show, it was a phenomenon all on its own. Of course, reality-type programs were few and far apart at the time, and the closest everyday people got their fifteen minutes of fame were through "Wheel of Fortune" or "The Price is Right." It was fun to see contestants take a beating from the Gladiators, but what was even more fun was seeing the Gladiators get their asses kicked by seemingly normal people. In your face, Nitro."Doogie Howser, M.D." (1989 - 1993)
Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Max Casella, Lisa Dean Ryan
Network: ABC
Juicy Tidbits: In a TV Guide interview, a Harvard Medical School admissions officer denounced the premise of the show: "Doogie Howser would have had to graduate from college at nine, start medical school at 10, graduate from medical school at 14, then, after one year of internship and one year of residency, obtain his license to practice at 16. I don't think so." Way to crush my dreams.
Where Are They Now?: Neil Patrick Harris is on CBS's new sitcom, "How I Met Your Mother." Lisa Dean Ryan, who had the thickest, fullest hair on television ever, recently completed a "Mystery Woman" series installment called "Vision of a Murder," which stars Kellie Martin.
Christine Remembers: Doogie was the man - he had a pretty girlfriend, a really big brain, and he became a doctor well before attending junior prom. Steven Bochco, the mastermind behind "Law & Order" and "Hill Street Blues," helmed the boy-genius project. Doogie had the growing pains of adolescence plus the strain of a highly demanding job. Of course, you can pen a good drama without throwing in the doctor angle, but what fun would that be? And no, I wasn't in love with Vinnie the sidekick…I just thought he'd be a fun person to hang out with.
"Life Goes On" (1989 - 1991) Starring: Bill Smitrovich, Patti LuPone, Chris Burke, Kellie Martin
Network: ABC
Juicy Tidbits: The theme song is a cover of "Obla Di, Obla Da" by the Beatles. It is a group song but primarily sung by Patti LuPone, who is an accomplished singer and stage actress.
Where Are They Now?: Bill Smitrovich is still getting work, and most notably appeared in a recurring role on "The Practice." Chris Burke had a small role in Julia Roberts' Mona Lisa Smile, and Kellie Martin, who left "ER" in 2000, has her own miniseries as a mystery bookshop owner who ends up solving crimes.
Christine Remembers: For its time, "Life Goes On" was a damn good show. Its cast, which included a son with Downs Syndrome, tackled heavy issues weekly without losing its quirky charm. Towards the end of its run, the youngest daughter, Becca Thatcher, falls in love with Jesse McKenna, an HIV-positive classmate. The show tried to educate, but it also never lost the delicate human element of a good drama. And yes, I did cry when Becca and Jesse professed their love to each other."Beverly Hills, 90210" (1990 - 2000)
Starring: Jason Priestley, Luke Perry, Jennie Garth, Shannen Doherty
Network: FOX
Juicy Tidbits: In the pilot, Tori Spelling is not in the opening credits.
Where Are They Now?: Tori Spelling is enjoying life as an E! Network staple, while Gabrielle Carteris (Andrea Zuckerman) just completed Dimples, about a bunch of teenagers who get lost en route to a rave and periodically killed off at the half hour mark. Since the premise centres around teenagers, we can assume that Carteris will not have a major role - unless they want to pass her off as an "older looking" teen as they did on "Bevery Hills, 90210."
Christine Remembers: Because this show was on for ten gawd-damn years, very few will have trouble remembering the adventures of Brenda, Brandon, Kelly, Donna, Steve, Andrea, Dylan, and David - as well as the other recurring characters that seemed to come and go as fast as the girls changed their haircuts. When the show first aired, it was easily one of the most-watched in the coveted 18 - 35 age group. But, as the years wore on and Andrea, Steve, and Dylan seemed to grow older than our parents, the ratings dwindled. Things somewhat improved when Shannen Doherty left, if only because of the behind-the-scenes drama. Then, Jamie Walters guest-starred and immediately got a spin-off show, "The Heights," which lasted two minutes. Then Mr. and Mrs. Walsh inexplicably moved to "Japan," leaving the kids to fend for themselves - although everyone was too preoccupied sleeping with each other to actually, you know, work and stuff. Then Dylan came back because Luke Perry really needed to feed his family, the Peach Pit became The Pit After Dark or something equally silly and gross-sounding, and everyone was supposed to believe that after all the backstabbing, adulterous sex, drinking problems, and cults, everyone could still stand to look at one another. The only person to leave the show unscathed was Hilary Swank, who went on to win an Oscar for her role in Boys Don't Cry. All in all, "Beverly Hills 90210" was a milestone in television - the clothes, the hair, the "pregnancy scare/stalker girlfriend/Color Me Badd cameo" of the week, and the catfights off-camera will live in infamy forever."Blossom" (1991 - 1995)
Starring: Mayim Bialik, Michael Stoyanov, Joseph Lawrence, Ted Wass, Jenna von O˙
Network: NBC
Juicy Tidbits: In the pilot, it was explained that Six (Jenna von O˙) was named after the number of beers that her parents had on the night of her conception. Later in the show, the explanation was toned down to her birth order in the family.
Where Are They Now?: Mayim Bialik has just had her second child, and Michael Stoyanov had a walk-on role in "Prison Break." He's still as short as ever. As for Joey - I mean, Joseph - Lawrence, a movie alongside wrestler Chris Jericho is in the works.
Christine Remembers: "Blossom" was one of the first sitcoms that I watched in which the star was not the typical blonde, blue-eyed pre-teen sexpot. Mayim Bialik, who played the titular character, was best known for her role in Beaches (although she had a brief stint on "The Facts of Life" years before). Her funky hats spawned a fashion trend best forgotten, and the show itself inflicted Joey Lawrence (and eventually, his other twenty brothers) onto the general public. But despite this, "Blossom" should be remembered for being a smart comedy about a girl trying to grow up with some dignity, just like the rest of us.
"Swans Crossing" (1992 - 1992) Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shane McDermott, Brittany Daniel, Stacey Moseley
Network: Syndicated
Juicy Tidbits: Along with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mira Sorvino also got her big break here.
Where Are They Now?: The rest of the cast has basically added very little to their résumés, with the exception of Sarah Michelle Gellar who went on to star in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer." Another exception, depending on your definition, might be Brittany Daniel, who starred in "Sweet Valley High" with her twin sister, and also had roles in Club Dread and White Chicks.
Christine Remembers: I think I was the only person who ever watched this half hour teen-oriented soap opera, hence the quick cancellation. "Swans Crossing" starred a very young, very brunette Sarah Michelle Gellar, who was quickly becoming a Susan Lucci in training. The show followed a group of very privileged pre-teens in a small town as they lived, loved, and schemed while lounging around the pool looking very peppy. I suppose the reason why I liked the show so much was because I was the same age as the principal characters, something very rare in television (and the "Power Rangers" don't count because they were all obviously over thirty years old). I reveled in the backstabbing and gossip, and I think I got too caught up in it as I taped every single show and watched it over and over again. In retrospect, the stories were cheesy and contrite (much like "Passions"), and the only person that could act was Sarah Michelle Gellar. But that doesn't mean that I don't secretly wish the show were still on the air."My So-Called Life" (1994 - 1995)
Starring: Claire Danes, Jared Leto, Bess Armstrong, A. J. Langer
Network: ABC
Juicy Tidbits: The show garnered so much attention upon cancellation that ABC and the show's producers seriously considered bringing the show back to life. Claire Danes put the kibosh on that when she revealed that she would not be able to continue doing the show due to her film schedule.
Where Are They Now?: A. J. Langer dabbled in sitcom fares like "It's Like, You Know..." and "Three Sisters." Devon Gummersall (lovable geek Brian Krakow) veered towards darker roles when he popped up on "Felicity" as a rapist and on "The L Word" as a lesbian trapped in a man's body.
Christine Remembers: As far as adolescent angst goes, this show was it. Friends, crushes, family dynamics - everything was covered with witty subtlety and stark truths. From the pilot, I was hooked in Angela Chase's world. Claire Danes portrayed Angela in such a vulnerable light that it was easy to sympathize with her confusion, anger, hurt, and dreams. All the people in her life helped shape who she was, and yet she spent the whole show trying to become her own person. Bonus points to the producers who actually understood the concept that clothes were meant to be worn more than once, and that teenagers weren't always the most articulate people (yes, I'm talking to you, "Dawson's Creek," with all your seven-syllable words and superfluous dialogue - and with "superfluous" I just landed a spot on your writing team). Although other shows may try to emulate, nothing will ever compare to "My So-Called Life." ¤ C.Ho.
[ Find out who what Phan used to watch back in the day. Part I of the article. ]