My So-Called Life: Complete Series
Starring: Claire Danes, Tom Irwin, Bess Armstrong,
Wilson Cruz, Devon Gummersall, AJ Langer, Jared Leto, Devon Odessa, and
Lisa Wilhoit
 Synopsis:
All 19 episodes of this fine series, plus bonus material. The series simply
centered on a sensitive, intelligent teenage girl, with family and friends
swirling around her. Its most distinctive quality was its use of funny,
insightful voice-over narration. It was characterized by fine writing
and even finer acting.
Comment: I've seen all of this
episodes previously, at least three times each. Nonetheless, there has
been enough of a gap since I last viewed them that I can sort of watch
them anew. As with the Buffy Season 2 DVD, I
will comment episode by episode.
Pilot — Angela
is at a crossroads, growing away from her family and old friends and toward
new friends (and maybe lovers).
I'm surprised by how much I remember of this one; I can almost
quote the whole thing. It's darker than subsequent episodes would be.
Jordan looks really preppy here; his whole look would change in future
episodes. The apology scene between Angela and her Mom always makes me
cry.
Dancing in the Dark — Angela
uses Brian to connect with Jordan, while Patty and Graham try ballroom
dancing.
I'd forgotten how beautifully shot this one is. The dream sequence that
opens it is just amazing. It's lighter than the pilot. The voice-overs
in this are just great. And Angela is a lot more assertive with Jordan
than one would expect. You go, girl!
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Guns and Gossip — A
gun goes off in school, but Angela is more concerned about what's being
said about her and Jordan.
It's all in the point of view, isn't it? When Jordan propositions Angela
(since everyone thinks they did it, why not do it?), it's kind of slimy.
But seen from her point of view, it's exciting. Similarly, his later recantation
is a credit to him, but from her viewpoint? A huge disappointment.
This episode also increases the character development,
especially of Brian, who really shows backbone. But what the heck is Rayanne
wearing to school at the end? Is there no dress code at all? (God, I'm
getting old.)
Father Figures — Angela
and Patty deal with their fathers.
By watching the episodes closer together like this, it's easier to understand
Angela's attitude. But it's not the last time that darker aspects of various
characters are shown, even at risk of losing sympathy for them.
The Zit — Angela
feels unattractive, while Sharon worries about the undue attention paid
to her breasts.
This is a great relationship episode, exploring both the long-standing
ties between Patty and Graham, Angela and Sharon, and Angela and Patty,
along with the new ones between Rickie and Brian, and even Jordan and
Brian.
The Metamorphosis and Malcolm X metaphors both
work well to deepen the themes. Angela's inner monologue at the end is
always tear inducing. And this one marks the first supernatural occurrence
in the series: the magical appearance of a supermodel in the bathroom.
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The Substitute — A substitute
English teacher shakes up the school.
It's a little bit Dead Poet's Society, but the plot twists are
not the ones you'd expect. Great dramatization of the power of writing.
I'm not sure what's up with the socks, however...
Why Jordan Can't Read — Jordan
and Angela start to connect.
Interesting that Angela wants to play the hero. (She's so a Buffy inspiration.)
Again, it's impressive how assertive she is with Jordan, though it doesn't
stop him from breaking her heart. (Jordan says presciently: "She
just makes everything too complicated.") Rayanne and Sharon's budding
relationship continues to grow. And isn't great that the "good girl"
is such a sexual being?
Strangers in the House — Sharon's
Dad has a heart attack, which only highlights the tension between her
and Angela.
Really explores the long-time relationship between Sharon, Angela, and
Brian, and what that means. This is mirrored by the adults, who still
seem affected by their high school relationships. Graham's crisis comes
to a head.
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Halloween — Angela
encounters a ghost, while Patty and Graham become their costumes.
I like this one much better than I did the first time, maybe because
it seems to have inspired two great Buffy episodes, "Halloween"
and "I Only Have Eyes for You." (Buffy did them better,
but don't forget who did them first.) What still doesn't quite work is
the Angela/Jordan/Nicky Driscoll plot — maybe because there isn't
quite enough between Angela and Jordan yet. But everything else works
very well:
- Patty and Graham's great, sexy transformation into
their costumes. (They seem to have a great sex life for a long-married
couple. Funny they encounter so many problems later.)
- Brian may be a nerd, but he sure gets to cuddle with
a lot of cute chicks — Sharon last episode, Rayanne in this one.
And the sympathy-meter on him grows. (He'll need that for Life of
Brian.)
- Jordan's essential decency is once again revealed
by his interaction with Rickie. He's never freaked out by this obviously
gay kid; in fact, he's even protective of him.
- Danielle actually gets a moment, in her great imitation
of big sis!
Other People's Mothers — Rayanne
gets a little too wild with her Dad's money, but Patty comes through.
Why do 40something women on TV always have trouble getting along
with their mothers? Is that the norm, or just a cliche? I can't believe
I never noticed before than neither Jordan nor Brian even appear in this
one. And once again, food is a major theme.
Life of Brian — The
World Happiness Dance is anything but happy for most involved.
Ah, Brian, Brian. No matter how many times you see it, it's not easy to
watch Brian hurt Delia and embarrass himself for a chance with the “great
wallpaper” that is Angela. Of course, Angela has to be held accountable
too (as Jean's repeated “bitch” comments attest. Does every
guy relate to Brian Krakow?). I love Patty's evil little laugh
after she witnesses their predicament.
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Self Esteem — Angel
is making out with Jordan in the boiler room; but why all the secrecy?
Ah, “Self Esteem.” Most people's favourite episode (at least
most female people). I'm not an exception. This episode definitely stands
up to repeated viewing, as most everyone deals with their own insecurities.
What I particularly noticed this time? That Graham looks really
good in this one. (Definitely getting older. Sigh.)
Pressure — Jordan wants
to take the relationship to the next level, but Angela isn't sure she's
ready.
This is the one where no one will tell Angela what she wants to hear:
that it's OK not to have sex yet. Well, except Rickie, but by then she's
already made her decision. And just when I was beginning to think I had
been hallucinating Patty and Graham's problems, a-ha! Here their troubles
begin. Graham's new life is not going to be easy, even though Patty is
really supportive. (Patty becomes much more sympathetic with repeated
viewing.)
On the Wagon — Rayanne
tries to get more involved with Angela by joining Jordan's band.
Having failed at the “sex” part of the relationship, Angela
at least succeeds in the “conversation” — talking more
to Jordan in this episode than in any other. He even calls her at home.
But of course, this is really about Angela and Rayanne, and their growing
estrangement (as it's been apparent for some episodes now that Angela
is no longer confiding in Rayanne). I wonder where they would have gone
with this relationship?
Oh, and Patty and Graham have sex again, in case you
were worried.
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So-Called Angels — Christmas
approaches, and Rickie finds himself with nowhere to live.
OK, so on this viewing, the scene between Patty and the angel did seem
a little hokey, maybe because the parallels between Angela and the homeless
girl seem a bit forced. No matter, as everything else holds up so well,
from the shocking, theme song-free opening of Rickie bleeding into the
snow, to the tear-inducing reunion at the end. Several characters look
more vulnerable than ever before: Jordan's past abuse is revealed, and
he's unfailingly sweet to both Rickie and Angela; Brian's loneliness is
never clearer; and Rayanne gives indications that her home life has only
worsened with the addition of her mother's new boyfriend.
That they manage to fit some really funny bits into
this one is also a feat. Best one? Patty: “Do you know what the Krakows
did?” Graham: “Yeah, but just that once, right? To make Brian?”
Resolutions — It's a
New Year, and the characters resolve to make changes.
I love the opening of this one, where we get into everyone's
heads, not just Angela's (or Brian's). And it's overall an amazingly
light-hearted episode, especially considering that it's still dealing
with Rickie's homeless problem. Note the parallels: just as Patty had
earlier signed Graham up for a cooking class, only to have him become
the teacher, so does Angela sign Jordan up for English classes, only for
him to, in turn, tutor Brian about the opposite sex.
Betrayal — Rayanne and
Jordan get drunk and do it. Uh-oh.
The “other woman” episode: Rayanne (Jordan), Hallie Lowenthal
(clearly attracted to Graham), and even Patty (with Camille's ex —
in the past, of course). Contains the one scene in the entire series that
is so embarrassing I can hardly watch it — Angela imitating Rayanne
and coming on to Corey. Neat how the tables have turned; now it's Jordan
who will have to fight to get Angela back.
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The Weekend — Patty
and Graham leave Angela and Danielle alone for the weekend. Wackiness
ensues.
The funny one — although I found Patty's drunken ranting more cringe-inducing
than funny this time. Patty and Graham really need to talk about the Hallie
Lowenthal thing. Kyle looking in on Rayanne and Brian on the bed remains
comic gold.
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities — Brian
supplies Jordan the words he can't find to apologize to Angela.
Damn if this last one isn't darn near perfect, making it even more frustrating
that it is the last one. Every moment tells; every character gets good
scenes. Dreams underlay the whole thing, and you could write essays on
that aspect alone. What struck me this time:
- Graham warns Daniel to unplug the toaster before
sticking a fork in it. Now there's a subtle reference to a previous
episode.
- “Princesses don't get divorced.” Patty
has some concerns. And it's Danielle's greatest fear.
- Graham to Hallie on the innocence of flirting. Uh
huh. (They need a “no touching” rule.)
- Jordan yammering at a silent Angela, just as she
used to at him.
- Brian's open-eyed decision to use Jordan to reveal
his own feelings.
- The words Jordan manages to come up with on his own
(after the yammering). The guy is not without intelligence or sensitivity.
- Duh squared.
Better stop before I transcribe the whole episode.
The Extras: Much more limited
than originally promised, but still worth having. The main one is an extended
interview with Winnie Holzmann and other show creators on the making of
the show and its demise. Turns out that Claire Danes really did have a
lot to do with that.
Usability: Menus
are easy to navigate, but if you sit on them too long, you will get sick
of the theme song.
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Next television program: My So-Called
Life--new release
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