My So-Called Life
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Season One (1994-95)
Rate:
2 out of 5
Viewed:
4/24
4/24:
I can see why My So-Called Life was quickly canceled which took me 15 minutes into the first episode to
find out. It's a show about losers for losers.
The whole concept is derivative, repeating what several well-known high school sitcoms such as
The Wonder Years, Parker Lewis Can't Lose, and Head of the Class had already covered.
Why they all worked and lasted for a while is they were catchy and had a hook.
This one doesn't have it. Many episodes are increasingly corny and melodramatic that've turned out to be
Beverly Hills, 90210. I've often laughed at the show out of pity and made fun of it. To make matters
worse, there's, save for Jared Leto, zero talent among the cast, and nearly everybody didn't go on to better
and bigger things. As for Claire Danes, she has been a terrible actress in movies for a long time.
Here's my analysis for some of the following episodes:
Pilot: Richard, Rick, Ricky, Rickie....whatever the hell his name is. I went to high school a long ago but
never saw anyone who was anywhere close to being this blatantly gay. I know it's a common sight today, but back
then...no way. And this confused mixed-up kid is in the girls' bathroom?!? He would've been suspended from school.
By the way, is s/he trying to imitate Jon Cryer's look in
Pretty in Pink or maybe Prince of
Purple Rain fame?
Guns and Gossip: I know Brian Krakow is a stupid boy, no matter how much they want me to believe he's a
valedictorian; just remain silent and get a lawyer. The harassment will therefore cease. [All right...I take back
what I said because he finally mentioned it near the end of the episode.]
Father Figures: Now, I'm confused. Why are Angela's parents getting so much attention when the show is
called My So-Called Life which is supposed to revolve around Angela? On second thought, who fricking
cares about Angela and her stupid problems?!? Play on.
The Zit: Mary Quant? Are you kidding me? The dress will have to be something that fits London's Swinging
Sixties, and this ain't it.
The Substitute: Finally, here's a good episode that eventually got overblown. It's about time that
somebody put Angela's hypocritical mother in her place. However, the issue here is: appropriateness. High school
isn't the venue for radical ideas although I understand the point about censorship. As a former teacher, the
cardinal rule has always been this: never rock the boat because it's not worth the hassle. Extreme and outspoken,
Mr. Racine is the wrong person for the profession.
Why Jordan Can't Read: Angela is a L-O-S-E-R who's depressed over a L-O-S-E-R. Her mother is narcissistic.
I'm starting to see how Danielle takes after her.
Strangers in the House: By now, Angela can be safely described as a psychopath. Look at how she tried
to get Jordan by using the potential death of Sharon's father as an excuse. In short, Angela is a one sickie.
By the way, everybody keeps mentioning him, but...who the hell is Tino?!?
Self-Esteem: The reference to Mickey Rourke is for the film
9½ Weeks.
Pressure: It's the cheesiest episode of the series, and Jordan has reduced Angela to mere sex object. Duh.
On the Wagon: Now, this is the cheesiest episode of the series. Who the hell cares about Rayanne?
So-Called Angels: Oh, sure...Rickie shows up in school with bruises all over his face, and most people
treat it as normal. So, where's the follow-up to Rayanne's break from sobriety after the end of the previous
episode? Nothing...she's back to normal.
Betrayal: Uh...what's the problem here? Angela called it quits with Jordan and moved on. Now, she's mad
that Rayanne had sex with him??? On the other hand, I was onto Brian from the beginning of the series: he saw
the potential in the camcorder so he could try to have Angela for himself. Anyway, whoever edited this episode
should be fired.
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities: It's finally over. Cyrano de Bergerac, anyone? Yeah, way to
go, Brian...you've made into the Sicko Hall of Fame. *face palm* Rickie...are you gay or straight?
Worst Characters
1. Rayanne: I'm sounding like a broken record by now, but who cares about her?!? I predict that she'll
be in and out of drug/alcohol rehabs and be dead in her 30's if not sooner.
2. Angela's Mother: I hate her. She's narcissistic who's happy enough that she's prettier than both of
her daughters. Also, she likes living the perfect life and will help out anyone who's similar to her by
pretending to be a saint to win fake points with the Lord above.
3. Brian: He's a self-centered prick whose life revolves around Angela yet has interest in Danielle
and Deila, too. Although Brian will graduate with honors from college, I predict that he'll be busted for
internet child pornography one day.
4. Angela: She's too selfish who can't stop repeating the same behavior while touching her hair because
she thinks it's a "cool" thing to do. If Jordan 100% threw himself on her, she'll worship the ground he walks
on, no matter what. Hence, she has been reduced to a sex object who can be used anytime he wants. By the way,
given her selection of kooky friends, Angela is the type who may end up with a Mr. Goodbar in the long run.
The Rest of the Others
1. Jordan: A lifelong failed musician, he'll be a major pothead working in a dead-end job unless he picks
up a blue-collar trade. I won't be surprised if he becomes an actor or a model.
2. Rickie: He's a confused person who's also a lifelong follower; hence, I predict a tough life for him.
3. Sharon: She's okay but may end up pregnant pretty soon. It won't be the end of the world for her anyway.
4. Angela's Father: He has universal appeal but needs to be careful around Hallie.
5. Hallie: Is she trying to open a restaurant or going for Angela's father? If I were the guy, I would
never entertain thoughts of getting romantically involved with her. She isn't worth losing his wife, two
daughters, and a home over.
6. Danielle: It's what I keep noticing throughout: everybody, especially the parents, ignores her. If
you don't know who that is, then you've proven my point.