Monday, April 25, 2011

My So-Called Life Strikes Back

People (meaning bloggers meaning me) like to go on and on about shows they loved but nobody watched. Let me tell you about Firefly, let me tell you about Freaks and Geeks, blah blah blah.

But seriously. Let me tell you about My So-Called Life. Because it changed my life. You know the deal: high schooler Angela Chase goes through an identify crisis, is in love with grungy Jordan Catalano, has a crazy best friend, Rayanne, and just kind of fumbles her way through being a teenager. From the way I thought, to the way I dressed, to the things I wanted, this show changed me. I know that sounds really dumb (hello, it was a television show, perspective please) but when you're an impressionable 14 year old, some things just stick with you. And My So-Called Life will always hold a special place in my heart for a couple reasons:

1) It was the inspiration for my plaid-wearing phase in 8th grade.

2) Angela's stalking/crushing of Jordan Catalano was something I could ABSOLUTELY identify with.

3) It's release on DVD was the reason I signed up for Netflix.

4) Ricky was the first time I remember seeing a gay character television on tv, and as a lifetime hag, I can tell you that was a hugely impressionable for 14 year old Maggie.

So when I read on USA Today's Pop Watch Blog that the Sundance Channel was going to start airing My So-Called Life, I got really happy. Like irrationally happy. I mean, I own the DVDs, I can watch it anytime I want, but the idea that it would be back on tv just made me...joyful. More people can discover the angst of being a teenager in the 90s! More opportunities for discussion of Jordan Catalano vs. Brian Krakow (for the record then it was Jordan, now it is CLEARLY Brian)! More chances to cry over the Christmas episode where Angela learns about homelessness! More of Ricky's eyeliner and Rayanne's being crazy and wonderful and the worst and best friend ever! More quotes from Our Town!

If you have never seen it, watch it. If you saw it and loved it, watch it. It's...life. Well, a so-called one. And is there really any other kind?

2 comments:

Kristin said...

I have never seen it. Let's get together and you can show me a few episodes! (after my graduation - my introduction to Veronica Mars, also your doing, wasn't a good thing for my studies)

Maggie Cats said...

You're on Kristin! This show is going to blow your mind. And that's a promise.