Turning back time to sample fun spin-off
Nineties trip worthy of its predecessor
Seventeen years after we said goodbye to Kelso, Jackie, Donna, Eric and the rest of the That ‘70s Show gang, Netflix has resurrected the property – sort of – with a nineties’ set equivalent.
Pre-release there were concerns about this being nothing more than a cynical cash-grab, but it’s actually a great spin-off, with just enough of a presence from the original crew and a lot of good character introduction and growth from the new generation.
The plot centres on Leia Forman, the teenage daughter of the never aging Topher Grace’s Eric and Laura Prepon’s Donna, as she bonds with some new friends during the summer of 1995.
Bridging the gap between shows are the returning Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp as her grandparents Red and Kitty.
There are also cameos from married in real life couple Mila Kunis (Jackie) and Ashton Kutcher (Kelso) and a recurring role for Wilmer Valderrama (Fez ) who dates the Forman’s neighbour, single mum Sherri (Andrea Anders).
A couple of the other noteable smaller ‘70s Show cast members also make welcome comebacks but I won’t spoil the surprise.
The 10-episode run feels rather short, but it does only cover one vacation to Point Place, Wisconsin.
Leia (Callie Haverda) finds friends easily in Gwen (Ashley Aufderheide), her brother Nate (Maxwell Acee
Donovan) and his girlfriend Nikki (Sam Morelos) as well as Ozzie (Reyn Doi) and her love interest Jay (Mace Coronel), the latter adding to the storyline straight away by being the son of Jackie and Kelso.
While the show follows the older cast members, it also does a terrific job of introducing the newcomers, who all shine at some point during the series.
Another season has been green-lit, and as the show ends on a sudden and unexpected near kiss, I’m eager to see what happens next.
But as Leia is only visiting her grandparents during the summer time, I see a possible return to Point Place for Donna and Eric in the near future.
●What are your thoughts on That ‘90s Show? Does it earn its place alongside its predecessor?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@ reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.