Review: Once and Again

By Mike Spadoni

[fansofonceandagain note: Thanks to Memorex for finding this article from a British webzine]

Frank Sinatra once noted in song that "love is more comfortable the second time around." But even Sinatra, a veteran of multiple relationships, would have had a different opinion after watching a few episodes of Once And Again.

Those of us who have been seduced by Cupid's quiver know all too well that romance does not run as smoothly as we would desire. And this drama series about two forty-somethings who meet and fall for each other is not only ideal, but realistic as well. It begins as any good fairy tale should. Beautiful bookstore manager Lily Manning (Sela Ward) and strapping architect Rick Sammler (Billy Campbell) see each other in the Soccer Mom's natural habitat, the car pool lane at a Chicago area school. Lily and Rick's mating dance starts with an exchange of coy glances from their respective sport utility vehicles (the American family's vehicle of choice these days; no minivans for these two). Eventually, the glances lead to a meeting, and (yes) a mating of bodies and minds. But there are obstacles. Lily is separated from restaurant owner Jake Manning; the two will eventually divorce. Lily lives in an upscale suburban home with her two girls--teenager Grace and younger daughter Zoe. Rick, who is divorced from attorney Karen Davies Sammler, has an apartment and joint custody of his two kids --a teenage boy Eli (also known as 'E' to his dad) and daughter Jessie. (Plus, the pair have their own extended families and siblings; the family tree is too broad to condense for this report.) I'm glad to say love wins out; Lily and Rick finally tied the knot at the end of season two; the third season has so far been devoted to making the blended family work, and there has been an emphasis on several key supporting characters.

In many ways, "Once" is a natural follow-up to the acclaimed 1980's domestic drama thirtysomething. Not surprising, since Marshall Herskowitz and Edward Zwick--the two talented producers who created that series--also came up with this one, based on their own personal experiences with marriage, dating and divorce.

Unlike teen-oriented dramas such as Dawson's Creek and the now-departed Beverly Hills 90210, "Once" is a romance for grown-ups, complete with grown-up problems. In one episode during the second season, 14-year-old Jessie goes to counseling for an eating disorder; the therapist is played by co-producer Zwick. The sessions create tension between Rick and ex-wife Karen. The young girl who plays Jessie, Evan Rachel Wood, gives a touching performance that is neither predictable nor "TV smart." Even the teenagers are adults on Once And Again.

In recent years, some US television shows have tried to make themselves distinctive by having their characters break the "fourth wall" and talk directly to the audience--a new trick that George Burns used to do on his comedy show with wife Gracie Allen starting in 1950! But while the plot device is an annoyance on many shows, "Once" uses it with great effectiveness. In black and white flashbacks, Lily, Rick and the other characters discuss their feelings and inner emotions after a major crisis or plot twist. It's a form of "boomer angst" that allows the viewer to play armchair therapist. But the realism of Once And Again--its greatest strength--is also the show's Achilles heel. Herskowitz and Zwick's shows (from "thirtysomething" to the short-lived My So-Called Life and Relativity) have never been ratings blockbusters, in part because their realism cuts to the bone for some viewers. "Once And Again" is no different. Ward once commented to "Entertainment Weekly" magazine: "I hear everything from 'It's too painful to watch' and 'it's too close to my own life' to people who say they love it and can really identify with it."

But this is a show for grown-ups and even though it only has a small, devoted fan following, finding a replacement for it is not high on the network's priorities right now. "Once" also made US television history by being one of the first network series to air repeats days later on a cable outlet. In "Once's" case, the reruns are shown on the female-oriented Lifetime network--which, like ABC and the production company that makes "Once", is owned by The Walt Disney Company. No matter what the future holds, Once And Again has secured a place among American television's best dramas. It's a reminder that sometimes, after you stumble and fall into love, emerging blooded and somewhat beaten, there is a chance for a happily ever-after. In these troubled times, that's about all anyone can ask for. __ www.teletronic.co.uk (February 2002?)

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