TV Gal Chats Up 'Once and Again' by Amy Amatangelo
I think I may finally understand why people don't watch "Once and Again."
This delicate and expertly acted drama, which returns to ABC's schedule Monday at 10 p.m., is easily one of the best shows on television -- network or cable. But it's simply too painful. Dramas like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" offer escape from everyday drudgery. Shows like "The Practice" and "NYPD Blue" give us the opportunity to solve the crime and litigate the case. "Alias" and "24" constantly keep us guessing, trying to predict the next big secret and outsmart the show's writers. Meanwhile, "Once and Again" mirrors our own life and life, no matter how mundane it may appear, is hard. "Once and Again" offers no apologies. This week's return finds Karen (the positively stellar Susanna Thompson) laboring to recuperate from being hit by a car. Simultaneously strong and vulnerable, Karen argues with her physical therapist, struggles to repair her fractured relationship with her son and confronts the depression that plagued her even before her accident. Karen's rehabilitation isn't sugarcoated. It's painful and harrowing to watch. And it will linger. We won't see her bouncing around next week, fully recovered.
As in real life, nothing is as simple as it seems. People don't recover from major accidents overnight, ex-husbands don't stop caring about their ex-wives and lost sons don't suddenly find themselves. Problems linger, become more complicated, and underline every action.
On a show as wonderful as "Once and Again," we bear witness to the ripple effect Karen's accident has on every character. Jesse's anxiety, Eli's guilt, Grace's jealously, Rick's mix of remorse and love, and Lily's often misguided attempts of support are all explored. Every situation is treated in that moment of time, given the character's complex context.
The March 11 episode is even more uncomfortable to watch. The episode explores Grace's growing infatuation with her teacher, Mr. Dimitri (on a purely superficial note, I would like to note that Eric Stoltz is looking way too disheveled for my taste). Julie Whelan has created a brilliantly multifaceted character in Grace. She's so fabulous in this role that I found myself turning away from the TV because I was so excruciatingly embarrassed for her.
What might have been a tantalizing sex scandal on any other show (listen up Creekers, I'm talking to you) turns out to be a crushing examination on the isolation that comes with being a teenager and the search to find anyone who understands you. And with "Once and Again," nothing is ever resolved easily or quickly. By the end of next week, you will probably still feel unsettled.
This episode will also begin to explore Jesse's burgeoning friendship with Katie. Again something that might have been treated cheaply on any other show is treated with dignity, grace, and understanding. I can't wait to see how all the parents react to Jesse's new romance. On "Once and Again," the teenagers aren't used for comic relief (as they often are on "Ed" ) or perfect (I love Rory Gilmore, but I think everyone agrees that she's not an accurate portrayal of today's adolescents). The quartet on "Once and Again" are the best young actors on any show. Someone should walk onto the set and just hand Evan Rachel Wood (Jesse) an Emmy.
"Once and Again" is in imminent danger of cancellation and many people believe that ABC has already given up on the show. This wonderful show needs your support. Tune in this week. I don't think you'll be disappointed. __ Zap2it.com (March 4, 2002)
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