Thumbs up: Once and Again Family Values

We commend Once and Again for its wonderful ability to evolve and grow. Now in it third season, the show that began as an examination of dating after divorce has morphed into an absorbing look at the joys and difficulties of blended families. Because Lily and Rick wed at the end of last season, Once and Again is focusing on the awkwardness of instant clans. And it's a thorough examination - everything from choosing which parent to reside with to a mutual attraction between step siblings, all the way down to Lily's quandary about what food to buy for her new brood. Keeping the domestic drama balanced is the revisitation of Judy's romance with her then-married-but-now-separated ex, Sam, which serves as a sweet diversion from the Sammler squabbling. Of course, there's angst, but what would you expect from Creators/Executive Producers Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz? Unfortunately, a time slot change has eroded the nielsen numbers for this thought-provoking but low-rated drama. ABC has showed faith in the series. Let's hope it continues. If you sample it ONCE, chances are you will come back AGAIN. __ Soap Opera Digest (November 27, 2001)