TV Watch: That 70s Show

For a time, “That 70’s Show” was watchable and, occasionally, very enjoyable.

It launched the film careers of Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace, and, to a lesser extent, Laura Prepon, Wilmer Valderrama and Mila Kunis (Remember “American Psycho 2: All American Girl?”). And the chemistry between the cast members was one of the best on TV, even if the show verged on self-parody.

But it just doesn’t have “it” any more (or, for that matter, Kutcher or Grace, who have both moved on to other projects), and needs to be de-commissioned. This season begins with Eric (Grace) having gone to Africa and Kutcher making a few “special appearances.”

Of course, this show isn’t really a ’70s show—according to the show’s timeline, we should be seeing characters in 1984. But without its two biggest talents, there’s no reason to watch. The jokes were getting tired to begin with, and unfortunately Grace is not here to deliver them well enough for laughs.

One realizes just how vital Grace was to the series; despite its being essentially an ensemble cast, he was by far the biggest talent, and carried the show for years past its expiration date. Which was probably 1980.