THAT '90S SHOW: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
Starring: Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Reyn Doi, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Sam Morelos, Andrea Anders, Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, and Don Stark
Creators: Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Lindsey Turner, and Gregg Mettler
PAIGE
PART ONE
Even though it’s still not as good as its predecessor, “Part Two” of That ‘90s Show is significantly better than “Part One.” This might be because I've become slightly more invested in the characters, but I would be lying if I said Red and Kitty (Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp) don’t still steal the show. However, the series also is beginning to give its new cast more opportunities to shine instead of relying on cameos from the original cast. Above all else, it's starting to incorporate the best elements of That ‘70s Show, which means being heavily dependent on its opulent decade nostalgia.
PART TWO
After three “parts,” I'm beginning to warm up to That ‘90s Show. This latest batch of episodes is unquestionably the best installment so far, even though I still don't think it quite measures up to That ‘70s Show. The comedy in the show is beginning to click, the dynamic within the gang is developing, and it's becoming more adept at encapsulating the vibe of the 1990s. Plus, having Laura Prepon, aka Hot Donna, direct every episode this season helped the series find its footing, I think. Overall, “Part Three” is a simple yet entertaining sitcom worth binging.
NICK
PART ONE
Maybe it's because I didn't grow up watching That '70s Show…and therefore, don't hold it sacred…but I enjoy this series. Not only that, I find the first half of Season Two (aka Part Two) an improvement over Season One. The characters are more fleshed out, Red and Kitty (Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp) aren't overused, and the era-specific cameos are a lot of fun. It’s far from perfect, but it gives me that throwback sitcom feel (which has become a rarity), and it’s made me chuckle on multiple occasions. That’s all I’m really looking for from a series like this.
PART TWO
Unlike many series reboots, That ‘90s Show has reached a point where it no longer relies on its original cast. I’ve actually become more invested in the stories of these teenagers than their ‘70s counterparts – particularly Nate (Maxwell Acee Donovan), who is becoming the clear highlight – which is all this show could have hoped for. It's even begun to make better use of the decade, as it follows up the Lisa Loeb scene from Part One with an homage to the cartoon Doug, along with other ‘90s callbacks. For a throwback sitcom (which we don’t get much of nowadays), you can’t ask much more.