“Aliens In America” — The Metamorphosis
I’m sitting here trying to think of what I’m going to say about Aliens In America and I’m drawing a blank. The thing is, as good as this show has been (and my god, it has been quite good) it finds itself being the type of television program that doesn’t really spark all that much discussion. That’s OK. Not every series needs to be picked apart, and Aliens In America is funny enough it can stand on its own merit. Still, something should be said if for no other reason than to give this series some visibility. I imagine most people haven’t the slightest idea the show is even on the air.
I suppose what is most notable is how few comedies set in and around high school there have been on television over the years. In the movies the setting has turned into its own highly lucrative genre, but the small screen seems far more interested in mining adolescence for drama instead of comedy. Really, I’m wracking my brain trying to come up with a single show. Perhaps that makes it as good a reason as any to tune into this hysterically funny teen comedy.
Seriously though, can anyone think of another show in this genre? Happy Days?
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:39 am
Saved by the Bell, Welcome Back Cotter
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:46 am
I’m inclined to say “Boy Meets World” but I think by the time they got to high school that series had fallen so far off the rails it could barely be considered a narrative (wasn’t Sean married at one point?).
October 24th, 2007 at 6:31 am
Head of the Class? The Facts of Life?
October 24th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
whoa, whoa, whoa….the notion that “boy meets world” went off the rails is totally unfounded. the show was at its best when they were in high school. it was way too sitcom-ish in the beginning; cheap laughs, no characterization, and everything ended happily in one episode. when they went to college, most everything went a little over the top (who’s to believe that feeny followed them from middle school to high school to college. teachers never follow students?… well aside from two of my english teachers [middle and high school], and my german teacher [elementary, middle, and high school.... way too much of her]). But the high school was totally solid, if a little soapish. The two parter in season 5 (i’m looking this up on TV.com, FYI, i’m not a looney) where Topanga has to move to Pittsburgh is fantastic, as is the 8 episode arc in the next season where the two break up for an extended period of time, over “Freaks and Geeks”‘ own Linda Cardellini. Also, Dan, Kotter is spelled with a “K”. tsk tsk. plus, “boy meets world” was like the only sitcom ever to be set in a philly suburb, bonus points.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
I guess I didn’t realize that show lasted so long. In my mind it was mostly in middle-school and then ended in high school. So yes, Boy Meets World is a great high school comedy. Also, for the record, Topanga was totally hot.