TELEVISION REVIEW 'Show'offers humorousflashbackto '70s daze

by Bridget Egan staff writer

There is something about "That '70s Show" that makes me smile. Of course, it could be the constant barrage of bright yellow smiley faces that flash across the screen during the program.

Set in Point Place, Wis. in 1976, the show puts together six friends and their families for a hysterical look at a very strange decade. The center point of this eclectic group is Eric Forman (Topher Grace), whose basement becomes the hub of the lives of himself and his five friends.

Grace is excellent as a semi-awkward 17-year-old ready to break away from his Dad and Mom, the formidable Red and the mousy Kitty. The circle of friends that surround

Eric Forman really gives the show a well-rounded humor.

There is the beautiful best friend Donna, the foreign exchange student Fez, the dumb jock Kelso, Kelso's spoiled girlfriend Jackie and the doomsday prophet Hyde.

These five have every day fun, from stealing beer from their parents to watching dirty movies in the basement and sharing deep discussions over some mind-altering drugs.

One of the great strengths of the show is the innovative editing and camera shots. The camera tends to show the viewer what the character is seeing in her/his mind. When the characters think that they see the wall moving because of the drugs, the viewer sees the wall moving, although no other character in the scene seems to notice.

All the actors are amazingly witty and well-suited for their roles. They really have a chemistry with each other that does not usually come so early in a new show. The characters of Eric and Donna work especially well with each other.

When the show began they werebestfriends, and in every episode the viewer can feel the sexual tension between them continue to build.

''That '70s Show" is the kindof series that will last for a while because it is funny and witty without relying on real weighty topics or just one star. The great writing team can transform any ordinary story line into one an ardent watcher would bate to miss.

Combine this imagination with the charisma of the cast, and this show may stick around long enough to ditch its bell-bottoms and smiley faces for pastel suits and Miami Vice type loafers.