TV

My So-Called Life (ABC 1994-1995)

“My So-Called Life” was by far and away the most accurate portrayal of high school life in the mid ’90s. Tackling the heavy issues that lurk in the seemingly meaninglessness and fun-filled teenage waters, “Life” took the road less traveled.

When the network ended the show with a cliffhanger, fans could only dream about what would happen to teen angst’s favorite couple. Who can forget the scene when Jordan (Jared Leto) took Angela’s (Claire Danes) hand – to the tune Buffalo Tom’s “Late At Night” – in the school hallway? (Did I mention that when this show went off the air, I cried for two years?) Other key characters, who were not only compelling but also realistic, were: Rickie, the gay friend seeking acceptance; Rayanne (A.J. Langer), the wild-child alcoholic and best-friend-turned-foe of Angela; Sharon (Devon Odessa), the token good girl who ends up losing “it” to her football-playing boyfriend and could not fathom why Angela would chose to pal around with the likes of Rickie and Rayanne; and Jordan, who was every grunge girl’s dream guy.

Due to low ratings and rumors that star and narrator Claire Daines would not return for a second season, “Life” got the axe. We can only hope that Angela and Jordan stay together, forever… and that Jordan learns to read. – Rori Olen