__ __
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_|_ \ _|_ \/ so-
___ ___|_ called
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THE MY SO-CALLED LIFE BIBLE
(a hitchhiker's guide to the series)
Version 1.2: December 28, 1994
Copyright 1994 - The MSCL Consortium / Lifesavers Inc.
In conjuction with the MSCL Mailing List
(Which means if you use this illegally, I own your car and your firstborn.)
Please feel free to distribute this to anybody and everybody you know...
In fact, I encourage it! I only ask that the Acknowledgements and the
section listing ABC's addresses be included in some form, but, well, that's
up to you.
NOTE: This is a work in progress, and more sections need to be added and
updated with each new episode. Any and all constructive criticism or
feedback is greatly appreciated, and can be sent to vmkreng@uci.edu.
Thanx for taking the time to read this!
NOTE #2: This is written in Courier font, so if the logo at the top
looks a bit skewed, try switching to one of those non-proportional fonts.
- -----------------------
0. THE SO-CALLED CONTENTS
1. The So-Called History
: How MSCL came to be, and where it is now.
2. The So-Called Legacy
: MSCL's inherited legacy from "thirtysomething".
3. The So-Called Premise
: The basic setup of the show.
4. The So-Called Characters
: Information on the various characters.
5. The So-Called Episodes
: A mini-guide to the episodes, airdates, and their plots.
6. The So-Called Cast
: A list of who's who in the show.
7. The So-Called Players
: Short bios of the MSCL regulars.
8. The So-Called Music
: Play that funky MSCL music, white boy.
9. The So-Called Trivia
: Goofy trivial information.
10. The So-Called Fans
: MSCL support groups to lean on, cry with, and talk to.
11. The So-Called Network
: Wanna give ABC a piece of your mind? Here's how.
12. The So-Called Acknowledgements
: People who paid me money to mention their names.
- -----------------------
1. THE SO-CALLED HISTORY
In the beginning there was the show, and the show was "My So-Called Life."
On Thursday, August 25th, 1994, at 8 p.m. PST, "My So-Called Life" (MSCL)
debuted after more than a year of languishing in programming limbo at ABC.
The first show of the new fall season to air, MSCL's debut had been a
long-anticipated event. The pilot for the show was shot in January of
1993, and shown to the Powers That Be in April. The buzz was good: here,
at last, was a thoughtful drama told from the perspective of a 15-year-old
girl. Produced by Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick, the creative team that
helmed the successful "thirtysomething" series, MSCL looked as if it would
generate the same praise and adulation its predecessor had. ABC's usually
unflappable programmers reportedly flipped for the pilot. Ted Harbert,
president of ABC's Entertainment division, said, "Not since 'Moonlighting'
has there been a show that when the rough cut comes in, the place stops."
In early May, the call from up above came down: ABC had reserved 6 slots
for hourlong series in its fall lineup, and MSCL would not be one of them.
Their show hadn't made the first cut, but there was a chance that it could
be brought in as a mid-season replacement. ABC's option on the show would
run out in December. Zwick and Herskovitz spent the summer of 1993 waiting
for further word. Finally, on October 7th, ABC green-lighted 7 more
episodes. But production couldn't resume until January 1994, so there
was little chance of MSCL airing any time before March.
If the in-house buzz was good before, it was even better now. On October
24th, _The New York Times_ featured an article on the show and ABC
programmers' indecision over the MSCL time slot. By February, the
word around town was that MSCL would be The Drama To Watch. _Newsweek_
gave it a thumbs up, deeming Herskovitz and Zwick "the best (and brightest)
the medium has. [...] They try to make TV forget its only teevee." When
_Rolling Stone_ came out with its Hot Issue, MSCL merited a mention as Hot
TV Show: "[W]e wait for the inevitable moralizing conclusion -- or at least
a public-service announcement. But it never comes." All this before the
pilot had even aired.
So, why didn't MSCL make it anywhere into the 1993-1994 season? The
problem, according to Harbert, was that programmers couldn't figure out the
right spot for the show. The traditionally family-oriented 8 p.m. time
slot would draw younger viewers, but ABC felt the show might be too
sophisticated, provocative, and "agonizingly honest" for that audience. On
the other hand, at 10 p.m. the show might capture the adult audience, who
could relate to the ordeal of the Chase parents, but that would mean
sacrificing most of the potential younger viewing audience. The logical
compromise would be a 9 p.m. assignment, but ABC was completely booked at
9:00 -- except for Thursdays. Programmers nixed trying that slot, which
would have pitted the newbie MSCL against the NBC blockbuster "Seinfeld."
Instead, they gave MSCL the only spot they could come up with: sitting on
a shelf, waiting in the wings for its own spot in the '94-'95 fall season.
Rather than giving it a late spring tryout, Harbert decided MSCL would fare
better in its own 8 p.m. slot on Thursday nights. ("Missing Persons" was
axed, as was its mid-season replacement, "The Byrds of Paradise.") Hoping
to catch the attention of young viewers before school resumed, late August
was set for the the long-awaited premiere.
Throughout June and July, ABC ran a batch of promos for MSCL, depicting
the show as an honest, non-90210 portrayal of the teenage experience.
The commercial voice-overs informed listeners that _Rolling Stone_ had
named MSCL the best new show of the season. Anticipation was high. ABC
hoped for another "thirtysomething"-sized hit on their hands, and the
MSCL team was eager to present their baby to the world. All that was
left was for the show to premiere.
It did just that, on August 25th. Critics gave the show generally positive
reviews, and even the detractors were praising star Claire Danes for her
dead-on portrayal of Everyteen. In an otherwise unremarkable season,
reviewers embraced the originality and authenticity MSCL had to offer.
Now if only the Nielsen families could do the same...
Showing their faith in MSCL, ABC ordered six more episodes, the first of
which aired Oct. 27th. The network later ordered four additional episodes,
bringing the total to 19 episodes, just 4 under a complete season.
Recognizing the series' unique spin, the Viewers for Quality Television
recently added MSCL to its Qualified Support list. Operation Life Support,
an organization of fans dedicated to saving MSCL, aims to keep MSCL on the
air (read on).
However, whether the show will survive long enough for Angela (and us) to
see her junior year is still uncertain. At the time of this writing,
MSCL's future is not the brightest, and there has even been talk of moving
the series to cable, or another network. On Dec. 5th, ABC delivered the
crushing news: after the last of the new episodes airs in January, MSCL
will go on hiatus -- a word often associated with, but not necessarily
synonymous for cancellation. Taking its time slot will probably be either
"Extreme," a new action-adventury type show, or more episodes of your
favorite lawyer and mine, "Matlock."
_People Magazine_ listed MSCL in their "Best of Tube" list in its year-end
issue. Claire was also included in its section on "New Faces." _Time_
mentioned MSCL in their best of TV section, as have many other noteworthy
newspapers and magazines. On Dec. 22nd, Golden Globe nominations were
announced, and our own Claire Danes received MSCL's only nod, as Best
Actress (Drama). She faces stiff competition from Kathy Baker ("Picket
Fences") and Angela Lansbury ("Murder, She Wrote"), and (no) competition
from Jane Seymour ("Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman") and (don't laugh) Heather
Locklear ("Melrose Place").
Despite the rave reviews, MSCL's ratings have been, shall we say, less than
fantastic, and even though ABC's leading this season's ratings race, TPTB
would probably have no qualms about axing its lowest rated series. Harbert
stressed that the show is a "strong candidate" for renewal, but his
reluctance to give MSCL the support it deserves is not a good sign. It's
the kind of thing that makes fans cry, and many of us actually have.
Unless viewers like us do something NOW, MSCL may end up little more than a
videotaped memory.
- -----------------------
2. THE SO-CALLED LEGACY
When "thirtysomething" ended its highly successful, critically acclaimed
run in 1991, ABC was eager to keep the show's producers, Ed Zwick and
Marshall Herskovitz, from wandering to some other network. The two
were signed to produce three pilots for ABC over the next five years.
For a new series, Herskovitz and Zwick approached Winnie Holzman about
collaborating with them. Holzman, once a prize-winning poet and a New
York playwright, had previously worked with the two on "thirtysomething."
For the show's last two seasons, she had made her presence felt as a
writer, story editor, and a co-executive producer. The three brainstormed
on ideas for a new show, and eventually the trio came up with the idea of
portraying the teenage experience from a teenager's point of view. They
wanted to present something other than what Zwick called "television's
fatuous, inaccurate depiction of what teenage life is."
Think of it as the anti-90210. Unlike that series, MSCL would have no
conveniently packaged all-around happy endings, no self-righteous
moralizing about current popular social issues, and no nauseatingly
beautiful people running amuck in shiny convertibles.
To get a feel for the teenage psyche and lingo, Holzman, credited as
the guiding voice of MSCL, went undercover at high schools and wrote
make-believe diary entries. Holzman wrote the pilot in addition to
some of the following episodes, and is credited as both creator and
co-executive producer.
The other co-executive producer, Scott Winant, was brought in to direct
the pilot episode. Another alumnus of "thirtysomething", Winant had
served as that show's sole producer during its four year run.
Reviews have noted many similarities between "thirtysomething" and MSCL.
Both present believable characters with real problems they often have no
clue how to solve. Both center on identity crises at life's major
turning points. Perhaps _Newsweek_ best summed up the likeness between
the two series:
"Like 'thirtysomething' this hour-long series charts a troubled
passage through a generational time zone, heavy on self-absorption
and self-doubt, packed with those small, seemingly mundane
moments that reveal complex emotional truths."
- -----------------------
3. THE SO-CALLED PREMISE
Set in Three Rivers, a fictional suburb somewhere near Pittsburgh, PA,
"My So-Called Life" (a.k.a. MSCL) centers on Angela Chase, an intelligent,
articulate 15-year-old sophomore at Liberty High. The story begins at a
crucial turning point in Angela's so-called life -- the onset of
adolescence, appropriately accompanied by the angst-ridden search for
identity and the requisite teenage rebellion against family, old friends,
and benign authority figures. All signalled by Angela's going from blonde
to crimson glow.
The series also focuses on Angela's parents, Patty and Graham Chase, two
40-year-old baby-boomers who are experiencing their own growing pains not
unlike Angela's. Patty is horrified to hear herself saying the kinds of
things her own mother said to her -- the sort of thing she never imagined
herself saying. Graham finds himself experiencing his own identity crisis.
With half his life behind him, he realizes he's stuck in a job he hates but
feels obligated to do. While the two face their individual problems, they
also struggle to keep their marriage from falling into the rut of boredom
after so many years together.
Meanwhile, with all of this taking place under the Chases' roof, Danielle
Chase, Angela's oft-forgotten 10-year-old sister, faces a challenge of her
own. With everyone's attentions turned to her older sister, Danielle, a
pre-teen with seemingly boundless energy, is constantly trying to be
noticed. She often resorts to gymnastics just to avoid being mistaken for
a hat rack.
Viewers get to peek into the adolescent mentality by eavesdropping on the
protagonist's thoughts. Usually voiced over by series star Claire Danes,
these range from the esoteric ("School is a battlefield for your heart") to
the confessional ("I cannot bring myself to eat a well-balanced meal in
front of my mother") to the refreshingly mundane ("Okay. So I have a
zit").
At school, Angela is flanked by friends and classmates who round out the
show's impressive cast: childhood friends Sharon Cherski and Brian Krakow,
once close to Angela but left out in her new life; the fun-loving duo of
Rayanne Graff and Rickie Vasquez, more in search of a good party than a
good education; and resident enigma Jordan Catalano, the slow-blinking,
great-leaning loner who is the object of Angela's intense but (perhaps)
unrequited infatuation.
- -----------------------
4. THE SO-CALLED CHARACTERS
This is an attempt to give as much info as possible about the characters
in as little space as possible. It's meant to give the non-viewer a feel
for these characters, but will probably be old news to regular viewers.
Be forewarned: any extraneous stuff I considered interesting is included.
ANGELA CHASE
15-year-old adolescent in search of her True Identity. Used to be close
with her parents, esp. with her father Graham. Former best friend to
Sharon, who has known her all her life and was a fellow Girl Scout.
Currently hangs with Rickie and Rayanne, occasionally Jordan. Prone to
daydreaming about Jordan. Kissed 4 times in her life. Hates fondue,
worships Anne Frank. Writes poems about greenery for English class. Likes
Porno for Pyros, Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Stone Temple
Pilots, Billie Holliday, R.E.M., Crowded House, The Frozen Embryos, and
_The Bicycle Thief_. Often referred to as "the girl with the red hair."
Was seeing Jordan for a while, but broke up over, er, philosophical
differences. Currently a sophomore at Liberty High.
PATRICIA (PATTY) WOOD CHASE
Mother of Angela and Danielle, wife and former employer of Graham, daughter
of Vivian, and best friend of Camille. A baby-boomer in search of her True
Identity. Adopted by Vivian and Chuck Wood. Once tried to find her
natural parents. Went to high school with Camille and Graham, never met
him there. Queen of her class, a popular pretty girl who hung out with all
the right people. The prom was postponed when she had her appendix out,
according to Graham. Had a roommate in college who died of a drug
overdose. Currently runs Wood and Jones printing, which she took over
after Chuck took ill.
GRAHAM CHASE
40-year-old Baby Boomer in search of his Place in Life. Father of Danielle
and Angela, husband and former employee of Patty, older brother of Neil.
His mother's dead. A Deadhead, aspiring chef, near-adultere, wallpaper
expert, and constantly-befuddled "In-touch-with-his-emotions" Dad. Was
tight with Angela before her breasts came between them. Still outdistanced
by his wife's intelligence. Fired from Wood and Jones Printing for his own
good. Was unemployed or semi-retired for a while; currently teaches
intermediate cooking classes for continuing education.
DANIELLE CHASE
Perpetually unnoticed 10-year-old Chase daughter. A Girl Scout in search
of someone to buy her cookies. Once had a crush on Brian. Does a great
impression of Angela. Excels in gymnastics and talking without people
hearing. May actually have a love life at school, with some kid named
Ryan. Currently a student in a school somewhere.
SHARON CHERSKI
Perpetually perky wearer of pink. The school good girl. Daughter of
Camille and Andy, ex-girlfriend of Kyle, and former best friend of
Angela. Has known Angela all her life, surviving Girl Scouts and a
tonsillectomy together. Oboe player, yearbook staffer, World Happiness
Dance organizer, Teen Hotline volunteer. Voted Best Hooters in the
sophomore class. "Miss Perfect," she even flosses after meals. Made up
with Angela after Andy's heart attack. Friends with Rayanne, though
neither will admit it. Likes Buffalo Tom. Lost her virginity to Kyle.
Currently a sophomore at Liberty High.
RAYANNE MARIE GRAFF
Daughter of Amber, best friend of Angela and Rickie. Her father split when
she was very young. Can't take care of herself but watches out for Rickie
and Angela. Shows up for classes she's not in. Voted Most Slut Potential
in the sophomore class. Weakness for scumbags, security guards, and guys
who generally make us cringe. Afraid of the dark. Takes to liquor like me
to Skittles, but won't remember a thing the next day. Had her stomach
pumped after near OD; lived clean and sober for more than 33 days, then fell
off the wagon after disastrous attempt at singing lead vocals for Frozen
Embryos/Between Names. Likes Sesame Street and the Grateful Dead.
Currently a sophomore at Liberty High until someone starts taking attendance.
BRIAN KRAKOW
Resident school genius. Surprisingly perceptive, but a complete dufus in
all-important extracurricular matters of the heart. Jewish. Behavioral
psychologist mother (Berniece) and Freudian psychiatrist father (Bob).
Older sister is married and lives in Denver. Yearbook photographer, school
band's flute and sax player. Social outcast, and not-so-secret admirer of
neighbor and longtime acquaintance Angela. Left-handed. Only person who
seems to do the assignments. Bonded with fellow outcast Rickie, spent a
night (so to speak) with Rayanne, and blew a good thing with Delia.
Currently a sophomore at Liberty High taking calculus and a triple minor.
ENRIQUE (RICKIE) VASQUEZ
Resident bisexual romantic. Best friend of Angela and Rayanne, good friend
of Brian. Once had a crush on Jordan, and was interested in Cory. Half
Hispanic and half Black. Tries to protect Rayanne from self-destructing.
So sensitive it hurts (and so do we). Knows a lot about sewing. Lives with
an abusive uncle he considers his father. Has a tendency to get beaten up
but won't talk about it. A devout Catholic and a great dancer. Loses his
voice when really nervous. A southpaw. Recently joined the drama club.
Currently a sophomore at Liberty High.
JORDAN CATALANO
Resident enigmatic loner. Left back two years, probably due to his
difficulty reading. Part Italian. Interested in Angela. Ditches
virtually every class but PE and shop, and now English. Sings, plays
guitar, and writes songs for The Frozen Embryos. Really loves his car.
Can get you a fake ID. Smokes, leans, and blinks with the best of them.
Used to get a beating from his father before he fought back and threw a
chair at him. Currently a junior at Liberty High.
*** Recurring/Important Characters ***
CAMILLE CHERSKI
Mother of Sharon, wife of Andy, best friend of Patty. Has known Patty
forever. Close to Sharon, even did that Mother-Daughter fashion show thing
together.
AMBER VALLONE
Free-spirited appetizer-loving ex-hippie mother of Rayanne. Reads Tarot
cards and didn't lose any sleep over Rayanne's "casual" drinking and
drugging before the near-OD. A Deadhead and one-time wharf rat. May have
given up a baby in a past life. Once served a BLT to Bob Dylan. Currently
working as an X-ray technician and dating Rusty, a Vietnam vet.
KYLE VINNOVICH
Football jock and ex-boyfriend of Sharon. Dates girls for their smiles,
not their hooters. Currently a sophomore at Liberty High.
CHUCK WOOD
Father of Patty, husband of Vivian. Quit Wood and Jones Printing when he
had a stroke in 1992. Ran the business for 30 years. Currently "retired"
and dodging the IRS.
VIVIAN WOOD
Mother of Patty, a.k.a. "The Empress". Likes oregano.
HALLIE LOWENTHAL
Student in Graham's cooking class. Completely uninhibited and free-
speaking. Engaged to rich guy Brad, who suggested she take classes because
she can't cook worth a damn. Currently sells advertising time, but
interested in starting a restaurant with Graham as chef.
THE CHASE FAMILY CAT
Of the variety felis invisibilus, the cat has been mentioned but never
actually seen.
TINO
_The_ Guy to Know at Liberty High. May or may not be a student. Throws
big parties. Friend of Jordan. Has yet to be seen in an episode, though
his presence is always felt. Recently quit post as lead singer of The
Frozen Embryos.
** The Liberty High Teachers **
MR. RICHARD KATIMSKI - The new English teacher (Rickie and Rayanne's
period and moderator of the Drama club. Master of...
strange pauses mid-sentence.
MS. CATHY KRZYZANOWSKI - Rayanne's drug counselor. Also, teacher of some
class none of the main characters are in. Substituted for
English class (Angela, Jordan, and Brian's period) in
"Father Figures" [1.4].
MS. RENEE LERNER - Angela's geometry teacher, who subbed for English until
Mr. Katimski was hired. Dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi for
Halloween (though nobody got the joke). Was interested in
Mr. Katimski. (Was "Mrs. Lerner" until 1.9 when she was
listed as "Ms. Lerner.")
MR. FOSTER - Principal of Liberty High. Not a man to be trifled with.
MR. DEMITRI - Social studies teacher. Teaches U.S. History. According
to Angela, he's incredibly boring.
MS. MARIAN CHAVATAL - The biology teacher. She's the one in the lab coat.
MR. RINALDI - Spanish teacher who substituted for English class in
"The Zit" [1.5]. Read Kafka's _The Metamorphosis_ to the
class.
MS. MAYHEW - The English teacher and yearbook moderator seen only in
the pilot. She quits her job sometime after that, and the
havoc this causes is seen in later episodes.
- -----------------------
5. THE SO-CALLED EPISODES
This is my meager attempt at providing a short episode guide for reference.
Guest star appearances have been omitted for the sake of space-saving. I'd
recommend trying Dave Chapman's far superior episode guide (see the fans
section later on). But in the meantime...
Except where noted, MSCL airs on ABC Thursdays at 8 p.m. PST/EST and
at 7 p.m. CDT.
Episode Air Date Title Writer Director Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1 08-25-94 My So-Called Life (Pilot) WH SW
1.2 09-01-94 Dancing in the Dark WH SW
1.3 09-08-94 Guns and Gossip JT MH *1
1.4 09-15-94 Father Figures WH MR
1.5 09-22-94 The Zit BT VD *2
1.6 09-29-94 The Substitute JK ESP
1.7 10-06-94 Why Jordan Can't Read LG MP
1.8 10-20-94 Strangers in the House JG RL *3
1.9 10-27-94 Halloween JG MP *4
1.10 11-04-94 Other People's Daughters RK CW *5
1.11 11-11-94 Life of Brian JK TH *6
1.12 11-18-94 Self-Esteem WH ME
1.13 12-01-94 Pressure EH MP *7
1.14 12-08-94 On the Wagon EG JP
1.15 12-22-94 So-Called Angel WH&JK SW *8
* WRITERS: WH = Winnie Holzman; JT = Justin Tanner; BT = Betsy Thomas;
JK = Jason Katims; LG = Liberty Godshall; JG = Jill Gordon;
RK = Richard Kramer; EH = Ellen Herman; EG = Elizabeth Gill;
* DIRECTORS: SW = Scott Winant; MH = Marshall Herskovitz; MR = Mark Rosner;
VD = Victor DuBois; ESP = Ellen S. Pressman;
MP = Piznarski; RL = Ron Lagomarsino; CW = Claudia Weill;
TH = Todd Holland; ME = Michael Engler; JP = Jeff Perry
Notes:
1. In some areas of the country, MSCL was pre-empted due to coverage of
an airplane crash in Pittsburgh. The episode was subsequently
broadcast on a "special night" -- Tuesday, 10-04-94, at 10 p.m.
(normally the spot for "NYPD Blue"). Incidentally, this Tuesday
showing earned MSCL its highest ratings to date.
2. This episode is the only one so far that has had end credits deviating
from the usual white credits on black. Instead, we get footage of
Angela, Rayanne, and Rickie clowning around with Patty's dress.
3. This episode was supposed to air on Oct. 13th, but at the last minute
was unexpectedly pre-empted for the 2-hour season premiere of
"Matlock."
4. This is the first of the episodes shot months after the first batch.
Note Jared's changed hairdo and Danielle's growth spurt.
5. The exec producer end credits are black on white for this one.
6. Only one (so far?) narrated by a character other than Angela.
7. Pre-empted on Thanksgiving Thursday (11-25-94) for a two-hour MacGyver
movie called "Trail to Doomsday."
8. Pre-empted on 12-15 for a special tribute to Elvis (thank you, thank
you very much). This "special episode" has no opening theme song,
no voice-over, and no b&w exec. end-credits.
9. Pre-empted on 12-29 for a special tribute to Lassie, that b- er,
lovable mutt we all supposedly grew up with.
*** Mini-summaries ***
1.1 Welcome to Angela Chase's so-called life. Angela dyes her hair a
shade of "Crimson glow", upsetting the status quo of her seemingly
picture-perfect teenage existence.
1.2 Rayanne arranges for Jordan to sell Angela a fake ID, while Patty and
Graham stumble through ballroom-dancing lessons meant to re-spice
their marriage.
1.3 A gunshot in the hallway and a rumor about Angela and Jordan send
ripples through the Liberty High School community.
1.4 Angela gives Graham the "silent contempt" treatment while Patty
must deal with her own father when both the Grateful Dead and the
IRS come to town.
1.5 In this episode on image and self-image, Angela's zit, Patty's face,
Sharon's hooters, and Rayanne's slut potential are all under scrutiny
when a sophomoric list on the sophomore girls coincides with the
Annual Mother-Daughter Fashion Show.
1.6 An unconventional substitute teacher temporarily turns Angela's
English class into a Dead Poets Society and causes a stir when he
takes over the school's literary magazine.
1.7 Angela and Jordan get close when she learns of his reading problem,
and closer when she hears his new song. Back on the ranch, Patty and
Graham cope with possible pregnancy.
1.8 Angela's relationship with Sharon and Graham's job dissatisfaction
both hit critical levels when Sharon's father has a heart attack.
1.9 Halloween rolls into Three Rivers, blurring the line between facades
and realities.
1.10 Angela is entranced by Rayanne's hip hippie mom, while Patty gets the
daughter treatment from her own mother.
1.11 Everyone's love life gets screwed up by the school World Happiness
Dance.
1.12 Jordan won't acknowledge his new relationship with Angela, Graham
starts his cooking classes, and a new teacher invites Rickie to join
the drama club.
1.13 Angela considers sleeping with Jordan, while Graham considers
starting his own restaurant.
1.14 Feeling left out of Angela's life, Rayanne becomes lead singer of the
Frozen Embryos. Meanwhile, Patty thinks Rayanne has started drinking
again, and can't decide if she should meddle with Amber's mothering.
1.15 Christmas in Three Rivers finds Rickie out on the street after a
fight with his abusive uncle. Angela, aided by a mysterious homeless
girl with an angelic voice and a guitar, tries to help him, putting
her at odds with Patty. Meanwhile, Brian faces Christmas alone,
and Sharon and Rayanne (wo)man the phones at a teen hotline.
- -----------------------
6. THE SO-CALLED CAST
The MSCL regulars are:
BESS ARMSTRONG Patty Chase
WILSON CRUZ Rickie Vasquez
CLAIRE DANES Angela Chase
DEVON GUMMERSALL Brian Krakow
A.J. LANGER Rayanne Graff
JARED LETO Jordan Catalano
DEVON ODESSA Sharon Cherski
LISA WILHOIT Danielle Chase
and TOM IRWIN Graham Chase
Noteworthy actors, their roles, and Season 1 appearances include:
AMBER VALLONE Patti D'Arbanville-Quinn [3,10,14]
MARY KAY PLACE Camille Cherski [2,5,8]
PAUL DOOLEY Chuck Wood [4,12]
BARBARA BAIN Vivian Wood [10]
DANTON STONE Neil Chase [2]
LISA WALTZ Hallie Lowenthal [13,14]
JOHNNY GREEN Kyle Vinnovich [5,7,11]
SHANNON LETO Shane [7,12]
BENNET GUILLORY Principal Foster [3,6]
WINNIE HOLZMAN Ms. Krzyzanowski [4,13,14]
MARGARET NAGEL Ms. Chavatal [1,2,12]
MAY QUIGLEY Ms. Lerner [8,9,12,13]
JEFF PERRY Mr. Katimski [12,13]
STANLEY DESANTIS Mr. Demitri [1,6]
NANA DESPOTOVICH Ms. Mayhew [1]
DEL ZAMORA Mr. Renaldi [5]
- -----------------------
7. THE SO-CALLED PLAYERS
(Adapted from information available on America Online, and from a press kit
provided by ABC Productions.)
CLAIRE DANES - Youngest of two children, born in New York to her
painter/teacher mother and computer consultant father. Started studying
modern dance at age six, and still studies it; at nine took acting class at
Lee Strasberg Studio; attended Professional Performing Arts School in New
York. Likes gymnastics, humanities, science, and more recently, surfing
(she's currently hanging in L.A., dude).
* Credits:
= Stage appearances in "Happiness," "Punk Ballet," "Kids on Stage."
= TV appearances as a guest star in "Law and Order," "No Room For
Opal," and a key role in cable film "The Coming Out of Heidi Leiter."
= Film appearances in _Dreams of Love_, _Thirty_ (short film), The Pesky
Suitor_ (film festival short), and _Little Women_ (major studio film!).
* Birthday: April 12, 1979.
BESS ARMSTRONG - A popular film and TV actress. Married (to film producer
John Fiedler) with children (two sons, ages 6 and 2-1/2). Born in Baltimore
Maryland, middle of five children; parents were both teachers. Attended Bryn
Mawr School for Girls for 14 years; graduated from Brown University
with a double degree in theater arts and the classics.
* Credits:
= Stage appearances include Jules Feiffer's "Knock, Knock."
= TV appearances include series "On Our Own," "All is Forgiven," and
"Married People," the miniseries "Lace," and the recent telefilm
"Take Me Home Again" with Kirk Douglas.
= Film appearances include _The Four Seasons_, _Nothing in Common_,
_The High Road to China_, _Jaws 3-D_, and _Dream Lover_.
* Birthday: Dec. 11
TOM IRWIN - A native Illinoisan, born in Peoria. Attended Illinois State
University. Joined Chicago's famed Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Continues
to act in and direct plays for the company. Lives in Chicago and L.A.,
with two cats, Michael Jordan and Frances Glass. Avid basketball fan of
the Chicago Bulls and the less successful Los Angeles Clippers.
* Credits:
= Stage appearances (there are lots) include Steppenwolf productions of
"The Grapes of Wrath" as the narrator/ragman, "Love Letters" with
Laurie Metcalf, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Frank's Wild Years," and
"My Thing of Love."
= TV appearances include the starring role in ABC's critically acclaimed
but short-lived series "My Life and Times." Telefilms include
"In the Best Interest of the Child," "To My Daughter," and a recent
one with Jennie Garth [what was its name?].
= Film appearances include _Mr. Jones_, _Deceived_, _Midnight Run_,
_Light of Day_, and _Men Don't Leave_.
* Birthday: June 1
JARED LETO - Born in Bossier City, LA. First job at 12 as a dishwasher; at
sixteen he became a doorman. Enrolled at University of the Arts in
Philadelphia to study painting; transferred to the School of Visual Arts in
New York to study filmmaking; in March 1992 moved to L.A. to pursue acting.
* Credits:
= TV appearances include guest spots on "The Torkelsons" and "Camp Wilder."
Also, a starring role in Showtime's "The Cool and the Crazy" directed
by Ralph Bakshi.
= Also directed and starred in a film entitled _Crying Joy_ while in film
school.
*Birthday: Dec. 26, 197?
A.J. LANGER - A native Ohioan who moved to L.A. at five. A.J. stands for
Allison Joy; the nickname comes from being the only girl in little league.
An algebra teacher suggested acting after A.J. was elected student-body
president in 9th grade. Likes reading the sports section, hiking, camping
and fishing. Also creates one-of-a-kind necklaces, picture frames, and
decorative pieces as gifts. Lives in the San Fernando Valley of CA.
* Credits:
= TV appearances include the Fox series "Drexell's Class" and noteworthy
guest starring roles on "The Wonder Years," "In the Heat of the Night,"
"Blossom," "Baywatch," "Parker Lewis Can't Lose," and even "90210."
= Film appearances include a starring role in Wes Craven's _The People
Under the Stairs_ and in _You Thought Your Parents Were Weird_.
* Birthday: May 22, 1972
WILSON CRUZ - New Yorker who moved to San Bernadino, CA with his Puerto
Rican family when he was 10. Eldest of three brothers. Sang and toured
with Young Americans. Featured in shows at Disneyland, Disney World, and
Sea World/Orlando. Graduated from Eisenhower High School and pursued a
double major in English and theater before joining MSCL. Plays saxophone
and collects vintage photos of actors. Openly homosexual and proud of it.
* Credits:
= Stage appearances include "Cradle of Fire," "Supporting Cast," and
a number of Shakespearean productions.
= TV appearances include a recurring role in the Fox series "Great Scott!"
* Birthday: Dec. 27, 1973
DEVON ODESSA - A native West Virginian brought up on a farm. Moved to
New Orleans, then to Los Angeles. Graduated from Notre Dame High School
(Sherman Oaks, CA). Likes dancing, horseback riding, tennis, rollerblading,
and cooking. Has three dogs and two cats. Splits her time between her
home in Parkersburg WV, and the San Fernando Valley of CA.
* Credits:
= Stage appearances include "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "The Hobbit."
= TV appearances include a recurring role as Dana on "Angel Falls."
Guest starring roles include "The Wonder Years," "Full House," "Step By
Step," and "The Facts of Life." Also, the telefilms "Girl of the
Limberlost" and the Herskovitz-Zwick production "Extreme Close-Up."
= Film debut in _Pumpkinhead_.
* Birthday: Jan. 18, 1974
DEVON GUMMERSALL - Born in Colorado, middle son of three boys. Father is
artist C. Gregory Gummersall. Moved to Los Angeles area. Did commercials
at 10. Currently a 10th grader. Likes poetry, literature, J.D. Salinger,
and sports. Has a German shepherd named Nick and a cat named Feisty.
* Credits:
= TV appearances include guest starring roles in "Dr. Quinn, Medicine
Woman," "Step By Step," "Dream On," and "Blossom."
= Film appearances in _My Girl II_ and _Beethoven's 2nd_.
* Birthday: Oct. 15, 1978
LISA WILHOIT - Native Los Angelena. Third generation of a show-biz family.
Grandfather scored TV music, father is a sound effects editor, and her
cousins are the twin boys on "Full House." At five, trained in
gymnastics; at ten, did stunt work on "Hook." An honors student and Girl
Scout. Takes dance classes, and likes bowling, ice skating, Thai food, and
UB40. Owns collections of frogs, music boxes, seashells, nutcrackers.
Lives in San Fernando Valley with three cats, a bird, and lotsa frogs.
* Credits:
= TV appearance in "Talking with T.J."
= Film debut as Baby Tinkerbell in _Hook_. Voice-overs in films such as
_When a Man Loves a Woman_, _Fearless_, _Home Alone 2_, and _Searching
for Bobby Fisher_.
* Birthday: July 30, 198?
WINNIE HOLZMAN - Born in New York City, raised in Long Island. Graduated
from Princeton University with a major in English and a concentration in
creative writing. Won many poetry awards, including the Academy of
American Poets Prize. Studied acting at The Circle in The Square Theatre
School; joined the N.Y.U. Musical Theatre Program. Joined the "thirty-
something" writing staff in 1989, writing 9 episodes during her 2 seasons.
Married to actor Paul Dooley (Chuck Wood!); they have an 8-year-old
daughter named Savannah, and live in the San Fernando Valley.
* Credits:
= Stage writing credits include "Serious Bizness," and "Birds of
Paradise."
= TV credits as story editor and writer for "thirtysomething."
Guest-role as Ms. Krzyzanowski in that show "My So-Called Life."
- -----------------------
8. THE SO-CALLED MUSIC
The songs featured in MSCL are more like supporting characters than just
background fillers. The lyrics often fit the moment perfectly, and
the music usually complements the atmosphere of the scene.
Atlantic/Mammoth Records announced it would put out a soundtrack album of
music from and/or inspired by MSCL. Artists on the "alternative"-flavored
album include Juliana Hatfield, Buffalo Tom, Archers of Loaf, Afghan Whigs,
Frente!, Further, Daniel Johnston, the Lemonheads, Madder Rose, and Sonic
Youth. The release date is some time in late January.
These are songs that have been used in MSCL. Where possible, the scenes
you can hear the songs in have been indicated, along with the episode
number. This has been compiled with much help from the MSCL list and
MSCL Music Guru Misty Jones.
1.1 Some song by Animalbag [band at Tino's party]
1.1 "I Touch Myself" by the Divinyls [on the TV Jordan watches]
1.1 "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. [Angela returns from the rave]
1.3 "Dreams" by the Cranberries [in Angela's room when Patty comes in]
1.4 "Althea" by the Grateful Dead [Graham repairs the roof]
1.5 "Return to Innocence" by Enigma [the fashion show]
1.6 "What About Your Friends?" by TLC [just before Vic shows up]
1.7 "Red" by W.G. Snuffy Walden/Winnie Holzman [Jordan's song]
1.7 "Sodajerk" by Buffalo Tom [Sharon and Kyle in the hall]
1.9 "Johnny Angel" by Shelley Fabares (?) [in the gym]
1.9 "Blue Moon" by Elvis Presley [with Nicky, and hummed by Rickie]
1.10 "Fall Down" by Toad the Wet Sprocket [parking lot scene]
1.10 "Spin the Bottle" by Juliana Hatfield Trio [before the party]
1.10 "Down About It" by the Lemonheads [at the party]
1.10 "Dame With a Rod" by Juliana Hatfield Trio [at the party]
1.11 "South Carolina" by Archers of Loaf [Jordan's car radio]
1.11 "Dawn Can't Decide" by the Lemonheads [first song heard at dance?]
1.11 "Dropout" by Urge Overkill [at the dance]
1.11 "Pressure" by Sunscreem [at the dance]
1.11 "What is Love?" by Haddaway [Rickie and Delia's dance]
1.11 "Try" by Billy Pilgrim [last song at the dance]
1.12 "Soda Jerk" by Buffalo Tom [performed live]
1.12 "Late at Night" by Buffalo Tom [performed live and closing scene]
1.12 "Fountain and Fairfax" by Afghan Wigs [Vertigo Club]
1.14 "I Wanna Be Sedated" by the Ramones [song the Frozen Embryos play]
1.14 "Sesame Street Theme Song" [sung by Rayanne]
1.15 "Make It Home" by Juliana Hatfield [sung by J.H. as the angel Joy]
1.15 "I Feel Like Going Home" by ? [sung by the Inner Voices church choir]
1.?? "Cruel Swing" by Jawbox [??]
1.?? "Palomine" by Bettie Serveert [??]
The MSCL soundtrack "Music from the TV Series 'My So-Called Life'" is set
to be released on 1/24/95 (mark those calendars) by Atlantic/Mammoth Records.
The song list, as leaked onto the AOL boards and into the MSCL
list by Peter, is:
"Make it Home" -- Juliana Hatfield
"Soda Jerk" -- Buffalo Tom
"Genetic" -- Sonic Youth
"Petty Core" -- Further
"Drop A Bomb" -- Madder Rose
"Fountain and Fairfax" -- Afghan Wigs
"South Carolina" -- Archers of Loaf
"Dawn Can't Decide" -- The Lemonheads
"The Book Song" -- Frente
"Come See Me Tonight" -- Daniel Johnston
"My So-Called Life" theme song -- W.G. Snuffy Walden
- -----------------------
9. THE SO-CALLED TRIVIA
Miscellaneous questions and answers.
1. What possible "in-jokes" have the MSCL crew used on the show?
* The two names frequently listed as assistants to the co-exec producers
are Jenifer Catalano and Diane Driscoll. Two characters have shared
last names with them: Jordan Catalano and Nicky Driscoll (dead kid
from "Halloween"). Similarly, Mr. Katimski's name could be a play on
story editor Jason Katims' name.
* One of the recurring "in-jokes" can be found in most of the Bathroom
Scenes. If you look closely at the graffiti, you might see among the
various scrawl, "A.J. + Chris" in any of various forms, including
"A.J.L. + C.F.S." [1.3] which leaves little doubt that this is some
reference to A.J. and some real-life honey of hers. (See episodes 3, 5,
6, 8, and 10.)
* In "The Zit", Brooke Kennedy is listed on the Sophomore hot sheet as
having the best laugh. Brooke Kennedy is one of the show's producers.
* Nepotism or coincidence? In "Strangers in the House" the doctor is
played by Bruce Winant, who may or may not be related to co-executive
producer Scott Winant. Also, the sergeant in "So-Called Angels" was
played by Bob Katims, possibly a relation to story editor and episode
co-writer Jason Katims? And of course, Chuck is played by character
actor Paul Dooley, who is married to creator Winnie Holzman; Shane Leto
is probably related to Jared.
* In "Self-Esteem", look carefully at the names on the Drama Club signup
sheet when Enrique signs it. Two of the names above his are Nancy Jacobs
(first assistant director) and Diane Kelly (Diane Durant-Kelley is the
script supervisor). [Who are Ron Ripplemeyer and June Rogers?!]
2. Who would make a good Tino?
* This was a recent discussion on the MSCL list. Names bandied about as
possible Tinos included: Gary Oldman, Henry Rollins, the late great River
Phoenix, ...
3. What literary references have been used?
* The following works have been referred to, quoted, or featured:
- The Diary of Anne Frank (Anne Frank)
- The Autobiography of Malcolm X (Malcolm X)
- The Metamorphosis (Franz Kafka)
- Sonnet 130 (William Shakespeare)
- Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck)
- As You Like It (William Shakspeare)
- Cat's Cradle (Kurt Vonnegut)
4. What's all this talk about cats, basements, and sweaters?
* At least two episodes have made reference to a Chase family cat... but we
have yet to see said feline. Dennis suggested the cat is off somewhere
hanging with Tino and Brian's parents.
* In "The Substitute," Patty and Graham wonder if Angela could have
possibly written the (in)famous "Haiku For Him" poem. Patty dismisses
the idea, saying, "We don't even _have_ a basement." Fast forward to
"Life of Brian," and the opening scenes in the Chase home, where Graham
goes searching for wallpaper. Says Patty, "I can't do braids in a
basement."
* There appears to be a glitch in the editing of "Self-Esteem"; watch
Angela's clothes carefully in the scene after Jordan tells her to keep
their meetings a secret. She goes from wearing one sweater to another
top. Peculiar.
- -----------------------
10. THE SO-CALLED FANS
Response to the pilot and subsequent episodes of MSCL has generally been
enthusiastic -- perhaps not evident in the ratings, but apparent in the
rec.arts.tv discussions of the show and the loyalty of its supporters.
To this end, not one, but _two_ mailing lists can be found for discussion
of MSCL:
- The thirtysomething mailing list.
Maintained by: Janet Cook Sakell
Originally created for discussion of Zwick & Herskovitz's last
project, the critically acclaimed "thirtysomething." Send a
message to <30something-request@virginia.edu> with the command
"subscribe" in the subject line to be added to this list.
- The My So-Called Life mailing list.
Maintained by: Virany M. Kreng
Created for discussing (what else?) MSCL in all aspects, from
underlying themes to featured songs to characters' bad hair days.
Send a nice message to the human at to be added
to this list.
Yet another indication of fan fervor over the show is the existence of
not one, but again, _two_ episode guides detailing episodes of MSCL's
fledgling season so far.
- Dave Chapman has an MSCL episode
guide and occasionally posts it to rec.arts.tv. The Tardis
TV archive (of which he is the maintainer) is available by
ftp, gopher, and e-mail. For details, send an empty message
to . The ftp site for this
episode guide, along with 100's of other episode guides and
related FAQ's, is at ftp.doc.ic.ac.uk in the directory
/public/media/tv/collections/tardis.
- An MSCL episode guide, complete with summaries of episodes
you might have missed, is available throught the World Wide
Web. (Read on.) The summaries are written by Dennis and
Kevin; commentaries and interpretations by others are
also included for your reading enjoyment.
In an effort to spread the word about MSCL, one of the best shows on
television which nonetheless faces extinction in the race for ratings,
Kory Lasker, an industrious young lad with a big heart and disk space
to match, has set up a homepage for MSCL. The site is constantly being
updated, so it has all the cool MSCL-related audio files, text files,
and pictures. The page can be accessed on the World Wide Web via
Mosaic, Netlynx, or similar Web programs, at:
http://www.umn.edu/nlhome/g564/lask0008/mscl.html
Useful info such as ratings, articles, cast biographies, and assorted
fun stuff are located here.
An organization called OPERATION LIFE SUPPORT was recently created by
fans Steve Joyner and Robyn Landis. As the name implies, this is a group
dedicated to getting the attention of ABC and proving to them that
MSCL _does_ have viewers. Information about OLS can be obtained by writing
to .
- -----------------------
11. THE SO-CALLED NETWORK
The following information has been culled from posts by subscribers to
the My So-Called Life mailing list. These are the various ways they
have found for you (yes, YOU) to get in touch with ABC and let them know
that they have to renew MSCL, period.
- By snail mail: Edward Harbert, c/o ABC
2040 Avenue of the Stars
Century City, CA 90067
ABC Productions
2020 Avenue of the Stars, 5th Floor
Century City, CA 90067
- By e-mail: Send a message to
- By phone: ABC productions... (310) 557-6860
ABC - Los Angeles... (310) 557-7777
ABC - New York... (212) 456-7777
- By fax: ABC... (310) 557-7170
MSCL... (310) 479-2504
ABC Productions... (310) 557-6147
- -----------------------
12. THE SO-CALLED ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would have to shoot myself in the foot if I forgot to mention the
following...
* This text would not be possible without the input and suggestions of the
subscribers to the Internet MSCL mailing list. These people are everyday
saints who put up with mail delay, error messages, and incredibly huge
traffic in their mailboxes, all in the blessed name of MSCL. I owe them
all my gratitude in this life and two or three of my next ones.
* Ron Henry, for ratings information, episode titles, production
information, and general support.
* Kory Lasker , for his considerable time and
effort in creating an amazingly cool Homepage for the show.
* Dennis Nedblake , for quick episode
summaries and his unmistakeable general presence on the list.
* Kevin Chen , for episode summaries and general
support when it was greatly needed!
* Heidi Paulsen , for the intelligent
interpretative posts and inside info on MSCL.
* Steve Joyner for organizing Operation Life Support,
and giving MSCL a fighting chance.
* Dan Wood , for invaluable help putting this damned
thing together.
* Misty Jones , for compiling music information,
especially since I hadn't even heard of some of these groups!
* Peter Dangerfield , for the soundtrack info.
And for various reasons (not just because I think they're neat):
* Byron C. Go, Dan Dixon, Randy Wong, Caroline Webb, Ellen "QueenMab9",
Rob Ditto, Paul Rickter, Ben Schoenberg, Rob Ditto, David Feldman,
Nicole Bell, KoriG, and Jesse Mullan.
(I know I'm missing names here, not because I've forgotten, but because
it's 4 in the morning and I'm out of cappuccino, damn it!)
If I've forgotten your name, please e-mail me and flame me for forgetting
to mention you. Maybe I've worked in this Alzheimer's lab too long.
Finally:
* Marshall Herskovitz, Edward Zwick, Scott Winant, the various writers and
directors, and the actors of MSCL who are responsible for making such a
great show that we _can_ discuss like this.
* ... and of course, Winnie Holzman, for creating this underrated excellent
little show and never failing to surprise us with its endless
originality. ABC may not appreciate what they've got, but thank gawd
we do!
