by Mike Hilty, Contributing Writer
Welcome to Cross-Platform Partners! In honor of a new movie release, I have selected a TV show to watch to pair with the movie. Think of it as a way to get hyped for the new movie, a preview of things to come, a means to tide you over if the movie won’t be released where you live for a little while, or a change of pace if you’ve run out of related movies or sequels.
For October, I paired My So-Called Life with Tron: Ares.
Jared Leto has had a somewhat checkered life as a performer. He has had some notable successes, including his Academy Award-winning role in Dallas Buyers Club, a chilling lead role in Requiem for a Dream, and a supporting role in Fight Club. However, he has also starred in movies like Morbius and Suicide Squad, which showcase his talent, but cannot save him from a poor script or questionable casting choices. Although Tron: Ares was supposed to launch a new era for Leto, to me, he’ll always be Jordan Catalano.
My So-Called Life is about the life and times of high school student Angela Chase (Claire Danes). During her sophomore year of high school, she undergoes significant social change by befriending Rayanne (A.J. Langer) and Rickie (Wilson Cruz). What follows is a rebellious streak that upends her family life and social standing at school. Through it all, Angela discovers her voice and what it means to truly embrace herself, warts and all.
My So-Called Life was essential viewing for teenagers growing up in the 1990s. It was raw and authentic in ways not seen on television before, tackling topics like sex, school violence, and alcoholism in ways that felt real to high school students at the time. Not shy about having complicated conversations, My So-Called Life was so ahead of its time that ABC canceled it after one epic season. But when it came on MTV, the show became a pop culture legend.
One reason why My So-Called Life feels so real is Angela herself. Between Danes’ performance and the outstanding writing, Angela Chase is a vibe that many people felt during the show’s initial run. She’s complicated, sassy, insecure, and prone to making mistakes. However, she’s fearless, daring, and willing to stand by her beliefs. This level of balance is what makes Angela so incredible; she can embrace all the sides of herself, while still figuring out who she is in the vast world of high school.
Part of the reason Angela is amazing is because of the relationships she has with everyone around her. Starting with her parents, Patty (Bess Armstrong) and Graham (Tom Irwin), they’re evolving their roles and family dynamics. They notice when Angela changes, but aren’t sure how to proceed in this new era they live in. Angela’s parents are a new type of adult who embrace Angela’s chaos with concern and open-mindedness. A lot is thrown at them with Angela’s new friends and lifestyle. However, both Patty and Graham have their own issues to deal with as well. They’re both facing career challenges, and their relationship is repeatedly tested. Through it all, though, Patty and Graham are a realistic portrayal of what a couple is like when they have kids.
As the primary love interest of Angela, Jordan is an interesting member to the cast. He’s the bad boy who is insecure about his shortcomings, particularly his home life and education. Leto taps into a vulnerability not previously seen in the teenage bad boy. When he’s with Angela, he can’t escape his ego, and doesn’t want to be viewed as soft. Jordan makes careless mistakes throughout the series, and he doesn’t learn how much of an impact he has on others until he hurts others.
The most consequential character of the show is Rickie. Cruz is outstanding in the role, and Rickie might be one of the most important characters we’ve seen on television. As a struggling gay student, Rickie represents what every kid goes through with their sexuality. However, he also doesn’t let it define him, and the show treats Rickie as a character and not a stereotype. The ‘90s weren’t exactly the most kind time for gay characters; however, Rickie felt like a changing of the guard.
Angela’s neighbor, Brian (Devon Gummersall), is the love that she longs for, but can’t see in front of her. Brian is a bit of a mess, like everyone in high school. He’s smart, but almost too smart for his own good. Yet his social awkwardness gives way to a cringey charm that you can’t help but root for. The final episode of the series kicks Brian’s story into high gear, and it sucks we’ll never get to see the decision that Angela ultimately has to make between Brian and Jordan.
My So-Called Life is essential viewing for everyone who went through high school. It appeals to everyone uniquely, making people feel genuine and seen. The show’s cancellation is one of the great what-ifs of television. If ABC had had the guts to keep it going, it could have been an all-time great. Since it only lasted one fantastic season, all the audience is left with are dreams of what could have been.
You can read more from Mike Hilty and follow him on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Serializd