If you have SoapNet, you can watch my new favorite chick show, “Being Erica.” They’ve been advertising it heavily on Soapnet (which is a great way to dip into soaps you may not have watched for years but are wondering what’s going on today). So I watched the premiere last week. And was pleasantly surprised.
The premise is that Erica has made really bad choices in her life, which she thinks led her to a life of dead-end jobs, bad choices in men, and a life that is going nowhere. She meets the mysterious Dr. Tom, who sends her back in time to relive the choices she regrets. So far, she’s been in high school and college, and, well, I really like this show. I don’t think the guys will care much for it, but ladies, if you miss your Gilmore Girls fix, or your Men in Trees fix, well, watch Being Erica.
This one has the added attraction of Erica being Jewish and not (so far!) ashamed of it. I am so done with shows and moves about Jews who don’t really like being Jewish (cf: Dirty Dancing) or shows that portray Jews negatively (cf: Seinfeld). If I’m not mistaken, Erica’s father was wearing a T-shirt that said “Moses is just all right with me” or words to that effect, in Hebrew-styled English lettering.
But even without that, I like the show. The actress is very personable, and I like the character a lot. Regretting choices has to resonate with everyone. But what I really like about the show: In this week’s episode, we find out that we may be regretting a choice that we shouldn’t be regretting. It’s not all about screwing up. It’s about trusting your instincts.
So, ladies—go watch. I know there are a lot of Gilmore Girl fans here. I’m not saying this is as funny or intelligent. But it’s fun and sweet, and that’s enough.