Starring Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Laura Prepon, Danny Masterson
Written By:
Directed By: David Trainer
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Buy on Amazon.com link

I’ve always thought that the strongest point of That 70s show was its characters, but after seeing the characters become one-dimensional caricatures during the sixth season (and hearing all kinds of bad things about the show’s eight and final season), I kind of figured that this seventh season would be pretty bad. Boy was I wrong, and for once I’m pleasantly surprised to be so very wrong. Actually, I’d have to say that the seventh season is one of the funniest of the show’s entire run. True, Fez has pretty much become a complete “pervert” stereotype at this point, but all the other characters go back to their, well, gloriously former three-dimensional selves.

As usual, the plot progresses and lots o’ changes are thrown into the mix. Eric and Donna deal with the whole called-off-wedding thing from the previous season. Hyde finally meets his real father (and his half-sister) and gets a job with the new family. Eric decides to take the year off and “find himself”. Fez becomes a shampoo boy and hooks up with Lindsay Lohan. Kelso’s daughter is born. Donna (unfortunately) bleaches her hair while her dad loses both of his love interests. Red buys a muffler shop. And so on. And during even the most dramatic changes, the series still manages to seamlessly lighten the mood with random insanity, keeping it, as always, from getting too preachy or “very special episode”ish. Fortunately we also get the return of awesome cast of secondary characters, including a fresh-out-of-jail Tommy Chong reappearing as Leo. We also get to see Fez’s nemesis Fenton and another appearance of Eric’s nemesis Casey Kelso.

There are a couple of particularly hilarious standout episodes here, especially one where a stupid phone call to the White House results in a lot of paranoia (helped out by their stash’, of course); or another where Eric and Red finally bond at a Packers game (helped out by a brawl with an unruly fan).

Well, this is a particularly funny season of a generally great show. I don’t really know what else to say. If you’re familiar with the show you’ll know by now if you’d be interested in the seventh season. If you’re not familiar with the show, I strongly suggest you check it out, because it’s freakin’ great, largely due to the amazing cast (and the great characters they play) and the ever-evolving storyline that is so unlike the typical never-changing sitcoms.

Features:
Audio Commentaries
A ’70s Show Flashback: Don Stark
Behind the Polyester: Writing That ’70s Show
That Seventh ’70s Season

Audio:
Dolby Digital Surround (English)

Video:
1.33:1, Color

Subtitles:
English

Favorite Scenes: A lot, actually, though more specifically, the two mentioned in the review were freakin’ great.
Rating: NR
Running Time: 650 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: