Edit
Storyline
Set to the soundtrack of the '60s, a Philadelphia family moves toward the cultural upheaval in the years ahead. The Pryors' teen daughter Meg tries to shed her "good girl" image by hanging with her worldly friend Roxanne and pursuing a dream of being an "American Bandstand" dancer. Meg's emerging personality, and the changes her mother's going through, don't sit well with Meg's father Written by
Anonymous
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
Taglines:
One family's journey through the times that changed our nation.
See more »
Edit
Did You Know?
Trivia
Current music artists appear in almost every episode as popular singers from the 1960s.
See more »
Goofs
In one episode, a "Sabian" cymbal is seen mounted on the wall of the record store. This Canadian brand was not introduced until 1979.
See more »
Quotes
Chris Pierce:
[
to Meg]
You should know... that I love you.
See more »
Soundtracks
"People Get Ready"
Written by
Curtis Mayfield
Performed by
The Impressions
Courtesy of MCA Records
See more »
TV shows with historical premises have been successful in the past, but too often they descent into cornball territory. "The Waltons" had a reputation for schmaltz even when it aired, and "Little Houseon the Prairie" wasn't much better ... in fact, the last few seasons were ridiculous at best.
"America Dreams" takes a piece of the recent past, the childhood andteen years of the Baby Boomer generation, the time just before X-ers like myself were born. For the Boomers, it's nostalgia, a look at a time of tumultuous change; for the X-ers, well, for me anyway, it's a glimpse of a legendary time that we remember from our parents' anecdotes and the last few chapters of our highschool history textbooks.
The characters are well-drawn and while they have a stereotypical basis, they aren't restricted to the roles you'd expect; Meg, my favorite character, is pretty and popular, but very socially aware and actively trying to make a difference in the world around her. Reminds me, in an odd way, of Emma from Degrassi TNG in that respect.
The adults on the show are complex and interesting as well, and I got drawn into the story arc after watching just an episode or two this season. I'd really love to go back and catch the previous season at some point.
Anyway ... watchable, interesting, intelligently written, good production values. If you haven't seen it yet, it's worth a look.