MovieChat Forums > The Mod Squad (1968) Discussion > Really Dated...

Really Dated...

posted 9 years ago by xerses13
19 replies | jump to latest

This is currently being rerun on the H&I (Heroes and Icons) network. I remember it in its original release, but remember the Mad Magazine parody more, 'The Clod Squad' or something like that. Like most of those relevancy shows of the late 60s and early 70s it does not wear well. It is more dated then shows made in the 50s, with it carrying all that 'Flower Child' sensitivity.

Rewatching a few episodes I thought I would feel some nostalgia for a era I grew-up in. Nope, do not have any feeling of affection for that period and particularly detest the fashion, but not half as much as my S.O. She really hates them.

[–] mactach 9 years ago

Boy you people who call these shows dated are idiots. Who cares!

What do you expect for a 47 year old show?

Plus I expect younger people to complain how dated it is.

[–] Zebra 3 9 years ago

Solid. 

'Huuutch!' - Starsky

[–] xerses13 9 years ago

mactach; Reading comprehention must not be one of your strong suits. I stated We saw it in its original release. That means we are obviously fifty (50) years old or older so we are not obviously 'younger people'. As for 'Who cares' that is the purpose of these boards to voice our opinions, not yours or do you expect everybody to agree with you. That would make you a self-centered idiot.

There are many shows that are older and hold up very well. The TWILIGHT ZONE for example or THE UNTOUCHABLES. I could name a dozen more, this one just does not cut it.

[–] mactach 9 years ago

I read your post well and it's you that has the problem.

If you didn't like the show to begin with or did as back them and don't today that's all fine. But it's silly to make such statements that have no logic.

When I watch as old show I don't think about whether its dated and whether it holds up well. That statement is goofy and meaningless and it's hilarious that people who originally watched such shows back then make such statements They're usually the ones critical of the way programs are today .

You either like it or don't.

Plus somebody else may not think those other shows hold up.

[–] lesnmike 9 years ago

By 'dated', do you mean that by watching it, you know you are aware of the time period?

"To err is human, to forgive, canine." - Unknown

[–] xerses13 9 years ago

lesnmike; Aware of it. My S.O. and I suffered through it.

[–] fa6947 9 years ago

Some episodes hold up pretty well, one that comes to mind is the Vincent Price episode, more of a physicalogical episode. I tried watching a couple episodes of One Day At A Time, man is that a tough watch!, lasted about 10 minutes before i grabbed the remote

[–] xerses13 9 years ago

fa6947; Do not remember well ONE DAY AT A TIME, though it sounds vaguely familiar, but always good to see Vincent Price.

[–] Zebra 3 9 years ago

Some episodes hold up pretty well, one that comes to mind is the Vincent Price episode, more of a physicalogical episode.

I found Julie's rented beach house.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0650047/locations

'Huuutch!' - Starsky

[–] spayer27 9 years ago

I think, when you find a show "dated", mybe it's that it comes from your coming-of-age era...somewhere between about "I am allowed to watch grown up TV!" to finishing school, or so.

I would find both Mod Squad AND ODAAT "dated"

[–] xoxoamore 9 years ago

I think something is "dated" when it reflects a specific time period, the editing and camera work is also old school AND the writing and acting do not hold up. I would say that Mod Squad is a bit dated but the acting generally saves it. The camera work is nothing special but I like that you don't have the frantic cutting a lot of shows have now. As for the costumes, hair, gadgets (rotary phones), they certainly reflect the late sixties/early seventies but I don't have a problem with that. That very paternalistic attitude towards women is dated and a annoying. But I must say I'm enjoying this walk dowm memory lane. Even my husband, who watches only the news,has gotten hooked. I'm SO glad my gym's cable system got messed up and I was there when a Mod Squad was show instead of tiny. "

[–] djanb1215 8 years ago

I agree with you on practically every point but especially on the acting! These were three "unknowns", who agreed to be a part of a "ground-breaking" event! Sure, it's easy to say now that Julie should have been given "meatier" storylines but you have to remember the times and the fact that the very concept of having young people being undercover cops was unheard of! And I find many of the story lines are still pertinent today!
The episode of the "uptight town"and the final scene when Julie can't understand why they could've killed a stranger and she's told she answered her own question "He was a stranger!" Or the episode they just aired about the tension and unrest on a college campus!
The other aspect that is overlooked is that for these three young actors, they came to know their characters so well-that it was more than just the clothes and the hair, they had layers to their personalities that were explored in different ways in different episodes!
Michael Cole's portrayal of Pete Cochrane will always be my favorite but they each had their moments in the sun!
Thank you for speaking up for some "dated" quality "solid" performances and writing!

[–] Forlorn_Rage 8 years ago

Like most of those relevancy shows of the late 60s and early 70s it does not wear well. It is more dated then shows made in the 50s, with it carrying all that 'Flower Child' sensitivity.

First of all, the show was groundbreaking in that it was the first television show to feature a mixed cast (black + white, male + female), all with equal importance and billing in the opening credits.

Also, you fail to see that that is what is so great about this show. Why would it not explore what was actually happening in the 70's? Other shows, aside from Norman Lear's shows and The Mary Tyler Moore Show (to a certain extent), were too afraid to even approach some of the topics that Mod Squad approached like the counterculture directly changed gender roles, men and women being caught up in a fast changing roles and resulting in doing terrible things like thievery, child abuse and abandonment, etc.

Other shows like The Love Boat, Charlie's Angels, Happy Days, The Brady Bunch, Little House on the Prairie, I Dream of Jeannie don't have 1/10th of the the character and unique identity that Mod Squad has because they were too busy avoiding 70's life instead of portraying it. The gritty documentary style film and direction that is used for the show just adds to the realism and feels like I am actually experiencing the 70's life with the characters.

It's a shame that the show isn't rerun very much and the Decades marathon is almost over. I'm really diggin this show.

[–] xerses13 8 years ago

Forlorn_Rage; It is obvious that you like the show, more power too you. Having lived through that era it does NOT have any nostalgic attraction for me. I do see a lot of really bad fashion and trite dialog. Different strokes for different folks.

[–] mactach 8 years ago

Whatever keep it to yourself.

[–] xerses13 8 years ago

mactach; You must be confused or just dumb. The purpose of these boards is not to stifle opinions, but be open to ALL opinions.

[–] fa6947 8 years ago

the beauty of "Post Ignored" not having to see that fools comments.

[–] xerses13 8 years ago

fa6947; I have avoided using 'post ignored' because I want people to have their say. Even if they disagree with our point of view.

[–] Nevadalonghorn 8 years ago

I like "dated" shows. I like flashbacks of times past. It would be easy to get lost in the past for a while. This show reminds me of what was - and how (some) things got better.