REVIEW OF "TRACEY TAKES ON...": Smoking January 18, 1998
by Roger Reini (rreini@wwnet.net)
Have you ever contemplated Kay Clark stoned as a gourd? Or have you searched in vain for a place to take a drag? If so, then you can appreciate tonight's episode of "Tracey Takes On...", where the subject is smoking.
Tonight's long sketches had Kay meeting up with Carlos (Cheech Marin), trying to find some medicinal marijuana; Linda telling the story of her life and addictions, and how they all started with that first cigarette in high school; and Ruby trying to find a place to smoke in peace (and comes this close to resting in peace). The short bits had Hope embarrassed about sneaking a puff in the ladies' room, Mrs. Noh trying to interest the children in her nicotine donuts, and Chic doesn't allow anyone to smoke in his cab, and that goes for big shot celebrities, too!
For me, the Kay sketch was the best of the evening by far. It may be a contender for the season-ending best-of special. Ruby's sketch was pretty good, too, though I think its impact may have been lessened by my having seen the most hysteric scene (Ruby sneaking into the ladies' room for a smoke) as a clip on the Rosie O'Donnell show last week. My opinion on Linda's sketch is subject to revision. Upon first impression, it struck me as funny/interesting in concept but somewhat less so in execution. I might have a different opinion after seeing it again. As for the short bits, they were all pretty decent. Nicotine donuts -- what a concept!
RATING: 3 bells (equivalent to 3 3/4 stars on the old scale)
NEXT: Loss -- where Rayleen bids farewell to Mitch.
This review is Copyright 1997 R. W. Reini(rreini@wwnet.com)
