REVIEW OF "TRACEY TAKES ON...": OBSESSION, Mar. 10 1999

by Roger Reini (rreini@wwnet.net )

This week, "Tracey Takes On...” obsession.

In the long sketches this week, Sydney attends the 20-year reunion for her high school graduating class and gets her revenge for the mistreatment by her classmates, Trevor and Barry get caught up in a Latin dancing class and competition, and Sheneesha and Hellura talk about Steven Spielberg's stalker. The short bits have Chic peddling a fragrance called "Absession", Hope commenting on America's obsession with youth, Ruby recalling her experiences on "Magnificent Obsession," Her Royal Highness stating that the royal family is not prone to obsession (or several other emotions), and Kay discussing her brief obsession with Beanie Babies.

The highlights of the episode for me were the long sketches with Sydney and Trevor. Sydney was in full abrasive form tonight, from the effect she had on her assistant (who was reluctant to approach her) to the way she took over the reunion and got back at those who had humiliated her. She was untouchable. And the sketch with Trevor and Barry was quite enjoyable, as they all have been to date. One interesting thing about the Trevor and Barry sketches: at their core, they tend to have the same basic story. Something comes along that threatens their relationship to a greater or lesser degree, but it's overcome by the end of the sketch, so that they remain together. In this episode, it's Latin dancing. In previous episodes, it's been surrogate fatherhood, a meal that didn't turn out right, and the realization that they've "aged"at different rates. But it doesn't matter, for their love is able to overcome every adversity.

RATING: 3 bells.

NEXT WEEK: End of the World (and end of the season) TBD: The Best-Of special for the fourth season.

Review Copyright 1999 R. W. Reini

01/18/97 - Roger reviews "Tracey Takes On...": SEX(***1/2)