Strange Turn of Events: A Review of Being Erica

Poor Erica Strange. She just had a terrible day. First, she got fired from her job at the call center. The reason? She was too bright; never mind that her boss knew about her advanced degree when he hired her. Later, the guy she was seeing dumped her while she was on her way to meet him for their third date; he wanted to go to the gym instead. As she stood there in disbelief with her cell phone in her hand, she got drenched in a sudden downpour. Seeking shelter inside a coffee shop, she gratefully accepted a free sample of mocha mint latte. Too bad nobody told her it was actually hazelnut mocha mint latte; she's severely allergic to nuts. In the hospital, recovering from the allergic reaction, she's puzzled as to why a mysterious, distinguished-looking man stops by her cubicle and asks about her day. Calling himself a therapist, he gives her his card, which identifies him only as "Dr. Tom," and says to find him when she's ready to talk.

Thus begins Being Erica. Billed as a SOAPnet original series, Being Erica is a Canadian show currently airing on both SOAPnet in the United States and CBC-TV in Canada. It is about Erica Strange, a 32-year-old Torontonian who just can't seem to get a break. Despite her Master's in English Literature, she can't keep a decent job. She can't keep a boyfriend, either. She's constantly disappointing her family, especially her nagging, disapproving mother, who seems to consider her a complete failure. Erica believes that all the bad choices she has made in her life are to blame for her current predicament.

Eventually, Erica goes to see Dr. Tom, who tells her to make a list of everything she would go back and change if she could. She has a long list. Dr. Tom assures her that he can fix whatever is wrong with her life, but he wants a firm commitment from her; she has to be willing to see this through. After initially balking, Erica agrees. Suddenly, the air around her turns cold. Erica then finds herself in her old high school, and somehow, it's 1992.

I didn't actually intend to watch Being Erica, but the promos drew me in. I was pleasantly surprised. Being Erica is quirky, unpredictable, and fun. I hope it gets the ratings necessary to continue, because I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next. The writing is good, and the pacing is just right. Erin Karpluk is likeable as Erica, but the real casting coup was Michael Riley, who is perfect as the mysterious Dr. Tom.

Being Erica airs Thursday nights on SOAPnet, with repeats staggered throughout the week. If this channel's history repeats itself, there will likely be a catch-up marathon some weekend in the not-too-distant future.

Sources:

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/tv/story/2008/12/31/cbc-erica-wildroses.html

http://soapnet.go.com/soapnet/show/path-showname_beingerica

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20090112soapnet01

http://www.soapnetmedianet.com/web/showpage/showpage.aspx?program_id=3118695&type=lead