Why everyone should watch Tales of the City immediately:



A. This collection is a lesson in fine, subtle, and overall masterful acting. The performers brim with intellect (their commentary shows their analyses and hard work) and psychological nuances.

B. It's wildly entertaining, with constant wit, some camp, mystery, and a whole lot of loving characters that are a joy to follow. I personally would readily marry any one of them: Mouse is incredibly cute, Mona is sweet, and Mary Ann is like the audience's bridge into the mythical world of 28 Barbury Lane.

C. It's an important statement on accepting who we are and who others are and finding that, despite our unique, perhaps, skin-deep differences, we all share common ground (symbolically as the tenants share their living space).

D. Laura Linney is one of the best, most convincing actors of her era. Olympia Dukakis is remarkable and gorgeous in her truly tour-de-force portrayal of Mrs. Madrigal.

E. It's a beautiful ode to San Francisco (with stunning location shots), the 1970s, and living out life in general.

F. It had me staying up 'til wee hours in the night so I could finish all 6 hours and, despite symptoms of sleep deprivation, it has been an immensely satisfying watch (despite brief falls into soap opera-ness that are redeemed by the dazzling performances).



There should be more TV like this; the world would be an infinitely better, more intellectual and loving place. If ever you get a chance to read or view this breathtaking work don't pass it up, it may change your life and your perception of other people's, but most of all you'll be compelled to dance in white boxer briefs to funky music and invest in an ornament for your, ahem, tree.