As an “old,” it increasingly takes a lot more effort to make me go “squee!” over something. So when I learned the Hub Network has started re-airing episodes of “Jem,” an involuntary “squee!” emanated from yours truly.
Back in the ’80s, Saturday morning cartoons were the thing to do and at 11AM on NBC, I made sure to be front and center for my weekly dose of Jem & the Holograms, a multi-racial, technologically-advanced girl band whose lead singer could change persona — the headstrong Jerrica Benton and the rock star, Jem — thanks to “magic” earrings acquired from a hologram, better known as Synergy.
While Jem & the Holograms were the focus of the show, there were also two other bands, the Misfits (no, Glenn Danzig didn’t make any appearances on the show) and the Stingers, whose lead singer always reminded me of Dino.
Then, there was the love interest, Rio, who wasn’t too bright considering he managed to have a thing for both Jerrica and Jem at the same time.
Throw in some orphans, evil scheming, and travel to faraway lands, this show was manna for a kid who lived on a farm. Plus, the dolls came with cassette (!!) tapes of songs featured on the show.
Even Crasstalk favorite Randall has something to say about the return of the cartoon.
And I’m sure Britta Phillips, voice of Jem/Jerrica, who has a real music career will be happy to see a few royalty checks in the mail once again.
So, if you’re looking for me on Saturday mornings, I’ll be in front of the TV singing along to the songs as if I were a kid again.
