CHARLIE’S ANGELS: Why Does ’70s TV Keep Getting Rebooted?

Nostalgia is a tricky thing. We remember moments from our past through the lens of time and often it’s as flattering as the soft-focus lens and intricate lighting Barbara Walters uses on her specials. Warm and fuzzy, nostalgia conveniently forgets the bad and emphasizes the good. I imagine the pitch meeting for the Charlie’s Angels reboot went something like this:

“Remember the good old days, when Charlie’s Angels was on the air and kids could stay outside playing until dark without fear? We can have that again!”

Yeah, remember when there were 3 networks and no Internet? Remember when, oh Lord, disco was popular? Do we really want to go back to that time, America?

The new Charlie’s Angels is less jiggly and a little more street smart than the original, but it still leaves a lot to be desired. I didn’t hate the pilot, but I found myself wondering why it existed. Why do we need to reboot that series? Why not come up with a fresh premise starring three women as action heroes? It’s not like these ’70s reboots have a history of success (ahem…Bionic Woman, Knight Rider, Wonder Woman), so why do they keep getting the green light? Nostalgia.

It’s not all bad. I like Minka Kelly, the action sequences are decent, and Miami truly sparkles. It’s not mentally taxing (although knowing who the leads were ahead of time, I was confused about a plot point for the first few minutes) and Ramon Rodriguez as Bosley has some nice chemistry with the Angels. With such a crowded slate of quality new series, I just don’t see a spot for this one. Will viewers feel the same? Or will nostalgia draw them in to check out the new Angels? (P.S. If Victoria’s Secret doesn’t advertise during the premiere, consider that a huge missed opportunity for synergy!)

Charlie’s Angels premieres tonight at 8/7c on ABC.