The Messenger from Madisonville, Kentucky • 38

I I iU i 1 8 TV THIS WEEK Saturday, March 4, 2006 Fox bids farewell to That 70s Show By Kyla Brewer TV Media For most people, reliving the glory days of their youth is confined to daydreaming and reminiscing with friends. But for those who came of age in the 70s, one TV series has inspired viewers to celebrate the days of 8-tracks, polyester and platform shoes once again. Not to mention feathered hair and painted-on jeans. Foxs That 70s Show has been bringing back memories for eight foggy seasons. Unfortunately for fans, the decade has to end sooner or later.

The network recently announced that the show would end with its milestone 200th episode, currently scheduled to air Thursday, May 18. Set in Point Place, the series centers around the antics of a group of friends snuggling to find their way to adulthood, facing many of the dilemmas still faced by todays teenagers. When the series premiered, Topher Grace portrayed hapless everyteen Eric Foreman, who was in love with girl-next-door, Donna (Laura Prepon). Over the years, he and pals Hyde (Danny Masterson), Fez (Wilmer Valderrama), Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) and Kelsos ex, Jackie (Mila Kunis), got up to all kinds of no good in Foremans basement. Producers also appealed to the older generations with memorable parents Red (Kurtwood Smith), Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp), Bob (Don Stark) and sometimes Midge (Tanya Roberts, who left the series after season 3).

With numerous Emmy nods and Teen Choice Awards, That 70s Show made stars of some otherwise unknowns such as Grace and Valderrama, and garnered well-deserved praise for industry veterans Smith, Rupp and Stark, who hadnt had their moment in the spotlight. But even one of the best casts on TV couldnt save the series from the network The special one-hour premiere of the eighth season of THAT 70s SHOW airs Wednesday, (7-8 p.m.) on FOX. Front row L-R: Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon, Wilmer Valderrama, Mila Kunis. row L-R: Josh Meyers, Debra Jo Rupp, Tommy Chong, Don Stark, Kurtwood Smith. be a smoke screen for failing ratings since Grace and Kutcher left the show at the end of last season.

It looks like they wont be the only ones bidding adieu to the 70s this spring fans will have to say their goodbyes as well. writers and producers, and the great crew, he said. There are a lot of things about the 70s wed like to forget especially those involving polyester but this series has been a wonderful look back at this most memorable decade. However, such comments really could just chopping block. Fox executive Peter Liguori had kind parting words for the groovy series.

The shows success is definitely a testament to the creativity and dedication put forth each week by the talented cast, outstanding Family Favorites must do a little detective work. Friday, March 10, 7 p.m. ABC FAMILY Movie Flight of the Navigator Young David Freeman is abducted by aliens from his Fort Lauderdale home only to return to the exact spot eight years later. NASA investigates and hopes to scan the boy's brain to unlock the secrets of the universe, but David just wants to find a way back to his own time. Nickelodeon Children Zoey 101 Zoey Brooks and her Pacific Coast Academy pals trade in their backpacks for bikinis.

They find themselves in a beachside paradise where they get the opportunity to star in a battle-of-the-sexes reality TV game show. Saturday, March 11, 9:30 a.m. CBS Children Dora the Explorer Dora, Boots and Diego come across a big egg rolling down a hill. When the egg hatches, out comes a baby dinosaur. They help the baby dino get back (home to his mommy by going through the river, past the T-rex.

ajid.on to Island. Special appearance by Grant Show. Tuesday, March 7, 8 p.m. Animal Planet Documentary The Most Extreme Transformers Witness the many miraculous transformations that occur in the natural world. While not all kisses turn frogs into handsome princes, nature features some remarkable transformers.

In this special, experts countdown the top '10 most extreme transformers of the animal kingdom. Wednesday, March 8, 7 a.m. TLC Children Peep and the Big Wide World It's winter, it's blah, and everything looks so drab. Peep, Quack and Chirp wonder whether they'll survive until spring. Later, Peep discovers his inner bounce when he encounters a frog, a mattress, and a jack-in-the-box.

Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m. Disney Movie Get a Clue Spoiled teenager Lexy Gold writes the gossip column for her high school newspaper. She decides to become an investigative reporter and sets her sights on her favorite teacher. However, when the teacher goes missing, Lexy Sunday, March 5, 3 p.m. Nickelodeon Movie Barbie Fairytopia 2: Mermaidia Elina travels to Mermaidia to save her friend, Nalu, the mermaid prince.

He's been kidnapped by Lavema's henchmen, who plan to use him to make Lavema the most powerful fairy in Fairytopia. It's up to Elina to stop them, but she'll need help. 7 p.m. Disney Movie Mulan When a young Chinese maiden learns that her ailing father has been called to serve in the army, she disguises herself as a boy and takes her father's place. She summons all of her courage to fight for China against the invading Huns.

Monday, March 6, 8 p.m. ABC FAMILY Drama Beautiful People When Grant returns to fight for custody of Sophie, the Ken-family faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, Annabelle gets a makeover and finally catches Gideon's attention, and Karen pays her dues in the modeling world. Sarah Foret stars in Beautiful People".