That ‘90s Show Season 2’s Leonardo DiCaprio Reference Doesn’t Make Sense


Summary

  • That ’90s Show
    season 2 references 1996’s
    Romeo + Juliet
    in one of Leia’s daydreams — but the timing is off.
  • The show is packed with ’90s nostalgia, so the homage to
    Romeo + Juliet
    ‘s iconic fish tank scene adds a lot to the episode, even if it’s erroneous.
  • Romeo + Juliet
    is the perfect kind of cult classic for a 1990s-set show to reference.



That ’90s Show season 2 references an iconic Leonardo DiCaprio movie — but, unfortunately, the homage doesn’t make a ton of sense. A sequel to the hugely popular That ’70s Show, the Netflix series centers on Leia Forman (Callie Haverda), the teenage daughter of Eric Forman (Topher Grace) and Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon). Unfolding 15 years after what happened in That ’70s Show‘s finale, the 1990s-set sitcom sees Leia spending the summer with her grandparents, Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty Forman (Debra Jo Rupp), in the original show’s old haunt: Point Place, Wisconsin.

Much like its parent series, That ’90s Show is packed with Easter eggs and references to the era it takes place in. In fact, it’s that nostalgia and fondness for the era that makes That ’90s Show season 2 a must-watch for long-time franchise fans and newcomers alike. Notably, That ’90s Show‘s soundtrack is filled with scene-setting hits that transport the viewer back nearly 30 years. The one issue with paying homage to another time period, however, is that every detail must be spot-on, and That ’90s Show‘s Leonardo DiCaprio reference fails the fact check.



That ’90s Show Season 2 Is Set Before Romeo + Juliet Released In 1996

Leia Imagines That She & Jay Are The Characters From Baz Luhrmann’s Film

In That ’90s Show season 2, episode 7, “Baby-Baby-Baby,” one of Leia’s daydreams references a hugely popular Leonardo DiCaprio film from the mid-90s. Directed, produced, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann, Romeo + Juliet is one of the best Shakespeare adaptations, especially with its modern-day setting and stylistic flair. The now-cult classic stars DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the titular star-crossed lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. When the pair first meet at a costume party — Juliet dresses as an angel, while Romeo wears armor — they see each other through a fish tank.


That ’90s Show
season 2 is set during the summer of ’96, but
Romeo + Juliet
didn’t hit theaters until November 1, 1996.

As Leia and Jay Kelso (Mace Coronel) plot to take their relationship to the next level, they’re interrupted by Red’s almost-heart attack. While at the hospital, Leia imagines that she and Jay are Romeo and Juliet from the fish tank sequence. Much like DiCaprio and Danes, the pair stare at each other longingly through the waters while “I’m Kissing You” by Des’ree, the film’s official love theme, plays. Unfortunately, the Netflix series makes a massive error. That ’90s Show season 2 is set during the summer of ’96, but Romeo + Juliet didn’t hit theaters until November 1, 1996.


Related

Romeo + Juliet 1996 Cast & Character Guide

Here’s a guide to the cast and characters of Baz Luhrmann’s popular 1996 adaption of Shakespeare’s most well-known tragedy, Romeo + Juliet.

Romeo + Juliet Is Still A Fun Pop Culture Reference For That ’90s Show

The Divisive-Yet-Inventive ’90s Film Is A Cult Classic

There’s no denying that That ’90s Show still made a solid choice. Bolstered by Baz Luhrmann’s distinct visual aesthetic and over-the-top approach, Romeo + Juliet is a frenetic-yet-compelling adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy of the same name. The film is also peak ’90s pop culture, from Romeo + Juliet‘s movie soundtrack to its cast of characters led by ’90s Hollywood royalty like DiCaprio and Danes. That said, even if That ’90s Show mixes up its dates and makes an anachronistic reference to Romeo + Juliet, the homage still adds scene-setting flair and historical texture to its nostalgia-fueled spinoff.


Both seasons of That ’90s Show stream exclusively on Netflix.



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