Hi, Geoff. Yes, I am reviving a 5-year-old thread. I mentioned in the Ladies' Thread that I got hooked on the show, but didn't think to do a general search until now...

I watched all 18 episodes a few weeks ago when I realized I could find them online, and I fell in love. Like you said, it had me both laughing and in tears. I know this sounds silly, but it had an impact on me like no other show that I can remember. I can't even figure out just what it was, because it's not that I related to the era as you did, but it was so full of emotion and nostalgia, and each character's experiences inspire you to think about your own.

When it was over, I missed it terribly...I wanted to watch more! It's a shame that it was only 18 episodes - although I think it could be one of those things that's great in part because it wasn't overdone. Anyway, I heard "Ripple" on the Sirius music station a couple of nights after finishing the series, and I started crying...so yeah.

And Bill is the BEST. He's absolutely hilarious.