Classic Comics Sunday
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Those ’70s Comics: 769
Episode 509.5 - “A Jackie Burkhart Christmas”
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Comments: As “dumb” as Kelso seems or acts on the show, his true dearth of intelligence is in the realm of common sense and self-awareness. He managed to cheat on Jackie for months with Laurie and at least one other girl without getting caught, despite Hyde trying to trip him up. Granted, Jackie’s own naivety (and need to believe Kelso was faithful) played a role in Kelso getting away with it so long.
But Kelso can be very sneaky. Besides his chronic cheating, he’s able to steal his friends’ toys (and panties) without them realizing it. He gives Jackie that sweater in “Whole Lotta Love” (5x16) as a calculated manipulation. He invites Annette to Point Place as another calculated manipulation. Without the comedic skill of his on-screen portrayer, on paper Kelso is -- with rare exception, particularly with Brooke in season 6 and Fez in the later seasons -- an unlikable antagonist.
In “A Jacke Burkharrt Christmas,” we see Kelso’s machinations at work. Without a laugh track or a talented actor, the character’s behavior is stripped of humor and laid bare.