The theme for “Once and Again” is a delicate, piano-led instrumental piece that captures the tentative and hopeful nature of finding love later in life.
Composed by W. G. Snuffy Walden and Joey Newman, the melody is both nostalgic and contemporary, mirroring the show’s structure—balancing the complexities of divorce, parenting, and new romance with the introspective “black-and-white” monologues from the characters.
Opening Credits Sequence
A Bedford Falls Production
Once and Again was the spiritual successor to thirtysomething, brought to life by the powerhouse duo of Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz. The show was celebrated for its realistic, non-sensationalized look at the lives of two divorced parents, Lily Manning (Sela Ward) and Rick Sammler (Billy Campbell), as they attempt to merge their families and navigate the emotional baggage of their pasts.
The score, led by W.G. Snuffy Walden, played a vital role in the show’s intimate atmosphere. Walden is known for his ability to translate internal emotional states into acoustic melodies, a skill that helped Once and Again earn numerous accolades, including an Emmy for Sela Ward and a Golden Globe nomination for Billy Campbell.
What were the ‘black-and-white’ segments?
A unique feature of the show was the inclusion of black-and-white monologues where characters would speak directly to an unseen interviewer, revealing their innermost thoughts and insecurities.
Did Evan Rachel Wood star in this?
Yes, a young Evan Rachel Wood played Jessie Sammler, Rick’s daughter. Her performance was widely praised as one of the most realistic portrayals of a teenager on TV at the time.
Who are the composers?
The theme and score were composed by W. G. Snuffy Walden and Joey Newman. Walden also composed the iconic themes for The West Wing and The Wonder Years.
