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‘Erica’ tackles life’s dilemmas with unorthodox methods

In the delightful new show “Being Erica,” the title character is going through what could politely be termed a “rough patch.” She has gotten fired from a dead-end job. Her family is condescending. And, minutes before she is supposed to meet her boyfriend, he calls to cancel the date. The reason? He really needs to go the gym.

Erica obviously needs a little guidance. She finds it in the form of a dashing man known only as Dr. Tom, who is not your typical therapist. In the premiere episode, he has the 32-year-old compile a list of her life’s regrets. Sample items: “Losing my virginity to Zach” and “Yom Kippur 1998.”

However, that’s not what makes Dr. Tom’s treatment so unorthodox. He then somehow sends Erica back in time, so she can relive each cringe-worthy moment.

“I wouldn’t want to steer the audience wrong,” says Erin Karpluk, the winsome actress who plays Erica. “It’s not a time-travel show. The time travel is more of a catalyst in Erica’s growth as a person.”

That is one of the strengths and charms of the series. It’s not “Quantum Leap,” with Erica making right what once went wrong. And it’s definitely not “13 Going on 30,” the Jennifer Garner flick that peddled cute nostalgia.

But “Being Erica” does contain elements of both, which it blends to create a captivating show that is layered, funny and frequently touching.

“The thing that makes it relatable is the theme of regrets,” Karpluk says. “Regardless of age, sex or race, everyone has regrets. It’s really a wonderful gift that has been given to Erica.”

It is also the kind of role that is fun for an actress to play.

“When we visit 1992, it’s like I’m channeling Shannon Doherty with the hair and makeup,” says Karpluk, who has appeared on “The L Word” and “Bionic Woman.” “The neat thing is going back with the foresight and life experience of a 32-year-old in a 16-year-old body.”

Karpluk also has great chemistry with Michael Riley, who plays the deliciously mysterious Dr. Tom.

“He’s incredible,” Karpluk says. “When he’s on the set, there’s this big sigh of relief because he’s so intuitive. He brings all these fun quirks to the character.”

Made in Canada, the show began airing on the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. in January. In the States, SOAPnet will begin airing the show on Feb. 19. Karpluk hopes the U.S. network won’t scare men into thinking it is the small-screen equivalent of a chick flick.

“I’ve been surprised at how many guys watch,” Karpluk says with a giggle. “Men come up to me all the time and say they can’t wait to see what she’s going to do next. That desire to revisit your past - it’s a universal thing we all share.”

It also gives the show a lot of potential to explore different themes, Karpluk says.

“Initially, people might have thought we painted ourselves into a corner: How many regrets can she have?” she says. “But instead, we’ve opened up a lot more doors of possibility. I can’t imagine where we’re going to next.”