wolf008 Reviews

Never Forget (1991 TV Movie)

Those that hate...

[20 May 2007]

For those that hate, there were never enough minorities tortured, hung, gassed or stuffed into ovens to satisfy their aversion. By means of their denial that the holocaust existed, or their statements that events were "over-exaggerated", they aim to further insult and injure the survivors and descendants of those who suffered Hitlers "final solution".

There was a time after the war that we said "never again"! Never again would we allow genocide to occur anywhere on this planet. How soon we forget our pledge. Genocide and ethnic cleansing are still very much a reality, and just as it did in the early days of Hitlers Germany, it goes on mostly unfettered and continues today in places like Rwanda, and Malaysia. At the very least we need to send a message to those that hate and commit acts of wholesale murder.

Hitler still exists. His legacy resides in men like president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, who called for the destruction of Israel, and who goes virtually unopposed by the world community. It is no surprise that Ahmadinejad is a holocaust denier himself, and has even called for conferences in an attempt to question the events in Nazi Germany. He has called for Jews and Christians to be forced to distinguish themselves by wearing colored badges. Very reminiscent to Nazi Germany's requiring the Jews to wear the Star of David. Mostly Ahmadinejad is a man of words rather than actions at present time. However, there once was a time when Hitler was confined to spewing his hate in the beer halls of Bavaria. Do we ever learn? I have found that hate doesn't have to have logic or reason, it just has to exist. No matter where hate exists, no matter what race or religion it is aimed at, it must not go unopposed. These men and their ideas must be stopped. Today they come for your neighbor, but perhaps tomorrow they will come for you.

Lilies of the Field (1963)

out of step with todays Hollywood...

[20 May 2007]

At many levels Lillie's of the Field may find itself out of step with todays Hollywood, but certainly not with the viewing public. Built not on overly dramatic scenes, and instead disciplined in dialog and character development, I can assure you that this film will hold the viewers interest. The religious aspects of the film are well balanced and not meant to preach to the audience head on. Instead, it demonstrates the good works that religious faith encourages, and how it unites people together by putting themselves behind a higher power.

Homers dedication is mostly driven by ambition that is fueled by a need for self accomplishment. However, although Portier's character is in search of a paying job, he cannot steer himself away from the task at building something dwarfed in worldliness by a common strip mall, but on par with a modern skyscraper in its significance.

Quincy M.E. (1976–1983)

Science, Dialog, and Drama...without vacuous and flashy imagery.

[8/10 · 10 December 2006]

Quincy ME brought us the fascinating world of Forensic Pathology and yes, even crime scene investigation 30 years before we would be flooded with analogous programs. However, Jack Klugman seemed to be able to pull it off without lavish and superfluous special effects seen all too much in the modern era. Instead, Quincy was disciplined in the drama of the storyline, and the science that was involved. Perhaps the Television of today has doubts about their actual content and dialog, that vacuous imagery has been made a cornerstone, rather than window dressing.

Not to mention, Jack Klugman is just a terrific performer. Proving here, just as he has done his entire career that range is not a problem for the actor. We laughed out laud with him in the "Odd Couple", and here we piece together a victims death, along with Sam ,Lt. Monahan, and Astin. As always with Quincy, you are in for a good does of education too.

However, towards the later seasons, it seemed that the show became too preachy with its public service tone. I remember being a bit annoyed as certain episodes resembled after school specials, rather than the medical/ crime drama I became addicted too. It would have been a better choice for Quincy to stick with Pathology, and dish out the social commentary's in much smaller portions.

In any case, no matter what metric is used to measure Quincy with its crowded (how many CSI's do we need?) modern counterparts, I believe Dr Quincy emerges the most believable and cognitive of the group.

Dead Like Me (2003–2004)

innovative Television rarely seen in the banal TV landscape

[7/10 · 12 August 2006]

Another example of how ratings and popularity deem very little to a shows value, Dead Like Me demonstrated innovative Television rarely seen in the banal TV landscape of today. Far above a good deal of what is being pushed by the networks, it is a pity that this show only lasted 2 (cable) seasons.

It is easy to believe that the shows star Eleen Muth is a member of mensa, as her intellect certainly shines through in her cognitive acting ability's. She has an unique presence that demands attention from even the most casual of viewers.

For me, Mandy Patinkin was never better received in a Television series than in the role of the irascible, but brilliant Dr. Jeffrey Geiger on Chicago Hope. However, here his performance is a close second and causes us to be grateful that the actor does not limit his talent to the theater.

If you are just catching this show on the Sci-Fi Channel, you may be a bit perplexed by some of the shows risqué humor. Keep in mind however, that its original airing was on Showtime, where I guess a more graphic approach to language is mandatory. I know some well learned adults that are sent to the internets "urban dictionary", to seek an explanation to an elusive joke.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968–2001)

Children's TV at a Higher Level....

[9/10 · 14 May 2006]

A pioneer in children's entertainment, Fred Rogers brought us cognitive and entertaining Television. The minister and puppeteer was not satisfied with the TV landscape of his day, especially when it concerned productions aimed at children, and he knew it could be so much more.

Mr Rogers Neighborhood was a place where being creative and using our imaginations was mandatory.Before the history channel, and shows like "Hands on History", Mr Rogers was bringing children into factory's and other guided tours that educated and entertained. Not only did his brand of Television attract children, but adults could appreciate his productions too.

He invited us into his home, taught us many lessons, and most important challenged our imaginations. We were introduced to a bevy of interesting, and unique characters, some of whom would become legends.

I fear that the current array of children's entertainment, discourages the aforementioned, as fast paced vacuous imagery and sound, are what is being primarily presented to the youth of today.

Fred Rogers expected more, and held the intellect of his audience in a higher regard. He, and his program will be missed, and the absence of this creative and entertaining production, will leave a void in the current Television landscape.

All in the Family (1971–1979)

The Comical Bigot and the Meathead

[30 April 2006]

A comical bigot was nothing new when Norman Lear was pitching All in The Family to the networks back in the late 60's. As many of Lears productions were, the show was actually modeled after a British sit-com, this time by the name of "To Death do us part" staring Alf Garnett. However, it seemed that American Television was not ready for such a radical new approach to comedy.

Although Lear's aim was to poke fun at our prejudices and do it in a humorous manner, the dialog that he had Archie Bunker utilize was just too harsh in the opinion of the networks and the sensors. So, the ABC network would pass on the offer.

Finally, CBS decided to give All in the Family a go as a mid season replacement in the winter of 71. At first it was just as the networks feared, and was deemed by many as just too "shocking" for Television and the main stream. However, the summer reruns would provide a second look for viewers, and soon the audience would come to appreciate this show for its remarkable writing and cast.

Not since Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden, did a lead character holler and bellow in the manner Archie Bunker would. This show of emotions by Archie and other cast members, gave All in the Family a base for character development, and added to the dramatic feel that was diluted by the shows comedy.

By comparison, todays sitcom's seem to be heavily diluted with stupidity more than anything else. Writers continually dismiss the intellect of their audience, and in situations that should call for a dramatic scene, they instead employ even more daft unpolished drollery. All in the Family knew how to present the poignant scenes, and keep with the shows comedic element at the same time.

The cast worked perfectly off each other. Carol O'connor and Jean Stapleton, just as Archie and Edith did, seemed a perfect match. Many would argue that their marriage was one sided with Archie "always" getting his way, but it is important to note that their marriage worked, and the two were together in a relationship that lasted. Archie and Edith shared many memorable and poignant moments in the shows nine year run, and demonstrated a veracious love for each other. Carol O'connor and Rob "meat-head" Reiner, actually made for a pretty good comedy team too, with Sally Struthers rounding out the cast as the meat-heads querulous young wife.

It is also important to note that it was Carol O'connor himself that was a driving force in the shows development, and the development of Archie Bunker. Lear wanted Archie to remain overly brutish and ignorant, just as we saw him in the first season, while O,conner felt that Archie needed to evolve and had to have an understanding with the audience. Although Archie was a bigot, O'connor felt that there was room for a certain likability to Archie, and many of the characters more vicious opinions would have to be softened, but still retain the overall tone of the shows plot. I feel, that O'connor did this portrayal flawlessly, and treated us to some of the best performances of any Television show of it's time, and for any time for that matter.

If you are to dismiss this program for Lears leftist propaganda, or on the count of Archie's bigoted verbiage, then you will have cheated yourself out of one of the most cognitive and humorous productions, in the history of Television.

Barney Miller (1975–1982)

What Television once was...Funny, Classy, Mature

[24 April 2006]

This show was one of the reasons why the ABC would dethrone the CBS, as the number one network in prime time in the latter 1970's.

Barney Miller depicted the day to day workings of a typical New York City detectives unit. Void of overly melodramatic urban drama, and the now all too over played "tough guy" act, Barney Miller was touted as being a fair portrayal of the life of a detective (with much more levity of-course).

Even though it was first and foremost a comedy series, the writers gave us a much needed balance by injecting a bit of drama into the plot and characters themselves. This dramatic element was so well done, that it added to character development, and provided for more laughter. Their witty dialog rarely left the viewer disappointed, or without a laugh, and with entertainment being the key factor of any Television production, the cast of Barney Miller delivered in episode after episode.

However, the show was produced during a time when crime in NY City was being managed with a overly diplomatic approach. An experiment that would prove it self to be disastrous, effectuated lectures by some of the shows characters, demonstrating an endorsement of this new more "liberal" approach to fighting crime.

There is not much out there today that even comes close to what we had in Barney Miller. It seems that todays Television lacks respect for their audience, as cheap sexual gags, and one liners dominate the sitcom landscape, and leave us with vacuous and cloddish jocularity.

Barney Miller will however, be an example of what Television once was. A time when mature, plot driven humor was demanded, and the crude and immature was rejected.

Strangers with Candy (1999–2000)

The Old Comedy Central

[27 January 2006]

Strangers with candy is best explained as a parody within a parody. Most important to us, the viewer is it's rare ability to actually make one laugh out laud. No laugh track is necessary, as you'll surely know where the giggles come in.

I watched this show with extreme caution at my first viewing. It was very risqué, almost pornographic in its humor. However, I could not help but be entertained, and amused by the characters and duologue. The story lines while containing some very adult humor, were non the less quite cognitive.

The characters of-course where more or less caricatures of people we find in after school specials. But, these guys were funny, and really played well together in providing much hilarity.

It is hard to understand why Comedy Central canceled Strangers With Candy. I guess it's just another directional change they were aiming for, just like when they booted the much loved MST3K. These directional changes gave us shows like "Reno 911" and who can forget..."Thats My Bush"? I would have to surmise they veered wrong in some instances.

The Carol Burnett Show (1967–1978)

Classy show

[14 January 2006]

Never going with the ease of cheap gags, the writers and performers of the Carol Burnette show always demonstrated an effort in order to earn our laughter. Not every skit was a winner, as Carol would admit even herself. The actress actually came out of character, and apologized for a particular skit on one occasion . However, most of what we were treated to was, if not funny, at the very least intelligent and amusing entertainment.

Without any doubt, the show provided some very memorable moments and characters. One of the most noteworthy being "The Family", which the NBC's Mama's Family was developed from.

The star herself is one of the most classy and cognitive performers ever to grace the screen, and the show was certainly a reflection of this. I don't know of many performers who had as much respect and regard for their fans, and I can certainly attest that the feeling is mutual for this terrific lady and her show.

The Night Stalker (1972 TV Movie)

The Ground-work for Exploring the Preternatural

[11 January 2006]

Before Scully and Mulder were chasing after UFO's, vampires, and other strange "unexplainable" anomalies, there was Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak.

Each week Independent news service reporter Carl K Kolchak investigates the weird world of the supernatural. He is in a sense a hero to truth seekers, and those that "want to believe". In the pursuit of the bizarre facts, Kolchack will often find himself at odds with the authorities. Uncovering the mysteries of the preternatural are often dead locked by politicians and other bureaucrats, not so inclined to divvy up the truth. Although Kolchak is an excellent and credible journalist (the antithesis of Dan Rather to be precise), his outlandish explanations often cause him to be made the subject of fun and ridicule. He is often found to be the source of his editor's (Tony Vincenzo) upset stomach. This is due to the fact, and a testament to Kolchaks refusal to dismiss what can not be explained. Even if the answer is something along the lines of a vampire, Kolchak will not waver. Not to mention the comic possibility's of Vinceno bellowing because of Kochak's explanation, concerning his latest fantastical investigation.

The cognitive story lines of The Night Stalker Series, were based partly on science, the paranormal, and folklore. The casting was top notch, as well as the dialog. Inauspiciously though, the shows ratings did peter out, and after just one season the ABC canceled the series.

Although The Night Stalker ended it's run in the summer of 74, it is still missed these many years later. When the first Kolchak movie "The Night Stalker" scored the highest rating for a Television movie ever in 1972, at its inception, it was a clear notion that investigating the supernatural was a winner. The success of the X-Files, which premiered 20 years after Kolchak, and whose roots derived from Kolchak, is another testament to this series.

Playhouse 90 (1956–1961)

What TV should be and now only can hope to be

[11 January 2006]

Playhouse 90 featured some of the best that Television has ever presented. The dialogue, the acting, and of-course the writing are unparalleled.

Rod Sterling being one of the most accomplished and notable writers who worked on the series, won an Emmy for Requiem for a Heavyweight in the series first season in 1956. This episode was a testament to the quality and creativity that Playhouse 90 was committed to.

Unfortunately, we can only hope with extreme futility, for quality on par with Playhouse 90 from todays Hollywood. However, there is reminisce of this type of excellent writing from Independent filmmakers. Unfortunately, the independent filmmakers receive little fanfare and far less hype compared to their Hollywood counterparts.

The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

Television at it's best.

[1 January 2006]

If it ever were asked, as to what is or was Television at its best, then the Twilight Zones, "In Praise of Pip" would be a prime example.

Completely void of superfluous harsh language or cheap sexual one-liners, the writing, acting and dialogue are some of the best this medium has offered.

The camera work even by today's standards, was timely and inventive. Never did the special effects try to compensate for content, as so much of today's productions are presenting.

This, and other episodes of the Twilight Zone, are examples of how well written teleplay's, with above board acting, do not require immature gimmicks to obtain an audiences attention or praise.

A Christmas Carol (1951)

This is the Best Scrooge.

[10/10 · 17 December 2005]

While other performers and renditions of the Dickens immortal classic "A Christmas Choral" were good, Alastair Sim irrefutably brought the best Ebenezer Scrooge to the silver screen.

Sim's does not force the crusty misers roiled attitude towards humanity in this 1950's classic.Never before or since has the angry and intolerable Scrooge been portrayed with such realism and spirit.

The rest of the cast does not disappoint for a moment, as they are superb in their own right.

Jacob Marleys ghost, Michael Horden, gives us the most dramatic, animated, and woeful Marley to date.

Probably, most important, is Sim's transformation in this film. As mentioned earlier, his crusty demeanor is not forced or made to look disingenuous. Neither is his rebirth, as Sim's demonstrates a mans honest attempt for redemption after confronting his life, and the lives to which he is connected.

Taxi (1978–1983)

What does a yellow light mean?

[6 December 2005]

Well,it means the following...

TAXI is irrefutably one of the most sophisticated and classy sitcoms in Televisions history. The characters were complex, real people, portraying the lives of NY City cab drivers with such believability, as they coped with everyday life.

Probably most importantly however, the show was downright funny. The writers did not rely on cheap sexual gags and one liners, and instead utilized mature situational humor, that was mostly derived from character development.

The writing was above board,(especially comparing it to today's sub-par sitcoms), and the show altogether was nothing short of a work of art in every aspect. The cast and crew showed respect for it's audience, and never stooped to the lowest common denominator, just to obtain a quick laugh.

One would hope that today's Television industry would learn from shows like Taxi, and use what they have learned in their work. However, I regret that today's industry has learned nothing, and continues to dismiss the intellect of it's audience. That is why the quality of the modern sitcom is so lacking, and why with very few exceptions are any worth remembering that have recently been produced.

Taxi was a classic from day one, and will always be a classic by any measure. The writing, directing, and of-course the cast, are a shining example of the modern sit-com at its best; and for that matter, Television at it's best!

Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988–1999)

Creative, Funny, Intelligent, and much more

[18 May 2005]

Funny, creative, insightful, savvy...

It is apparent that the aforementioned is what Joel Hodgson (the creator) set as standards for his work on television, comedy performances, and of-course the MST3k series. Probably these values veered the young comic and writer away from taking part in developing what has been described then as a sub-par sitcom in the yearly 80's. Even at the urging from Brandon Tartikoff, then savior and President of NBC (the lets all be there era president) to come aboard, Hodgston elected to devote his time to develop classy and intelligent comedy. This proclivity for quality entertainment, would eventually bring us Mystery Science Theater 3000.

If creativity and having the ability to reach an audience are some of the key factors in producing a quality program, then MST3K is a clear winner. We all sat through bad films, both of the high and low budget types, and thought to ourselves "What were they thinking?". MST3K provided a release to all who have been the victim of really sub par productions, via some very crafty and prehensile commenting during the viewing of said bad movies.

The in-between movie skits were very entertaining, and provided character development for the cast. Soon you will forget that Crow ,Tom Servo, and Gypsy are robots, as they all have very real and likable personalities. Although, they do sometimes require a "time out" by their creator, Joel.

Hodgston left the series for various reasons, such as having the freedom to pursue other ventures. After all, creating and developing is what Joel likes best. The show would see a few more changes to it's cast and skit development, but transitioned smoothly and was well received by it's fans.

Mystery Science Theator survived one cancellation after it was picked up by the SCIFI channel, after Comedy Central decided to go in a different direction. If anyone has ventured into viewing the present day Comedy Central, one would surmise that they took a wrong turn somewhere.

In it's 10 year run (actually 11 if you count it's local days on Minnesota's KTMA), established a loyal fan following, of what are known as "Misties". There was even a fan-club, where misties could acquire a membership card.

I'm not sure if most of the recent major networks sitcoms will be missed half as much, even the ones with monster ratings. Sometimes a network just "gets it", and provides an outlet for quality entertainment, disregarding "big ratings", and not going with the "lowest common denominator". MST3K will always be a classic, and will always be loved by all misties worldwide.

A Holiday Romance (1999 TV Movie)

overall, a appreciable movie....

[7/10 · 10 January 2005]

A holiday Romance tries to overwhelm us with sentimentality. Like most sentimental films, they sometimes annoyingly tug at your hart strings.

However, "sappy" would not do this movie justice as an overall consensus of the film. The movie will hold your interest, and certainly does contain more than one dimension to the story-line, and most importantly to the characters. Besides the romance that is brewing between McRaney and Judd, the film also conveys the importance of music in our lives, and does a proper job in expressing its virtues. More importantly the film makers for "A Holiday Romance" point out how instrumental a single individual can become in our lives, especially to children.

Also, an extremely nice inclusion, is the much loved Andy Griffith as McRaneys Father.

By-the-way, Naomi Judd looks absolutely great in this film, you would never guess that she is two years McRaney's senior.

The Honeymooners (1955–1956)

One of the First "Real" Sitcoms

[4 June 2004]

Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden was one of the first veraciously developed blue collar American television characters.

Ralph Kramden was very real. Never before had a TV character hollered, and bellowed the way Ralph and Alice did. When Ralph and Alice quarreled, it made for a very believable fight. Compare this to any "fight" displayed by the Dick Van Dyke Show's Rob and Laura Petrie; and the Kramdens emerge as the more believable, and honest of the two couples. The Honeymooners brought us such intense moments like Ralph fulminating "Your a blabber mouth" at his mother in law, and Ralph and Alice showing their commiseration over giving back their adopted daughter. The latter example was true character development that was lacking in the next decade to come.

It would be nearly 15 years before we would be introduced to the next generation of the blue collar worker, in the form of Archie Bunker and Fred Sanford. Although Archie and Fred had flaws to their personas, Like Ralph Kramden, Archie and Fred would prove to be likable, and sensitive individuals, who grew with each season.

The years that followed the Honeymooners would bring us shows like Father Knows best, and the Donna Reed Show. Unlike the Honeymooners, the aforementioned programs, never seemed to adequately deal with "real" problems, like finances or believable moral dilemmas. Most of the time the problems faced by the Andersons (Father Knows Best), or Stones (Donna Reed) were usually laughable, and lightweight at best, thus providing for poor character development. The Honeymooners did not need to rely on one liners, as they could deliver with character development.

Nearly 50 years after the Honeymooners original run, the show continues to bring laughs to new generations in syndication. Along with the characters of Ralph, Alice, Norton, and Trixie, the humor and story-lines have proved themselves timeless. The Honeymooners will always be funny, and a pleasure to watch. This is something that many shows today will never claim or come close to.

Crossroads Café (1996– )

Better then the NBC's Friends

[22 May 2004]

I watched this show and I watched Friends. Although Crossroads Cafe was not produced for the sole purpose of entertainment, it does deliver with some intelligent and amusing moments. It actually does this better than those six repugnant misfits on the show called Friends.

Crossroads Cafe was primarily designed to teach the English language to foreign speakers. However, they also managed to provide good story-lines and decent acting. The show proves itself to be entertaining and causes the audience to stop and think. This is something that even the "better" shows on our networks stopped trying, probably because vocuous fast passed action does not allow for it.

So if not for the instructional aspect of Crossroads Cafe, then watch it for some amusing and cognitive story's.

Hack (2002–2004)

Probably the best new Drama Series for 2002-2003

[15 November 2002]

David Morse is back on primetime as a former Philly cop, now working as a cab driver. Hack is a combination of Walker Texas Ranger (without the karate), and Early Edition.

Morse's, Mike Olshansky is a solid, and benevolent character who still carry's on his former duty's as a police officer, and helps people in need, even the ones that may not be so deserving of it.

He is not alone in his tasks, as he can count on his x-partner, Marseilles Washington, played by Andre Braugher from Homicide. The relationship between Olshansky and Washington can be a bit bellicose at times, but genially the two like one and other, and share a common respect.

Hack is also aided by the spiritual guidance and wisdom of long time friend, Father Tom "Grizz" Grzelack (George Dzundza).Father Tom plays an important part in Mikes life and is definitely a great character for the series.

All in all Hack is probably the best new Drama Series for 2002-2003 season. Sorry CSI Miami.

Night Court (1984–1992)

One of the 80's Best

[12 February 2002]

The 80's produced some of Televisions best sitcom's, and Night Court is one of the eras shining examples. Harry Anderson's, Judge Harold T Stone is surrounded by an eccentric but very likable group. From the womanizing antics of John Larroquette's Dan Fielding, to Richard Moll's confused lovable giant, Bull Shannon, the cast never disappointed.

They were not afraid to be bizarre, as the writers would give us scenes such as Wild E Coyote appearing before Judge Stone for chasing the Road Runner. The cast would also face believable moral dilemmas, that alot of today's sitcom's do not dare attempt, or pull off as successfully.

The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978)

One of TV's Best

[12 February 2002]

Bob Newhart and MTM put together a winning formula when they debuted the Bob Newhart Show in the Fall of 72. This was Deadpan comedy on the part of Newhart at it's best. Psychologist, Dr. Bob Hartley, deals with the day to day problems of his zany and quite real patient's. Jack Riley's, Elliot Carlin being one of the most notable of the group, with his bizarre problems and abrasive attitude towards other group members, especially the wishy-washy Mr. Peterson.

Bob's life outside his group was a bit less zany but just as interesting and funny. His relationship between his wife Emily, played by the sultry Susan Pleshette, was a very real relationship. Newhart and Pleshette complimented each other quite well.

I think everyone loved his wise cracking secretary, Carol, and the bumbling antics of his neighbor, Howard Borden.

Titus (2000–2002)

Junior High Bathroom Humor

[11 February 2002]

The FOX Network came out with another "quality" sitcom for the 2000-2001 season. I remember watching the first episode where Titus says "I think my girlfriend is boning another guy". Yea, that's really great writing and very creative. It would be nice if these "writers", would keep their silly immature ideas in the bathrooms of junior highs where they belong. Even as a FOX show, it clogs the airwaves with immature,non-humorous situations. Complete waste of time.

Upright Citizens Brigade (1998–2000)

Too Funny

[11 February 2002]

UCB was sketch comedy at a new level, especially when compared to the banality of the modern bit show. The writers and cast presented skits that other productions would have disregarded as too "sophisticated", or just too unorthodox. In doing so, I feel they explored the limits of sketch comedy and brought us closer to the edge of the surreal, better than any comedy production today.

The "Brigade" is bent on causing chaos everywhere they venture to, and they do not disappoint. From Santa forcing a man to take sample of his "Santa Liquor", to an authoritarian school bus driver, crushing a children's revolution with her backside.

Now, the dialog was very suggestive and risqué at times, but the writing is non the less very creative. I feel that it is necessary to ignore the sometimes superfluous vulgarity's in order to "get" this show, particularly if you have dismissed it for being too odious. The UCB, in their creativeness and witty verbiage, have heavily diluted the crudeness to which a story is presented. I guess this is comparative to another comedy central production, "South Park", where you just have to ignore or look beyond what offends you, to appreciate what really is being presented to us. Most important the UCB was there to entertain, and cause us laughter, and this they did with alacrity.

It ended it's run in 2000, and is still missed 6 years later.

Head of the Class (1986–1991)

Not The Same Without Hesseman

[11 February 2002]

One of the ABC's best at the time. It provided an enjoyable half hour, with plenty of laugh's. Howard Hesseman guided the shows overachievers through 4 seasons of well written comedy. Many of the episodes had a moral to them that is missing from most sitcoms of today, even the so called "family" sitcom's.

The fifth season however did not fair well after Hesseman's departure, However, he was there to give us four solid seasons. It's sort of relevant to Phil Hartmans almost four year's on NewsRadio, before his death, and consequently the show folded without him.

Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)

Innovative and just plain funny

[10 February 2002]

On Monday nights on the CBS, Ray Romano brings us his farcical and innovative brand of family comedy. Romano is a comedian who can adequately set up a punch line as well as deliver it.

ELR does a fair job with sparing us of the banality of the usual family sitcoms. How many shows in the past decade would dare cast the wife as a "stay at home mom"? Not many, and certainly not as well. Probably because certain entities demean and berate women who dedicated themselves to raising a family (thank you very much Hillary).

The relationship and interactions between Ray and his family is borderline insane, and usually quite hilarious. Then there is the competitive relationship between Ray and his brother Robert, which provides for plenty of laughs. From these interactions, ELR answers the questions we all asked ourselves at times, including: "Why are we so screwed up"? Everybody Loves Raymond provides insight to this question, and more.

The only real nuisance here is: Ray's constant wining for sexual attention from his wife (Debra), coupled with his wimpy demeanor can be annoying. Getting past this irksome bit, Raymond presents classy and worthwhile entertainment.

It is nice to see a Television program getting ratings which it deserves, as Everybody Loves Raymond is among the leaders.