If you thought that ’Friends’, ’Three Guys a Girl and a Pizza Place’ or ’Dharma and Greg’ were the best thing to ever hit the wacky world of TV sitcoms. Think again and get your sensibilities tuned , set your view of information to the right wave. The 80’s were the golden years for TV sitcoms like ’Family Ties’, ’The Cosby Show’, ’ Growing Pains’, ’Charles In Charge’, ’A Different World’, ’Small Wonder’ and many others. The one we have in focus at the moment is ’Full House’ which aired first in September 1987 and etched itself in the memories of each and ever TV viewer in America. What makes this show so phenomenal?
’Full House’ is the brainchild of writer/producer/director Jeff Franklin who in association with Miller and Boyett brought to life a sitcom with characters that people could easily accede to. The story and its high jinks events revolve around a single father Danny Tanner (who just lost his wife Pam in an accident) who is left to raise three little girls; Donna Jo a.k.a. DJ (aged 11), Stephanie (Aged 5) and Michelle (the adorable six-month-old baby girl ). What does he do? Simple, he creates an unconventional household in 1882 Girard Street, San Francisco, California adding to the Tanner family his brother in-law Jesse and his best friend Joey.
Jesse Katsopolis (played by John Stamos , an accomplished singer himself) is a guitar totting Elvis-loving musician who wants to make it big in the music business. He is the suave, happy-go-lucky cool yet lovable uncle. Joey Gladstone (played by real life stand up comic David Coulier) is an upcoming stand up comic who provides the all round entertainment keeping both the cast and the audience in splits. Danny (Played by Bob Saget) is a talk show host who just strives to make a good home for his three little princesses. Talk about a mixed bunch of role models. The girls have a great time with their ’3 Dads’ and their diverse individual hang-ups, habits, tastes. They are played by a trio (actually quartet because the baby Michelle is played by both Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen) of splendid child actors; Donna Jo (Candace Cameron) and Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin, check this kid out, she sure has spark and spunk) and of course Michelle (The Olsen Twins). Every little thing that happens within the confines of the two storeyed Tanner household is a special experience. It is the love that they share for each other that keeps this unlikely boat from capsizing.
’Full House’ is undoubtedly one of the best sitcoms in the history of home entertainment. It is light in its approach, genuine in its execution and a wholesome family-viewing affair. Well if it hadn’t possessed these qualities then it wouldn’t have run as long as it did for 8 years. It was one of the first few shows to be taped with a live audience, a concept slowly creeping into the world of sitcoms. You have to watch it to experience its special qualities. Right from Stephanie’s quirky five year old wit, Jesse’s bad 80’s hair days, Joey’s ridiculously wacky jokes, Danny’s somewhat geeky habits, DJ’s adolescent problems and Michelle’s wide toothy grin, you as a beholder become a part of these fictional representations. You share in their joys, bouts of zany shenanigans and their tough spots. They are the kind that can make you laugh out loud or at the same time get you all misty-eyed. And if these characters don’t warm your heart, get it checked. ’Full House’ surely scores a high five in my book of favorites. Give this ensemble midnight delight a try, I guarantee you full satisfaction. Indian viewers can tune their sets to ’Zee English’ at 12:00 pm weekdays for this entertaining fare