«Not as Good as It Will Get»
When you look back to a series you remember fondly from a few years ago, you remember mostly the last seasons. In the case of Newhart (and also of Barney Miller), the first season is not as good as the subsequent seasons. This is primarily because of the first season cast. Jennifer Holmes, as Leslie Vanderkellen, student/maid, is pretty & charming & sweet. And also forgettable. When Julia Duffy, as her sassy, conceited cousin Stephanie Vanderkellen, joins the cast, she brings a sparkle and a spice to the show that Jennifer just couldn't achieve.
Steven Kampmann is attractive but the character of Kirk is not well written. He does grow on me as the season progresses, and I will probably miss him when he leaves at the end of season 2, but he's not Peter Scolari.
And of course there's very little of Larry, his brother Daryl, and his other brother Daryl in season 1--only 2 appearances. As I watched these shows, I kept wondering where they were.
The writing has always been good, and the performances by Bob Newhart, Mary Frann, and Tom Poston were right on target. But season 1 is a work in progress. From then on, it just gets better. Please, please release the subsequent seasons.
[Monday, October 13, 2008]
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«It's been too long a wait!»
Oh my god! This show should have been put on DVD years ago. Bob Newhart is one of the greatest comedians of all time, and he has had the uncanny ability to reinvent himself in multiple series. I loved Newhart when it was still in reruns, and I've never understood why shows like this don't stay on TV in rerun longer. Tom Poston (now deceased) was great, Bob is SO DRY, and if you watch carefully, he gets a little pleased look on his face when he makes a good joke. There are a few really good jokes. Sorry to say I don't like Kirk, but otherwise a great show. When can I get season 2?
[Friday, September 19, 2008]
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«We Want More»
This easily has to be one of the best television series ever produced. I was thrilled when season one came out and have devoured it from beginning to end. We want season two and we want it NOW!
[Thursday, September 18, 2008]
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