Season 2 - Episode 11
Fox (US)
There are several reasons why this episode worked. Fred Willard guest starring as a grumpy teacher who holds a grudge is one of them. Willard has appeared in pretty much every successful sitcom of the last 15 years, and when he pops up, he usually brings the goods. Another is the way the family all come together to do something that benefits one of them, but makes them all feel good.
The Chances realise that Hope is showing signs of being smart, which is in stark contrast to the rest of them. This urges Jimmy to sit his High School Equivalency Exam so that he can show Hope that school is important and to encourage her to nurture her talents. Burt and Virginia soon decide to take the exam as well, and soon Sabrina, Maw-Maw and Frank (Burt was actually looking for Barney, but he was off) are helping them study. Fred Willard is their teacher, and has already seen all three of them quit school before, and gives them no chance. The resolution is quite sweet, which is pretty standard for this show, and something they do really well.
But for all its warmth and charm, this episode was sadly a little light on the comedy. There were some good jokes dotted around, and the overall episode was good, I just felt that a few more good gags could have taken it to the next level.
*** 1/2
No comments:
Post a Comment