TV DVD Review: "Full House": Season One

Rated: TV-G
Starring: Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, John Stamos, Candace Cameron, Jodie Sweetin, and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
Released: 1987 - 1988 (original TV premieres) / 2007 (DVD)

Synopsis: Recent widower Danny Tanner (Bob Saget, America's Funniest Home Videos) has three daughters to take care of--D.J. (Candace Cameron, The View), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin), and infant Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen in their star-making role)--all by himself.  To lighten the load, he enlists his brother-in-law, aspiring musician Jesse (John Stamos), as well as his best friend, comedian Joey (Dave Coulier), to help...but, they're just as unprepared as he is to look after three little girls! Whether they're dealing with a Thanksgiving feast gone wrong, an eleven-year-old debt, or D.J.'s desire to skip school in order to get a celebrity's autograph, hilarity and familial love are sure to ensue!
Features guest appearances by Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains), Chelsea Noble (Left Behind), legendary comedienne Phyllis Diller, and pop singer Stacey Q.

The Good: Full House is not only one of the most beloved sitcoms of its time, but among the most beloved of all-time, especially by millenials...and for good reason.  Cute, funny, and largely clean, I found this to be one of the most enjoyable non-Disney-Channel, non-superhero shows I've watched in a while.  While other 90's standards spend too much time wallowing in inappropriateness--Home Improvement, for example--this one often made me smile and laugh along with the characters.  It also places a big importance on family; as someone who came from a non-standard household--a mother plus an older sister who acted as a mother, and no father to speak of--I understand that families don't have to be nuclear to be loving, which is something this first season shows very well.

The Bad: Though largely innocent, some discerning viewers may take issue with the language--about one profanity or so per episode--and the allusions to sex.  Granted, they're all "PG" level, but people who fondly remember this show for its allegedly "squeaky clean" content may be surprised.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Kissing; flirting; "PG" level allusions to illicit relationships. One episode features some suggestive dance moves. 3/5
• Nudity: Women are sometimes seen in immodest outfits ranging from short shorts to midriff-baring tops.  A woman is seen in the shower, but the curtain obscures everything but her face and shoulders.  A guy wears an outfit that shows a bit of his chest. 3/5
• Language: Profanity--mostly h-words, d-words, and misuses of God's name--is present in pretty much every episode, though only in small doses. 3/5
• Violence: Nothing more than comedic pratfalls. 4/5
• Drugs: Adults drink alcohol. 4/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Given the themes, there is some emotional intensity. 4/5

Conclusion: Among people of my generation--and maybe others as well--90's nostalgia is very big right now.  Of course, people often look back fondly at the time in which they grew up, but I think most Americans would give anything to go back to our nation as it was pre-9/11.  Whatever the reason, DVDs and iTunes episode sets of shows such as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Kenan & Kel, or Early Edition sell like hotcakes.  I'll admit to a bit of nostalgia for that time, but, I was never a tremendous fan of this show back then; then again, it started right around the time I was born, so, I was really too young to watch it at the time.  Thanks to the miracle of DVD, I've now watched the first season...and really enjoyed it! Despite its flaws, it was rather enjoyable and fun.  If you haven't seen this show, you should give it a try.

Score: 4/5