SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 10 Hours, 35 Min.
Released by Paramount Television in 2004, the Complete First Season from 1978-79 consists of twenty-four episodes (in standard-screen). The first of which is the double-length ‘pilot episode,’ guest-starring Henry Winkler (as The Fonz) and Penny Marshall (as Laverne DeFazio). Specifically, Mork relates to his new friend, Mindy, an extended flashback of his previously-unrevealed follow-up visit to Happy Days’ Milwaukee of the 1950’s.
Per his long-suffering superior, Orson, Mork, from the distant planet, Ork, is assigned to covertly observe Earthlings; in other words, it’s a conveniently indefinite means of exiling the rebellious young alien. Mork’s egg-like starship lands outside Boulder, Colorado of 1978. Taken in by good-natured college student/music store employee, Mindy McConnell, the ultra-eccentric Mork finds himself awkwardly acclimating to present-day Earth’s cultural norms. Meanwhile, Mindy’s compassionate friendship becomes increasingly important to him.
Contemplating the strange and sometimes senseless behaviors humans demonstrate, Mork reports back his findings to Orson telepathically. Most episodes conclude with Mork inferring a poignant thought as a parting gift to viewers.
The regular cast is: Robin Williams (as Mork); Pam Dawber (as Mindy McConnell); Conrad Janis (as Mindy’s dad, Fred McConnell); and Elizabeth Kerr (as Cora, Mindy’s grandmother/Fred’s mother-in-law). Other notable guest stars include Tom Poston (as grumpy Mr. Bickley), Morgan Fairchild, Don Galloway, and David Letterman.
Disc: 1
- The Mork & Mindy Special
- Mork Moves In
- Mork Runs Away
- Mork in Love
- Mork’s Seduction
- Mork Goes Public
Disc: 2
- To Tell the Truth
- Mork the Gullible
- A Mommy for Morky
- Mork’s Greatest Hits (note: It’s not a clip show)
- Old Fears
- Mork’s First Christmas
Disc: 3
- Mork and the Immigrant
- Mork the Tolerant
- Young Love
- Sky Flakes Keep Falling on My Head
- Mork Goes Erk
- Yes Sir, That’s My Baby
Disc: 2
- Mork’s Mixed Emotions (note: TV Guide rated it as ‘One of the Greatest Episodes in TV History’)
- Mork’s Night Out
- In Mork We Trust
- Mork Runs Down
- It’s a Wonderful Mork
- Mork’s Best Friend
Note: All four seasons are also available as a Complete Series DVD set.
REVIEW:
It’s generally accepted that Mork & Mindy’s wild and wacky first season is the program’s best due to its outrageously fresh yet clean gags and arguably the best cast chemistry. In that sense, though the show was absolutely a Robin Williams showcase, the reactive performances of Pam Dawber, Conrad Janis, Elizabeth Kerr, & Tom Poston were also invaluable to its success. Without their talents selling relatable bewilderment, Williams’ energetic, off-the-wall improvisations (plus the necessary special effects) wouldn’t be nearly as hilarious.
These two dozen episodes best represent why a previously-unknown Williams skyrocketed to stardom, even if some of the show’s plots resorted to formulaic sitcom premises. Still, ABC-TV insisted on numerous creative tweaks after Season 1 that ultimately led to the show’s likely merciful cancellation in 1982 (after four seasons of Mork’s ongoing mission).
The more relevant issue becomes: how well does Mork & Mindy’s best season age forty-four years later? The answer is ironic considering that Dawber and the supporting cast remain very watchable. Yet, Williams’ extraordinary surplus of gonzo antics means that a little Mork goes a long way. Hence, the show’s incessant silliness may prove hard for contemporary adults to sit still through full episodes.
If anything, Mork & Mindy’s nostalgic first season best serves as reliable entertainment for kids who haven’t yet experienced Robin Williams in his exuberant PG-friendly prime.
BONUS FEATURES:
None.
PACKAGING:
Each disc possesses its own plastic case. The case’s exterior identifies the disc’s six episodes. The case interior provides episode summaries and initial airdates.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
