Our House (1986)

Excellent TV show

This TV show was an excellent show which dealt with multigenerational relationships. Jessie (Deidre Hall) was widowed and she and her children moved in with her late husband's father (Wilford Brimley). As per "life", Jessie has problems with her children, and Grandpa can usually get things back on track, either by talking to the children about the situation, or to Jessie about how to handle the kids and/or the situation. He has a different perspective, can see things from the outside (as opposed to being in the thick of it) and is therefore able to offer an unbiased and non-judgmental viewpoint, and has the benefit of wisdom and age as he was in the same (or very similar) situations himself at one point or another in his life. Kids often listen to someone, ANYONE, other than their parents; grandparents have a stake in the kids' well-being and truly love them, as opposed to peers who can turn on them on a dime and have no qualms in stabbing each other in the back. We also see the struggles each character has not only with family members, but with others outside this situation--at work, at school, other friends/acquaintances/situations/locations, both within and outside of their own character's generation.

This was a show that, sadly, did not last long (two seasons). It was one in which the viewer might actually have to "think", which may stir more than topical conversation with others, and may make the viewer "uncomfortable" as it is so close to reality. Shows like this one may make the viewer see their life, or themselves, a little too closely; hitting too close to home might make one see what they've been trying so hard not to see or deal with. The programs that seem to enjoy a long run are those which are just the opposite--mindless entertainment. Many people want to escape reality with these types of shows, which is why thought- and esoteric-conversation-provoking shows like this one don't make it longer than perhaps two seasons. ("The Paper Chase" is a rare exception).

The above is a review of the television show as it was aired. This differs in reviews that I have read elsewhere on Amazon of "the product"--a product that does not exist, such as the "Home Front" DVDs (another superb television show; also a mere two seasons). Thus far, 72 reviews on "the product", a product which does not exist as it has yet to be released on DVD! These people are reviewing an aired television show, not the DVD, yet are not making this distinction for the reader. Sometimes when DVDs are released they are in a presentation that is upsetting to many, may carry too many "extras"--usually marketing junk that NOBODY wants, etc. Please be aware of these issues and "reviews" of things that do not exist. I wish people would state upfront, as I have, what they are truly reviewing. June 21, 2008

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