Full House (1987–1995)
7/10
Clichéd, but just so lovable!
29 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Full House was one of the most popular family sitcoms of the 90s. I absolutely loved it as a child. Full House was famous for its overly sappy moments which occurred in every episode, accompanied by very sad music that always ended with a hug. And of course, the Olsen twins.

Full House focuses on the premise of a recent widower and TV personality, Danny Tanner (Bob Saget), who calls upon his comedian best friend Joey (Dave Coulier) and rock 'n roll brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) to help him raise his three young girls. DJ (Candace Cameron) is the oldest girl, followed by Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin), and Michelle (Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen). Originally the show was meant to be more of an adult comedy, (think "3 Men and a Baby" with two more kids). This is rather evident as the first season seems to focus much more on the three adults, rather than the three children. However, after that first run Full House became more focused on the girls. The plot of every show focused on what every family sitcom does, parenting issues, children struggling with growing up, and nonsensical problems and events. As the show progressed, Uncle Jesse began dating and eventually married Rebecca Donaldson or "Aunt Becky" (Lori Loughlin) and they had twins, Nicky and Alex. Throughout the whole series, DJ's obnoxious best friend Kimmy (Andrea Barber) also provided some of the funniest moments.

At a glance Full House is just your average, clichéd sitcom, but…in a way it's different. For one thing, the three girls have so little characterization it is hard to describe them. In other shows you can easily rattle off several traits about the kids, and how they change as they age. But on Full House…it seems that all the girls' main characteristics are more or less her age and birth order. DJ is an average responsible, big sister, Stephanie is an average, insecure middle child, and Michelle is the average, cute and spoiled baby. They don't even seem to have consistent interests, and just do things and have problems normal to a child of that age. But in a strange way, that works! Having somewhat blank main characters probably allows the audience to relate it to their own lives more easily. Another strange thing about the show is how they often overreacted about normal problems or milestones (it was an absolutely heartbreaking scene when a newly married Jesse wanted to move out of the house and have his own life). And yet, they seem to under-react about more serious or damaging things (Stephanie smashes through the kitchen with a car and barely gets a scolding because she is so sad and remorseful). Last but not least, Full House probably has the largest amount of inconsistencies of any show I have ever seen. Too many to list right now.

It is sometimes groan-worthy, and the writing and acting is mediocre, but there is something inherently charming and lovable about this show. Honestly, I can't even put the reason into words, it's just plain endearing! Despite its flaws, Full House is still a great family show. I have fond memories of it as a child, and still have pleasant feelings of nostalgia when I watch reruns. Almost always a hit with girls aged 4-12.
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