There's something about the TV shows of the '80s and the '90s. The catchphrases, the cheesiness, and the way they leave us with a smile. Some shows, like "The Goldbergs" and "Fresh Off the Boat," try to re-create the magic by placing the show in that era. However, there is another show that is trying to bring the magic to the 21st century: the much anticipated "Fuller House."
A spinoff on the '90s ever-so-popular "Full House" premiered on Netflix on Feb. 26. I think I speak for everyone when I say that "Full House" is awesome The family values, the catchphrases, and the gender-swapped roles of single dads just clicked. Or maybe it was just the '90s. Everything was better in the '90s. However, even though fans have wanted this sequel more than anything else in the world, can it be just as captivating in 2016?
Sadly, no. Being a huge "Full House" fan, it gives me great sadness to say that "Fuller House" does not work in 2016. After watching the first four episodes, I realized that "Full House" just wasn't the same without the little girls and obviously Uncle Jesse, who is still quite a looker. Have mercy.
The first episode started off with pretty much everyone from "Full House," including characters like D.J.'s high school boyfriend, Steve Hale, and Jesse and Becky's sons, Alex and Nicky Katsopolis. Even though they couldn't get the Olsen twins, I am surprised at how many of the cast members they got to come back. The very logical explanation to the absence of the baby of the house, Michelle Tanner, was that she is running a "fashion empire" (we all know what happened there) in New York. In addition to that, the whole cast stared at the audience for a very unnecessary and awkward 10 seconds.
Usually, the first episode of every new series starts with very limited cast, just the main characters and their introduction. In the case of "Fuller House," however, we already know all of them, so it was more like a reunion show with the addition of D.J.'s sons and Kimmy's daughter. Danny, Becky, and Jesse are moving to L.A. for their new jobs, and Joey lives in Las Vegas doing his shows. This leaves D.J., a widow, all alone with her boys. Realizing that she cannot take care of them alone, Stephanie and Kimmy step in to help D.J.
I cannot take in the fact that they put so little effort in the plot of "Fuller House." D.J. loses her husband, and her sister and best friend step in to take care of her three sons. That sounds a little too familiar, doesn't it? "Full House" was just a gender-swapped version of the exact plot. Stephanie is the cool aunt, the new Uncle Jesse, with her carefree life and her job being a DJ. Kimmy's still the goofball she used to be. The only difference between her and Joey is that she is divorced with a daughter and is a party planner.
The rest of the episodes focus on the girls and their kids with cameos from Uncle Jesse, Joey, and even a few celebrities. "Fuller House" explores the differences between the kids in the '90s and the kids today with their phones and technology. The show never really goes into the loss of D.J.'s husband and her and her kids' dealing with it. I realize that they are trying to appeal to all audiences with the kids having their school drama and adults with their sexual references. I cringe every time there's a sexual reference because I feel like the show is more Disney and for kids. On top of that, I still see the same little Stephanie in Jodie Sweetin, and I cannot wrap my head around her gyrating with some guy at a club.
I never expected "Fuller House" to be "Full House." Nothing can beat the original "Full House," that's for sure. But I sure as hell did not expect a very staged and Disney version of the same plot. It hurts me just as much to write this as it does for you to read it -- but "Fuller House" does not even make it into my list of favorite shows of 2016.
However, that doesn't mean I'm not going to continue watching it. Stephanie, D.J., and Kimmy have been with me throughout my childhood, and that means I'll support them no matter what, even if it means having to watch a sucky show that might ruin your "Full House" childhood (knowing that D.J. would have to face the same fate as her dad in the future makes watching "Full House" never the same again). That's when Stephanie would step in with a "How rude!" I got your back, Tanners, no matter what. And that's when we all come in for a group hug.
