TV Review: Fuller House S1 E01, “Our Very First Show, Again”

By Tyler Hodg

Photo credit: Michael Yarish/Netflix

What ever happened to predictability?

Well, it appears it was tucked away and saved in the case of an unasked-for sequel show to the sitcom Full House. Netflix has revived unforgettable characters and ushered in new ones for their latest original series Fuller House–a show that plays off the familiar formula of its predecessor. And really, who would want it any other way?

From the beginning moments of the cold open, Fuller House wastes no time in reeling everyone back in via the nostalgia factor. Returning characters Danny, DJ, and Stephanie Tanner; Joey Gladstone; (Uncle) Jesse; (Aunt) Becky; Nicky and Alex Kotsoplous; and Kimmy Gibbler are introduced periodically, all with quick updates about the last 20 years of their lives. Additionally, we get our first look at DJ’s three children, but not enough to understand their character traits.

The opening sequence feels energetic, with an obvious indulgent overtone. As an audience, we know this is a fun project to be back for, and the actors are visually having an enjoyable time. Every entrance is met by smiles from the cast and, surely, viewers alike.

One integral character is absent from the scene, and presumably, the entire season: Michelle Tanner. The lovable toddler, played by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, is all grown up and explained to be in New York working on her “fashion empire.”

Soon after Michelle’s name is brought up is when things get extremely uncomfortable. The entire cast breaks the forth wall and stares at the screen for a solid five seconds or so, which is a clear shot at the twins, as they publicly denounced any involvement in the project. Not only does this attack feel unnecessary, it almost sours the entire opening sequence.

Thankfully, the show continues on and develops a narrative deeper than insulting missing cast members. DJ, a widowed mother of three, throws her father a thank-you and going away party for his assistance during her time of need, giving all the characters a reason to reunite. Understanding the gravity of her situation, Stephanie and Kimmy volunteer to move into the now off-market Tanner family home to give a helping hand to DJ.

Although the majority of the episode is enjoyable, two specific aspects of the show–aside from the Michelle debacle–don’t exactly hit. One is Jesse and Becky’s interactions with their children that feel forced and lacking any hint of love, and the other is all the awkward split-screen moments of old Full House scenes with mimicked new ones.

The pilot seems to get all of the necessary nostalgic moments out of the way, and rightfully so. Fuller House is not Season 9 of Full House and should be treated as such, but there is no way they could have continued the lore without the classic catchphrases and banter. Here’s to hoping the future episodes incorporate the essential elements of the original show, without feeling like repeats in syndication.

Fuller House premieres on Netflix on February 26.