TV Review: Fuller House S1 E08, “Secrets, Lies and Firetrucks”

By Tyler Hodg

Do you remember the first lie you ever told? Max Fuller does, and it’s a lie he’ll never forget.

It’s because he actually got away with it.

The middle Fuller child learns how to lie from his older brother Jackson in “Secrets, Lies and Firetrucks,” and proclaims to his friends that he can ride a firetruck whenever he wants–including to one of their birthday parties. Max needs to figure out a way to accomplish the difficult task, but thankfully, has Jackson and Grandpa Tanner to help him out.

For a show that’s about lessons and honesty, this is a backwards plot. The theme of Fuller House doesn’t coincide with the theme of the episode, which is essentially about how to weasel your way out of self-harming situations.

Odd narrative aside, the cameo of Danny is the most satisfying out of the three main guest spots (Uncle Jesse, Joey, Danny) included so far. It makes the most sense for the family patriarch to return, and his appearance dips into most of the stories unfolding in the eighth episode in a natural way.

With the most anticlimactic advice from her dad, D.J. follows her heart and romantically pursues co-worker Matt. The friendship was a linear path heading towards something much more, and the inclusion of previous moments paid off when the two finally kiss.

While the relationship feels right to see, not getting the chance to view D.J. debate the issue cheapens the storyline. The show has yet to explore the realistic side of the situation D.J. is going through with moving on from her husband.

There is also a major missed opportunity when the entire Fuller family and Danny huddle around each other and have a moment of remembrance of the fallen father. The emotion is sucked out of the scene, and the characters do not appear to be fazed at all only one year after the death.

“Secrets, Lies and Firetrucks” is one of the best and worst episodes of Fuller House at the same time. With everything that it does right regarding Danny’s role in it, there is an equal amount that went wrong with the family dynamic itself. The lack of emotion regarding the death makes it seem insignificant, and it doesn’t appear that anything will change in the remaining episodes of the season.

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