TV Review: Fuller House S01 E09, “War of the Roses”

By Tyler Hodg

There is a Fuller House God!

Nine episodes into the first season, D.J. finally shows a heavy heart in regards to her husband, who died tragically on duty as a firefighter. Up until this point, she showed little to no affection towards the love of her life, and father of her three children.

“War of the Roses” isn’t particularly melancholy, but is the first time the show has explored any hint of real emotion. The heavy scene of D.J. removing her wedding ring doesn’t appear until the end of the episode, and the rest of the story is light-hearted fun.

In fact, it plays out like a humorous murder-mystery story–as returning Becky Donaldson-Katsopolis calls it–and revolves around the three leads’ investigation into who filled the entire living room with roses.

D.J. suspects that Matt or Steve sent them, as they’re both seemingly in love with her, and Kimmy believes that her sort-of back-on-husband Fernando sent the flowers as a symbol of their rejuvenated romance. Stephanie, despite not having a steady love interest, is also thrown into the mix after she receives a questionable message from Full House alumni character and childhood best friend Harry.

Becky is visiting after a Good Morning San Francisco reunion show and becomes involved in the peculiar situation. After forcing all three men to take a seat on Danny’s favorite couch, the lovable aunt interrogates the overwhelmed lovers to get to the bottom of the mystery.

To the women’s surprise, none of the men sent the roses. The grand gesture was performed by none other than Uncle Jesse, who proceeds to burst through the door like it’s his own house.

Halfway through the episode, it becomes quite clear that Jesse was the sender. But despite the obvious conclusion, “War of the Roses” is easily the best installment of the series so far. The show explores the notion that someone who lost a loved one would be upset about their passing (who would have thought?), and the story is wound together in a neat and tidy package. Throw in some legitimately funny lines, and there’s a quality episode.

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