Torkelsons --> Almost Home... Why?
Justin Thorp
To anybody in the know:
Why did NBC, in late 1992/early 1993 decide to take the 1991 - 1992 series
"The Torkelsons" and create a 'sequel' to it in the form of "Almost Home"?
I ask because I have seen both shows on the Disney Channel lately (will
be seing it ALL the time now with TDC's revamped schedule) and see
qualities in both shows... although I must admit "The Torkelsons" was a
slightly 'different' and 'sweet' show... and therefore, in the end, BETTER
than its 'sequel'.
Also, while I have the floor, why is there no NG on the net just for this
show/these shows? (Or at least a solid place where discussion on these
programs can be held.) Which is the closest NG I can go to to talk about
this all?
Thanks for any info. Comments and questions are, as always, welcome!
John F. Carr
In article <01bc6f0a$5f6a7660$42d6...@thorps-msn.com>,
Justin Thorp <Tho...@msn.com> wrote:
>Why did NBC, in late 1992/early 1993 decide to take the 1991 - 1992 series
>"The Torkelsons" and create a 'sequel' to it in the form of "Almost Home"?
In fall 1992 _TV Guide_ said NBC was reworking "The Torkelsons" to appeal
more to urban viewers.
They did this by trying to convert it into a conventional sitcom. They
adopted a standard premise -- those were the years where it seemed like
half the shows on TV were based on some sort of combined or unusual
family situation -- and added some generic sitcom plots. They knew they
were going over well travelled ground (I recall a "Brady Bunch" reference
in one episode), but I guess the network said "conform or be cancelled".
A quote from Michael Jacobs: "By turning it inside out and showing the
loyal opposition to the Torkelsons' conservative upbringing, we hope to
get our old audience back and develop a new one."
As I recall, the ratings didn't improve.
> Also, while I have the floor, why is there no NG on the net just for this
>show/these shows?
There has never been enough discussion to merit a newsgroup. There really
isn't much to say these days about either show.
--
John Carr j...@tiac.net
John Stone
I rather liked "The Torkelsons", in fact I saw the pilot episode on
the Disney channel yesterday. John S.
Pamela-Marie
IJB...@aol.com (Ian J. Ball) wrote:
>In article <01bc6f0a$5f6a7660$42d6...@thorps-msn.com>, "Justin Thorp"
><Tho...@msn.com> wrote:
>
>> series "The Torkelsons" and create a 'sequel' to it in the form of "Almost
>> Home"?
>It's too bad, because "The Torkelsons" was probably my favorite show when
>it was on, and has endured as one of my favorite "one season wonders". I
>think "The Torkelsons" succeeded where a show like "Ready or Not" tends to
>fail.
>
>"Almost Home", on the other hand, was an abomination to me when I heard
>about it, and I have actively avoided watching that bastardized
>incarnation of "The Torkelsons" ever since.
Well I wasn't so upset by the impurifying of Torkelsons. As much as I lved
the show I had some major gripes, one was there were way too many
children, most of the kids weren't very good actors (the ones that were
they kept) and I really was tired of Dorothy Jane being tormented, I lived
that kind of childhood, I didn't want to see another child go through it.
Why did I like Almost Home more? Well becuase it was supposed to be comedy
and it was. Torkelsons was very, very slow at times. It was an excellent
show and I really loved some episodes (not to mention the theme song) but
with so many characters it still seemed the writers couldn't think to do
with have of the cast.
Almost Home's real bright spot was the addition of Jason Marsden and
Brittany Murphy. Those two are really talented actors that I have enjoyed
for a long time, their antics were terrific, especially Jason's. One more
thing, it was more upbeat and funny. I could have cared less for the Perry
King and Connie (Rae I think?) relationship though. But I did like that
we learned more about her.
Neither show was bad, but I think that as to which is the better comedy,
Almost Home wins.
Pamela-Marie
Lisa or Jeff
Whatever happened to Olivia Burnette, the young star of the show?
Justin Thorp
Hello Pamela-Marie and the rest of "The Torkelson" and/or "Almost Home"
fans out tjere,
I must agree with you Pamela-Marie that "Almost Home" was a comedy pure
and simple. I do have a few problems with it though that I will address
here:
1) While a good actor, Jason Marsden was playing a one dimensional
character he has since played over and over. Take a look at "Step by Step"
or "Full House" and see what I mean. A wise guy, in my opinion, can only be
played SO much. Besides, on "Almost Home" we always saw his character
Gregory doing BAD things. Was there ever an episode where he showed the
people around him he had feelings?
2) The whole idea of moving [The Torkelsons] to Seattle was bad... or at
least it was BADLY HANDLED. If they wanted to get rid of some of the cast
they should make it known in the plot..... to have them disappear is just
wrong. I would have espeially enjoyed hearing what happened to William
Schallert's character (correct me if I am wrong, but he never was mentioned
in "Almost Home" correct?). The producers could have even wriiten in (if
they were adventurous) the three missing 'Torkelson' characters had all
stayed behind in Pyramid Corners to 'pick up the pieces' of a once proud
and strong family. Why? I have no clue, but again, SOMETHING would have
been better than NOTHING! (I agree by the way that one of the people let go
after "The Torkelsons" run, the boy who played Steven Floyd, was a bit of a
strange one!)
3) Perry King's character never seemed to be working. In the first episode
he was, but from that point on, I do not recall seing him physically
working.... he was talking on his phone and eating at business dinners, but
nothing else...... of course, with the exception of "Full House" and a few
others, don't all sitcoms leave the workplace in the dust?
Don't get me wriong though. I liked "Almost Home", especially its catchy
theme song (....."Just when you think you're alone..... maybe we're almost
home!") and its overall mood. It is just that "The Torkelsons" was a show
that took a chance to be different. Whether it succeeded or not is not my
reasons for posting; that can be left to the individual to decide. Same for
"Almost Home".
When it is all said and done, I am sad "The Torkelsons" and "Almost Home"
did not last However, I look back at TV hisory and realize that if they
had lasted maybe the quality would have died with it after another season
or so.... look what happened to Roseanne and The Cosby Show after 3 years
or so! And, in that sense, "The Torkelsons" and "Almost Home" will live
longer (and have a more faithful following) in the long run. That at leat
is the way I see it!
These two shows were quality in their own right. It shows me today that
the media of the last decade is not made up of true crazies, and, if time
is taken, things come out that help the human race see its own faults and
our own helpful natures at the same exact time. In short, both these shows
taught us that ".... a new day promises that everything will be all
right!". Maybe as we head into the year 2000 we can look at everybody and,
thanks to these shows, see how we as both individuals and groups, can all
work to BETTER tomorrow!
Before I go I would like to ask one more question to anybody in the know:
Why is it that the actor and actress who played Steven Floyd and Ruth Ann
in "The Torkelsons" pilot were not the ones who were used in the eventual
seies?
Thanks for any info, comments, and/or questions..... and sorry if I have
rambled a bit too much! As you can see, I REALLY like these shows <BG>
*** Thank you The Disney Channel for putting "The Torkelsons" and "Almost
Home" on 7 times a week (6:30 pm California time), with a bonus 2:00 pm
episode each Saturday and Sunday).... please keep this schedule alive for a
very long time! ***
Pamela-Marie <pamel...@juno.com> wrote in article
<5mvmbd$166$3...@news4.snfc21.pacbell.net>...
Justin Thorp
Hello,
Olivia Burnette can still be found in Hollywood movies, but only
occasionally. In the last few years she has starred in both "The Quick and
the Dead" with Sharon Stone and "Eye For an Eye" with Sally Field.
Of course, here is a warning: If you want to catch Ms. Burnette in "Eye
For an Eye" be open to violence. She is only in the movie for 15 minutes if
that... she plays a young child that is brutally raped and killed...... it
is TRULY not pleasent. Of course I saw the movie and did not even realize
it was her... not until I found information on the 'net!
"Eye For an Eye" is playing this Wednesday (6-4-1997) on HBO at 8 pm. If
nothing else it is a story about individual power and how violence does not
solve anything in the long run.... even when the violence is only being
'created' to help those of us who have been hurt by it once before.
Best regards,
Justin Thorp
Lisa or Jeff <hanc...@bbs.cpcn.com> wrote in article
<5mvlfo$h...@netaxs.com>...
Pamela-Marie
"Justin Thorp" <Tho...@msn.com> wrote:
>Hello Pamela-Marie and the rest of "The Torkelson" and/or "Almost Home"
>fans out tjere,
>
> I must agree with you Pamela-Marie that "Almost Home" was a comedy pure
>and simple. I do have a few problems with it though that I will address
>here:
> 1) While a good actor, Jason Marsden was playing a one dimensional
>character he has since played over and over. Take a look at "Step by Step"
>or "Full House" and see what I mean. A wise guy, in my opinion, can only be
>played SO much. Besides, on "Almost Home" we always saw his character
>Gregory doing BAD things. Was there ever an episode where he showed the
>people around him he had feelings?
On "Full House" he played a rich, caring, sensitive guy. I don't know what
show you were watching. Rich Halke, his character on "Step by Step" has
many more redeeming qualities than Gregory. I certainly think if you are
going to point fingers to an actor who consistently plays a wise guy, talk
about Tom Cruise.
Pamela-Marie
Justin Thorp
Hi Pamela-Marie,
Yes, in "Full House" Marsden DID play a richer (and nicer) guy..... I know
though that most of the time he does play.... well a slacker. I do not know
why "Full House" crept in... I meant to say OTHER THAN his appearance on
"Full House".....
Anyway, as I said before, he is a good actor.... I just think he should
play..... well a 'nice' character who works hard more often! He has
emotional power and depth so he should use it!
Just my opinion anyway........... <G>
BTW, has anybody else noticed that some cast members from "The Torkelsons"
and "Almost Home" (along with other late 1980's to early 1990's sitcoms)
end up in guest spots on "Step By Step"?
Pamela-Marie <pamel...@juno.com> wrote in article
<5n19fg$s56$1...@news3.snfc21.pacbell.net>...
John F. Carr
In article <5mvmbd$166$3...@news4.snfc21.pacbell.net>,
Pamela-Marie <pamel...@juno.com> wrote:
>Well I wasn't so upset by the impurifying of Torkelsons. As much as I lved
>the show I had some major gripes, one was there were way too many
>children, most of the kids weren't very good actors (the ones that were
>they kept)
I thought if they wanted to drop two children they should have kept the
older ones. The characters were more interesting, and I don't think
they were worse actors. If the producers were determined to rework the
show and reduce the cast, they should have made Olivia Burnette's character
an only child. The parts of the younger children were not well written.
>Torkelsons was very, very slow at times. It was an excellent
>show and I really loved some episodes (not to mention the theme song)
I agree about the theme: good theme songs are rare in TV, and it was
one of the best. Slow isn't a problem for me if the show is good (for
example, _2001_ is one of my favorite movies).
--
John Carr j...@tiac.net
Justin Thorp
So John,
Which series did you like better? "The Torkelsons" or "Almost Home"? Or
are you like me and happy NBC just gave the show a second chance back in
'93? (Something they would not do today in my opinion!)
BTW anybody can jump over to the SoundAmerica web site and download good
quality "The Torkelsons" and "Almost Home" themes..... along with any other
TV themes! Jump over and check them out!
Keep in touch,
Justin Thorp
John F. Carr <j...@tiac.net> wrote in article
<5n3sn9$j...@news-central.tiac.net>...
>
> I thought if they wanted to drop two children they should have kept the
> older ones. The characters were more interesting, and I don't think
> they were worse actors. If the producers were determined to rework the
> show and reduce the cast, they should have made Olivia Burnette's
character
> an only child. The parts of the younger children were not well written.
>
JonathanF2
I could not agree with you more. . .
The Torklesons was a classy show that really made an impact. Almost Home
looses that underlying feeling that made the Torklesons so effective.
As I remeber a reviewer writing. . ."I WANT MY OLD TOKLESONS
BACK!!!!!!!!!"
Justin Thorp
Hi,
I wish I knew how Jeff Jarvis (the TV Guide critic) felt about either "The
Torkelsons" or "Almost Home". He is always very opinionated I find!
While "Almost Home" was unable to be a 'different' show' I did admire some
of its sweet undertone... ESPECIALLY in episode #1 ("New Moon").
I have admired "The Torkelsons" for many months now. My only complaint is
that the producers never used William Schallert very well. His character
was probably the second most interesting (under Olivia Burnette's
character). Anyway, in many episodes he appeared once or twice, said a few
words and was gone..... is that the way to treat a nice man who has been in
many movies/TV shows? <G>
Small complaint..... nice shows (both of them IN THEIR OWN WAY) overall.
Don't compare apples to oranges and everything looks bright and sunny from
any corner of the television studio! <BG>
Comments? Questions? Any and all are welcome!
--------------------> Justin Thorp
JonathanF2 <jonat...@aol.com> wrote in article
<19970624030...@ladder02.news.aol.com>...
John F. Carr
In article <01bc8052$6da2f140$16d5...@thorps-msn.com>,
Justin Thorp <Tho...@msn.com> wrote:
>I wish I knew how Jeff Jarvis (the TV Guide critic) felt about either "The
>Torkelsons" or "Almost Home". He is always very opinionated I find!
I can't remember anything from Jarvis in particular, but I still remember
one line from the TV Guide 1991 fall preview section about "The Torkelsons".
The reviewer thought it was too sweet, like "maple syrup on marshmallows".
Some day I'll give that food combination a try...
--
John Carr j...@tiac.net