8 SIMPLE RULES: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
(TV-PG)
MOVIE: **** (out of 5)
DVD EXPERIENCE: ** (out of 5)
STARRING
John Ritter as PAUL HENNESSY
Katey Sagal as CATE HENNESSY
Kaley Cuoco as BRIDGET HENNESSY
Amy Davidson as KERRY HENNESSY
Martin Spanjers as RORY HENNESSY
Studio: ABC
BY KEVIN CARR
Although I have been a fan of John Ritter since I watched him in the original “Three’s Company” shows in the 1970s, I never had a chance to watch “8 Simple Rules” when it was on television. By the time I was coaxed into watching it, the poor man had died. However, now after checking the series out on DVD, I have to say that this was a fine ending to his too-short career.
Ritter plays Paul Hennessy, the father of two teenage daughters. One is the blonde ditz, and the other the red-headed rebel. Katy Sagal plays his wife who has gone back to work, leaving Paul to raise his daughters. But as any father knows, you’ve gotta be scared of those teenage boys out there.
Ritter hits this one out of the park, and the show finds its stride within just a few episodes. As much as I have enjoyed this first season, it’s a downer to know that Ritter passed away only a few episodes into the next season. Still, you can find solace in the first season. The characters are well designed, from the girls to the mischievous son who is always there to bust up the girls’ plans.
Ultimately, “8 Simple Rules” is a nice family sitcom that everyone can enjoy, and it’s nice to see it find a home on DVD. The three-disc set comes with a special blooper reel, which is easily as funny as the rest of the series.