People wonder what happened to the TGIF family friendly style shows that aired on ABC. The kinda TV show that didn’t completely turn into potty mouth marathons with conversations ripped from the Penthouse Forums. Those nice shows aren’t dead. They’ve been moved to cable. Melissa & Joey could have easily aired at the 10 p.m. slot after Family Matters and Full House, but it’s on the ABC Family Channel. While it’s easy to think of stars Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence as kids, they’re both 35. Melissa Joan Hart has been a TV star for two decades with Nickelodeon’s Clarissa Explains It All and TGIF’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Shockingly, Joey Lawrence arrived on Gimme A Break in 1983. Whoa! He followed that up with Blossom. The duo seem a natural fit for a sitcom. Melissa & Joey: Season One, Part Two has the 18 episodes that wrap up the successful first season.
Melissa Joan Hart plays a city councilwoman in Toledo, Ohio. Her life changes when her nephew and niece must move into her house. Why? Because their parents did something very bad. How does Joey Lawrence end up being their nanny? He’s a disgraced commodities broker that get nailed in a Ponzi scheme that destroyed his career, marriage, life and hair. He’s shaved it. It seems like a match made by Tony Danza. She hires him cause she’s useless with the teenagers. The kids are actually taller than him. Melissa’s assistant Stephanie (Lucy DeVito) is Joey’s secret way to spy into Melissa’s work life. There’s a bit of chemistry in hoping the two hook up.
It seems that the title of the episodes are off on the DVD. “Enemies with Benefits” does get sexual when Joey admits he’s been seeing his ex-wife on the sly. The ex-wife confides in Melissa that she’s pregnant. Can Joey handle not merely talking her back, but dealing with a baby? He can barely manage two kids that are potty trained. “The Other Longo” has Joey’s brother looking to hook up with Melissa. Can he allow him to ruin his relationship with the boss? “The Settlement” has Joey finally get a nice wad of cash. Where will he spend it? Will he give up the nanny business? The highlight of the finale is Joey finally says, “Whoa.”
Hard to believe that Melissa and Joey have been on TV for a combined half a century. Their sitcom experience makes them the ideal tag-team couple for a series. The tone is a little more adult than what we’d expect from Melissa and Joey’s career. Who could expect Clarissa to explain her biological clock? Or Joey to shave his head although it grows out a bit as the season progresses. As a couple, they’re doing well as they move into middle age in roles that demand a little responsibility. While Melissa & Joey isn’t as squeaky clean as TGIF, it’s a little more wholesome than Louie.
The video is 1.78 anamorphic. The HD video transfer gives the details as Joey’s hair grows back over the season. The audio is Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround or 2.0 Stereo. Since this is a three camera sitcom, the sound mix isn’t that extravagant so either choice is fine. Although you’ll want to absorb the “Whoa” moment in the 5.1.
There are no Bonus Features.
Melissa & Joey: Season One, Part Two brings together two superstars that have spent the last decades growing up on TV. Melissa and Joey are natural together in the role of politician and nanny under one roof. The show has an adult edge even on ABC Family Channel. The show reminds us that they’re not kids anymore.
Shout! Factory presents Melissa & Joey: Season One, Part Two. Starring: Melissa Joan Hart, Joey Lawrence and Lucy DeVito. Boxset Contents: 18 Episodes on 2 DVDs. Released on DVD: October 4, 2011. Available at Amazon.com.
