“Everywhere you look, everywhere you go, there’s a heart, a hand to hold onto.” Also everywhere you look, there is buzz about Netflix’s American sitcom, Fuller House. The 13-episode sequel series premiered on Feb. 26, 2016. The sitcom has reviews of 8.5/10 on TV.com and 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Some critics gave the revival very harsh, negative reviews, so Candace Cameron Bure, who plays DJ Fuller, told E!, “The critics never had a good thing to say about Full House and yet it ran for eight years in primetime and then it’s never been off the air in 30 years. So it’s a testament to what the fans want and not what the critics think.” She is absolutely right, and I personally enjoyed Fuller House—in fact, I subscribed to Netflix specifically to watch the revival.
Just before the revival premiered, Netflix released a teaser that acquired more than 10 million views, making it the most-viewed teaser on Netflix’s own YouTube channel. As many were highly anticipating Fuller House, I honestly wasn’t interested at first, but once I saw the unique teaser, I knew I had to watch it. The teaser opens with a gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge followed by an inside glimpse of the Full House house with a little golden retriever, Comet Jr. Jr., ready to greet his family.
The series begins with an exact reversal of the original Full House series. DJ is in the same position as her father, Danny Tanner, once was: recently widowed while taking on the challenge of raising her three young boys, Jackson, Max, and Tommy. Similar to what Uncle Jesse and Joey once did, Stephanie and Kimmy Gibbler move in with DJ to help her out. In the first episode, we learn the struggles of DJ as she tries to balance being a single mom while coping with her husband’s death and working as a successful veterinarian. Kimmy is also forced to hop on the single mother bandwagon as she deals with the possibility of a divorce from her unfaithful Latin lover, Fernando.
Upon seeing the first episode, “Our Very First Show, Again,” I instantly loved it and wanted to see more. It is obvious that the producer, Jeff Franklin, worked hard to instill nostalgia in those who were fans of the original Full House, which ran from 1987 to 1995. The best part is that Fuller House incorporates the same memorable catchphrases we know and love, like “have mercy,” “oh Mylanta,” and “how rude,” while introducing new ones, such as “holy chalupas,” which is uttered multiple times by DJ’s middle son, Max.
On social media, I have seen Fuller House fans negatively critique Kimmy Gibbler’s thirteen-year-old daughter, Ramona. Some came to the consensus that Ramona ruins the show. I don’t believe that anyone ruins the show, however, I am not a fan of Max, the eight-year-old middle son. He is loud, hyper and rather obnoxious. Holy chalupas, this boy has more energy than the Energizer Bunny. He is also a little neat freak like Danny and has a great relationship with his aunt Stephanie since they both can relate to being the middle child.
As if DJ’s hands weren’t full enough, she has two amazing men competing for her love. First we have DJ’s first love and high school sweetheart, Steve. Then there’s her charming new coworker Matt, who is also the son of her boss. Originally, DJ was leaning towards Matt until an unexpected kiss from Steve alters her decision. In the last episode, DJ finally makes a decision based on what is best for her and for her family. Just like Steve’s kiss, DJ’s decision was very unexpected and possibly left Fuller House fans feeling disappointed.
Once I finished my first ever binge watch, I asked students what they thought of the new series. Senior Spanish Education student Gianna Cusanelli said, “It is meant for nostalgia. It isn’t meant to be good, but it is good because it’s nostalgic. It’s the same show as it was in the 90’s.”
Senior Brendan O’Gibney, also a Spanish student, believes, “It is campy and the show relishes in bringing back all the situations we love and this is perfect. Plus, Lori Loughlin…still hot!”
Senior communication student James Fanizzi said, “It’s not the original but it definitely brings some classic humor, and a great cast. It’s a show worth watching!”
The day before Fuller House premiered, Vanity Fair released an article entitled, “Fuller House Is The TV Nostalgia We Deserve.” Netflix and Jeff Franklin must believe we deserve more, because Fuller House has already been renewed for a second season which will premiere sometime next year. Have mercy!
PHOTO TAKEN from www.people.com
IMAGE TAKEN from www.hollywood.com
