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8 Simple Rules - Season 1 [2002]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Reviews

After gaining fame as ladies man Jack Tripper on the 1970s sitcom Three's Company, John Ritter steals the show as a father of three--including two nubile teenage girls--on 8 Simple Rules... for Dating My Teenage Daughter. The first season introduces viewers to Paul (Ritter) and Cate Hennessy (Katey Sagal) and their precocious children Bridget (Kaley Cuoco), Kerry (Amy Davidson), and Rory (Martin Spanjers). When former stay-at-home mom Cate returns to the work force as a nurse, it's up to Paul to write his newspaper column at home and mind the kids. The first season deals with that uneasy transition. It's actually refreshing to see a family depicted where the parents don't always like the kids. Paul often jokes with Cate that he's mad she ever suggested they start a family. He also notes, "What's it called if you're damned if you do and damned if you don't? Oh yes, fatherhood".

As for the children, we've seen similar stereotypical characters on other sitcoms. Bridget is the 16-year-old blonde bombshell. Kerry is her awkward, brunette younger sister and Rory is their kid brother who has the creepy habit of hiding in their closets. Paul's relationship with Rory is even keeled. But it's his daughters that he is trying to win over. They love him, but they're also embarrassed and befuddled by him. Just when he thinks he's bonding with them, the girls will sarcastically point out his faults--such as his being at least 100 years old. As he succinctly points out to his wife, "They live in my house, but they don't even like me. They're not kids. They're cats!" Though the show is big on comic moments, it also is generous in sharing poignant memories. When Paul looks at his girls, he doesn't see young women that even his friends think of as hotties. Rather, he still views them as innocent toddlers who looked up to and adored him. Sagal, who was so over-the-top in both looks and mannerisms when she played the matriarch on Married with Children, is a wonderful foil for Ritter. Beautiful, smart, and funny, she's a tough act for him to follow when it comes to being a stay-at-home dad. --Jae-Ha Kim


Addictive!!!!!
Review date: 2008-09-26 Rating: 10 out of 10

this series is amazing and so addictive, I got the DVD about a week ago and have been watching nothing else since. Its a great feel good comedy and I highly reccomend it to anyone who just want to sit back and have a good laugh. LOVE IT 5 STARS !!!!!!!!!

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Reviews


You're the Psycho-Dad!
Review date: 2008-09-21 Rating: 10 out of 10

`8 Simple Rules' is one of those shows that can be watched over and over again. I don't know how many times I've seen these first season episodes on television, but I never get tired of seeing Paul Hennessy (John Ritter) being run ragged by his teenage daughters, the superficial yet supremely confident Bridget (Kaley Cuoco), and the more serious-minded but fragile Kerry (Amy Davidson). The youngest member of the Hennessy clan, and the only other male in the house is Rory (Martin Spanjers). His main ambition is to own a monkey, or, failing that, something poisonous. Paul's wife, Cate (Katey Sagal) tries to make sense of the pandemonium that seems to engulf their lives. "I swear to God, Paul," is her exasperated constant refrain as her husband tries to keep their daughters' affection while at the same time doing his best to limit any funny business that he thinks their boyfriends may have in mind.

So what makes this sitcom better than any number of other family-based shows? I think it's the performances that all the actors bring to their characters and the razor-sharp scripts. There are 28 episodes in this first season and there's not a dud among them. Although John Ritter has the lead role, the rest of the cast gets a good share of the laughs and most of the stories revolve around Bridget and Kerry's lives. The strength of the guest stars helps too, notably Larry Miller as Paul's unscrupulous colleague, Tommy who is also the father of Bridget's none too bright boyfriend, Kyle (Billy Aaron Brown), and Patrick Warburton as Paul's boss, Nick Sharpe whose own life bears an uncanny resemblance to Paul's.

There are far too many highlights to list here in their entirety, but some of my favourite moments are: the `Three's Company' spoof in episode 16 (`Three's Company' was an Americanised version of the 1970s sitcom `Man About the House' in which John Ritter played the Richard O'Sullivan role); the moment when Bridget and her nemesis, Jenna Sharpe (Nikki Danielle Moore) square up to each other gunfighter-style, "Whatever," says Jenna viciously to which Bridget responds with a sharp intake of breath as though this was the worst insult possible; the studio audience's reaction when they see Cate just about to enter the girls' bedroom as Rory is rescuing his stash of girlie magazines that his sisters have confiscated; the hysterically awful cheerleader auditions that Kerry turns to her advantage; and Rory's reaction to seeing the new-look Aunt Maggie (Cybill Shepherd) in the season's final episode.

It would have been nice to have some cast interviews or commentaries included in this set, but the only bonus material in the package is a blooper reel. These are probably more amusing for the actors involved and the studio audience. There are only so many times you can watch actors fluffing their lines before it becomes boring. But the 28 episodes contained in this collection are wonderfully funny and it's a pleasure to own them on DVD. Don't be surprised if you unintentionally while away a whole evening watching them.


Thank you!
Review date: 2008-08-29 Rating: 10 out of 10

Finally, we have a 8 Simple Rules DVD that will definetly be compatible with British DVD players.

I cannot vouch for the product itself but I can asure you, whoever you are, whatever you do, that you will love this show.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
John Ritter
Katey Sagal
Amy Davidson
Martin Spanjers
Kaley Cuoco

Creators:
John Ritter (Primary Contributor)
Katey Sagal (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Disney
Manufacturer: Disney
EAN: 8717418167738
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 3
Format: Box set, PAL,
Release date: 2008-09-01
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 577 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2002

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