One of
television’s earliest sitcoms was also named “The Goldbergs,” but this new
series feels far more like a remake (or re-imagining) “The Wonder Years,” a
family driven single-camera sitcom from the 1980s. “The Goldbergs” is actually
based on the childhood of creator Adam Goldberg, though elements were clearly
changed in ways that make it more similar to “The Wonder Years,” including the
addition of an older sister character. It is more than that, however. When I
was a child in the late 1980s, I watched a show about a family living in the
1960s. Twenty-some years later I am watching a series about a family in the
1980s, and can finally relate to what “The Wonder Years” must have felt like to
my parents.
Highlighting a
facet or trend from the 1980s in every episode, along with a plethora of
cringe-worthy costuming choices, “The Goldbergs” follows the hijinks of
11-year-old geek Adam (Sean Giambrone). Adam is obsessed with movies and
frequently carries a massive home video camera around to make his own films, a
practice which was clearly shared by the real Adam, whose actual home footage
is often shown at the close of most episodes. Adam has a popular older sister
named Erica (Hayley Orrantia) and an older brother who has delusions of being
just as popular despite awkward teenage behavior and random outbursts of rage.
As much as the show’s storylines are often focused on the kids, it wouldn’t be
the same without the contributions from their polar-opposite parents. Their
mother, Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey), brings new meaning to the word
‘over-protective,’ while their father, Murray (Jeff Garlin) is happiest wearing
only underwear and sitting in a recliner in front of the television. They are
also joined by their womanizing grandfather (George Segal), who seems to be
taking life lessons from Hugh Hefner.
Season one of
“The Goldbergs” won me over, despite a pilot with some uneven performances and
an uneven tone. I could harp on many irritating aspects of “The Goldbergs,” but
all that really matters is that it made me laugh and reminded me of my own
childhood. And how can you fault a show that does that? Season two continues
the pattern of season one, with more 80s pop culture references planted in episodes
with simple life lessons.
The complete
first season of 23 episodes is included in this three-disc set, along with a
handful of extras. The special features include commentary tracks on five
episodes, as well as a handful of featurettes. There are casting featurettes on
Jeff Garlin and Patton Oswalt, who provides the voiceover for adult Adam. There
are also featurettes on the costumes, the house, and a retrospective look on
the making of season one. Adam continues his sweet young relationship with a neighborhood
girl, but more often the episodes are about the dynamic within the slightly
dysfunctional family. This gives McLendon-Covey ample opportunity to ham up her
performance, as Beverly
The 24 season
two episodes are included on three discs, along with a handful of extras. There
is a gag reel and deleted scenes, as well as two on-set behind-the-scenes
featurettes with actors McLendon-Covey and Giambrone. There is also a making-of
featurette for an episode which recreates the plot of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Entertainment Value:
8.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 7/10
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