I have recommended a couple of shows with a comedic slant, but for the most part I have regularly pimped out programs that carry some serious weight. I have certain affection for engrossing dramas, especially those that feature layers and long form story telling.
On the opposite side of the coin, sometimes a brother just digs something comedic and light, where I can sit down in front of the tube (do you still call it a tube when there isn’t a tube?) with an idiotic grin plastered to my admittedly homely face. To this I say: “Not a problem” lets watch Parker Lewis Can’t Lose.
Ready? Synchronize Swatches...
Parker Lewis Can’t Lose was a teen comedy about a charismatic (Ferris Bueller-esque) high school junior named Parker Lewis and his best “buds” Jerry and Mikey, who rule San Domingo high school using scams, schemes, a gentle but hungry giant named Larry Kubiac and sometimes good old fashion capitalism.
Standing in the way of Parker and his delightful monkeyshines is Principal Grace Musso, her special assistant (and all-round bitch) Frank Lemmer and Parker’s sister Shelly. Parker Lewis wasn’t your average high school comedy; it was filled with surreal moments (Lemmer sometimes appears to be beamed in and out as if he was on Star Trek), creative camera work (angles and shots not normally used in a show of its ilk), brilliant slapstick comedy and truly likable characters.
Mikey, Jerry and ParkerParker LewisA brilliant and charismatic high school junior who has a penchant for loud and gaudy shirts (cut Park a break it was the early 90’s). Parker is a classic smooth operator who along with his best buds, basically rules San Domingo high with a series of elaborate pranks, schemes and scams perpetrated from a secret hangout located in the upper recesses of the school gym. None of Park’s genius plans are done out of malice (he’s got a heart of gold, and he’s not even a hooker!), mostly done just for fun or challenge.
Mikey RandallMikey is Parker’s best friend and acts as the Bud’s soulful musician. Although effortlessly cool, Mikey sometimes has trouble talking to the fairer sex, and basically relies on Park to set up elaborate situations involving hidden microphones and cameras in order to walk him through the dating process.
Jerry SteinerJerry is the nerd of the group who’s ever-present trench coat is a seemingly bottomless pit where any desired object can be pulled out instantaneously when needed (it is also implied that it all stays in there using Velcro, also this coat seems to be refrigerated as one of the most common things fished out is an ice cream sundae). Unlike most stereotypical nerd characters on similar shows, Jerry is given some depth of character and isn’t just a one note joke with a catch-phrase...although he does have one (a high pitched screech).
Larry Kubiac“Kube” is a giant simpleton whose passion for football is only surpassed by his obsession with eating. Not exactly one of the buds, Larry is still a giant ally who will only fly into a violent rage if his food supply has been threatened. Larry’s running joke involves being rewarded with a tiny fish like a giant sea mammal after performing a simple task (eat now?).
Principal MussoEver the disciplinarian, Parker is the bane of Musso’s existence. She is constantly trying to foil the bud’s schemes and would love nothing more than to have Parker expelled. Her signature thumb swing is inexplicably able to shatter her office window...her window is always shattered...at all times.
Frank LemmerFrank is Musso’s sidekick (re: Little bitch), a gun enthusiast and a staunch supporter of disgraced president Richard Nixon. Lemmer is obsessed with foiling Park’s plans, and sometimes displays a disturbing sexual attraction to Musso (cold hard bitch is sometimes a turn on I suppose).
Shelly LewisShelly is Park’s younger sister who is essentially next in line for Lemmer’s job, she is Lemmer, without the pesky penis (I don’t even know what that means).
I’d rather not delve too deep into specific storylines and allow you cats to watch this gem on your own. Elements of the show haven’t aged as well, including the fashion and random references to laser discs and MC Hammer, but the characters and quirky writing more than make up for that small flaw. Parker Lewis is a light and fun comedy (but also surreal and smart) that taken at face value is incredibly enjoyable. Seasons One and Two (of three seasons) are readily available on DVD so go ahead, let yourself be delighted by a young man who lacks the ability to lose.
We have achieved Coolness!
forcesofgeek.com
Tags: parker lewis, corin nemec, parker louis, 601, dagobah, Parker Lewis Video, Watch Parker LEwis Video, parker Lewis DVD view, Parker Lewis TV Series,
0 comments:
Post a Comment