Moonlighting - Seasons 1 & 2 Review Score: 9/10 | Date Posted: June 10th 2005 In: DVD Reviews Moonlighting - Seasons 1 & 2 Review by Rick Alyea Starring: Cybill Shepherd, Bruce Willis, Allyce Beasley, Robert Ellenstein, James Karen Directed by: Various. Released by: Lion's Gate Films. We return with another 80’s television series classic…Moonlighting truly is one of the funniest and most controversial television series of all time. The shows were loaded with creativity, comedy, and occasionally some action. Behind the scenes were no different. Unfortunately the shows demise came at the height of Bruce Willis’ rise to superstardom parlayed with many rumors and circling around Willis’ and Sheperd’s inability to get along. The premise: Maddie Hayes (Cybill Sheperd) is a former model running a nearly bankrupt detective agency. David Addison (Bruce Willis) convinces her to hire him on as her partner. They bumble their way through many mysteries, solving most of them. Maddie and David couldn't be more different - Maddie is conservative, reserved, preoccupied with being responsible, and slightly repressed and uptight. David is spontaneous almost to a fault, and not terribly responsible. Yet, both have big hearts, and over the course of Seasons 1 and 2, they fall very much in love - even though they cannot admit it - especially to themselves. In the typical episode, David and Maddie work on a case. However, there's much more going on. Events in the case parallel events in one or both of the main characters' lives, or their relationship with each other. As you watch this delightful show, it's obvious that the writers, directors, and cast are having a great time making it. The writing is very clever, and as the series progresses, the characters occasionally show awareness that they are characters on a television show - to great humorous effect. In seasons two and on, there are episodes that have themes - such as a black and white film noir take-off, and a modernized and very funny remake of Taming of the Shrew. In its first season, Moonlighting is a bit more conventional - though still innovative and still one of the finest television programs ever. Moonlighting strengths are also in the supporting cast. Agnes DiPesto, the delightfully quirky receptionist that answers every phone call with a different rhyme. Throw in an amazing guest star platter; Orson Wells, Tim Robbins, Dana Delany, Whoopi Goldberg, Eva Marie Saint and many more Moonlighting also features great music - not just the classic theme song by Al Jarreau. Nearly every episode has great classic tunes. The first two seasons include songs by Little Richard, Patsy Cline, Smokey Robinson, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, The Temptations, The Isley Brothers, Gene Kelly, and the theme to the Family Feud television show (??!!), among many others. As well, how could you not love a show that has Booger from Revenge of the Nerds in it. Yes Curtis Armstrong is featured as Agnes’ love interest in the later shows. The show is a fun filled event and the chemistry amongst both leads is something that is lacking in today’s TV shows. Highly recommended. DVD FEATURES: The DVD features on the boxed set are pretty good. Commentary, a look at the creative arc on season one, The Moonlighting phenomenon - a look into the worldwide success of the TV show, and a glimpse into season 2 – how the writers carried on from the successes of season one.

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