Drexell's Class

During the early 90s, Fox featured the most impressive and diverse roster of sitcoms ever assembled. "Married...with Children," "The Simpsons," "In Living Color," "Martin," "Herman's Head," "Roc," and "Get a Life" were among the network's top programs. "Drexell's Class" was no different. Starring the likes of Dabney Coleman, A.J. Langer, Cleavant Derricks, Jason Biggs, Matthew Lawrence, Dakin Matthews, Randy Graff and Brittany Murphy, "Drexell's Class" was a critically acclaimed series noted for attempting to expand the boundaries of television comedy, as is the case for most of the sitcoms to grace Fox over the years. What made this show so memorable, however, was the great humor found in such a dark character. You see, Otis Drexell (Coleman) was forced to teach the fifth grade after being caught cheating on his taxes. It was an unbelievable premise, but no one can deny its originality.

"Drexell's Class" earns extra kudos for discovering the pie-f***ing, superglue-lubricating wunderkind Jason Biggs and Hollywood's hottest new sensation and absolute knockout Brittany Murphy.

Let's hope this show gets the DVD treatment in the near future.

***1/2 out of ****

Irreverent Otis Drexell (Dabney Coleman) had been forced to teach fifth grade and is in trouble with the IRS. Willie Trancas (Jason Biggs) is one of his troublesome students. He has daughters Melissa (A. J. Langer) and Brenda (Brittany Murphy). Roscoe Davis (Dakin Matthews) is a rival teacher.

This is a Fox sitcom which lasted one season. The problem with the concept happens right from the start. He is basically Al Bundy without his comeuppance. He is making fun of everybody, but only a few of his zingers have a return address. The audience needs that to have a satisfying feeling.

From episode 8 onwards, the opening keeps changing and the show gives more screen time to the two hot young daughter actresses. Somebody noticed the value of these two future stars. In fact, the class gets less and less time. Jason Biggs gets cut after 8 episodes. He wasn't working out anyways. The change didn't change much although the show did get on The Simpsons.

"DREXELL'S CLASS," in my opinion, is an absolute FOX classic! I don't think I've seen every episode, but I still enjoyed it. It's hard to say which episode was my favorite. However, I think it was always funny when a mishap occurred. I always laughed at that. Despite the fact that it was a short-lived series, it would have been nice if all the main characters had stayed with the show throughout its entire run. It seems that no one stays with a show throughout its entire run. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. In conclusion, I hope someone brings it back on the air for fans of the show to see.

I am writing the review merely as an informational service; the show was little worth commenting on. The plot was unrealistic (he was a criminal and got a job as a school teacher?), and the children were written more as adults than children.

Only sparsely funny, this show is deservedly off the air.