Grand

In 1990, my wife had each browsed through the new Fall TV issue of the TVG...and had both independently decided that, based on the cast and storyline, this was a show we wanted to watch. We started with episode one and loved every minute of it...and like so many others on here, were utterly blown away by the network's decision to cancel...an the worse yet, rework it.

Bonnie Hunt was wonderful in an already wonderful cast...but John Randolph made this show. His portrayal of the dour millionaire was priceless and the thing that kept the show moving.

Yet another show that should have survived.

Loved the show until they wiped out half the cast.

For some reason I can remember every word of the theme, and can sing the complete tune. If anyone wants the words they are:

"Let me ask a question. You can make a guess. Who holds the keys to your happiness? Is your life up to you, or does fate have it planned? Don't think too much; just do it, do it grand.

Some were born to make it, everything they touch turns gold. Others try to fake it, but their luck is always cold. See, we're all different drummers playing in the same big band. So if you're gonna play it, play it grand!"

In this case, the "company town" is a town built not around a coal mine or a lumber mill, but around a piano factory.

What do I mean by "soap operetta"? Well, just as an operetta is a comedy in somewhat scaled-down opera form, "Grand" was (far more than outright soap opera spoofs like "Soap" or "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman") a comedy in scaled-down soap opera form. Also, like a typical operetta, and unlike a typical soap opera spoof, the humor was gentle, witty, and largely suitable for a family audience.

I never even knew there WAS a second season of the show, or that the second season mostly threw out the "soap operetta" format, but what I saw of the series, I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters were the sort of people you actually would want to meet, something sadly lacking in an awful lot of television.

And the open used throughout the first season was certainly one of the best sitcom opens ever constructed.

I absolutely agree with Riverstone. This was a wonderful show..one I too planned to follow with high hopes. I never knew why it was pulled and I didn't even remember it being reworked...I guess by that point I was so disgusted with the network that I gave up. It was a clever, witty show that could have made T.V. history. Fortunately, most of the actors did end up with successful careers, but this certainly would have been a feather in their caps had it been given a chance. Any chance that the few shows they filmed could be found on tape?

All I can remember about the theme was, "If you want to play it, play it Grand"...

If you never got the chance to see Grand when it first aired, you really missed on a clever and witty show. You also aren't alone. Although it was a major ratings surprise its first season (NBC actually had canceled not expecting its strong ratings), its second season dropped off. This was partly a result of NBC's cancelling the show. In an unusual step, the show filmed and aired a series finale which was notoriously final. The second season was mostly spent trying to explain the dramatic events of the series finale. At least they didn't cop out and make it a dream.

Bonnie Hunt and Pamela Reed offered stand-out performances. The beautiful Sara Rue was possibly the funniest cast member. You may remember her from any number of small supporting roles in any number of things. Its a shame her size have kept her from getting more desirable roles. She's still playing teen-agers 10 years later!

Overall, this show was always very funny and was a favorite of mine in its time. If you get a chance to see some episodes, jump at the chance! You won't be disappointed.