Pais Demais

I remember this funny but weird comedy series from the late 80's, I watched a few episodes from time to time. It is odd for a girl or any person for that matter to have two dads, but I guess it is possible in this crazy world we live in. The series was well written and featured good acting from Staci Keanan, Paul Reiser, and Greg Evigan. Let me explain 12 year-old Nicole (Staci Keanan) is in an unusual situation. She has two fathers. Years ago neurotic business student Michael (Paul Reiser) and free-spirited painter Joey (Greg Evigan) had loved the same woman only to both broken up with her and they had not seen her again. Later their ex-flame had died and both Joey and Michael learned she had a daughter by one of them, but no one knew which one. So the tough but firm Judge Wilbur played perfectly by Florence Stanley awarded joint custody of Nicole to them both. It was very fun watching the many episodes to experience the growing pains all three had. Each learned about life and love.

This was a great show in the tradition of The Wonder Years and Silver Spoons. Really good characters, particularly 12 year old Nicole. I'm sure there are many who would disagree with me but it leaves Friends in the dust. Nicole's two fathers Michael and Joey do a lot for the show too and her young friend Cory (a great kid also) and Judge Wilber certainly contribute also. My favourite episodes are Nicole's Big Adventure, Crime and Punishment, Advice and Consent and Nicole's First Date. I've really enjoyed the first season on DVD and I now have season 2 on order. I'm not sure if season 3 has been released on DVD yet. If not then I hope it will be at sometime because this is one of those shows you just can't get enough of.

Need one of television's ad hoc families? I recommend this one. Nicole's (Staci Keenan) mother dies, and her two old flames inherit her per her will. One of them is her father, but no one knows who. They used to be best friends, but parted enemies, and now make up their differences for Nicole's sake and move into Joey's apartment and try to put up a "normal" family. Of course, the two dads have totally different personalities;Michael is an uptight consultant while Joey is a carefree, spontaneous artist. This makes for the funniest situations which of course get settled by the end of the episode. I think this is one of the funniest comedies of the '80s. If you have the time, check it out.

*** out of ****

This sitcom was and is, THE best one ever. I used to rush home from school to watch it and had Staci Keanan was one sexy babe! Great episodes, nice and cheesy late eighties/early 90's fashions and and good set of characters. I really, really want a set of episodes on video...if anyone has any that they are willing to trade/sell etc...let me know!

This show may have more meaning for me than most anyone else. I've seen every episode at least five times. I would love a chance to own the videos if the show ever comes to DVD. I'm an adoptee who had a very difficult time living with my adoptive parents. My adolescent years were too painful for me to want to remember them. I could understand a child trying to cope with a foreign environment. I can definitely see much of my personality in her character. I was a bright kid. She had two parents that cared for her and tried to relate to her and understand her. I wish that I would have had so much. Her parents may not have known what to do in every situation, but they made an effort to seek outside guidance when they felt their own advice was inadequate. In this show I see the parents and the adolescent memories that I never had but wanted.