Top of the Heap

It's a spin-off series from Married... with Children with two minor characters. In Chicago, Charlie Verducci (Joseph Bologna) is the crass father to good-natured idiot Vinnie (Matt LeBlanc). 16 year old jailbait neighbor Mona Mullins (Joey Lauren Adams) has a crush on Vinnie who gets a job at Rolling Hills country club run by Alixandra Stone (Rita Moreno). Emmet Lefebvre (Leslie Jordan) is a diminutive security guard at the club.

This one came and went real quick. I am a big fan of Married and I don't remember LeBlanc being on the show. Of course, it would be another three years before he's Joey. I think I kinda remember this show. I definitely watched it. I watched every Married episode. The Married kids keep dropping by on this show. There's no way I would miss it even if it's not that good and this is not a good show. Matt LeBlanc has plenty of charisma. Bologna fits the character but I don't think the character is optimized. Joey Lauren Adams is super cute and she could work over time. The big problem is the country club. It's not a good work setting for this show and it looks cheap. If he works at a big country club, the show can't just stay at that one cheap location. He needs to be working behind the bar. There is an overall sense of faltering sitcom energy coming from this jerry-rigged spinoff. I like some of the cast but it's a struggle to make this work.

"Top of the Heap" (1991) is a spin-off TV series with characters from the popular show "Married...with Children." The show focuses on the lives of an intellectually-challenged man named Vinnie Verducci (played by Matt LeBlanc) and his chronically-unemployed father, Charlie Verducci (played by Joseph Bologna), who share an apartment. Here's a review:

Plot Summary: The series follows the misadventures of Vinnie and Charlie as they navigate their daily lives, relationships, and personal challenges. Despite their differences, they attempt to find common ground while residing door to door in their apartment building.

Review: "Top of the Heap" is a short-lived sitcom that combines humor, family dynamics, and quirky characters. Matt LeBlanc brings his comedic charm to the role of Vinnie, portraying him as a lovable underdog. Joseph Bologna's portrayal of Charlie adds heart to the show. The chemistry between the two leads is endearing, and their banter provides some genuinely funny moments.

While the show didn't achieve the longevity of its predecessor, "Married...with Children," it still has its moments. The writing occasionally falters, but the performances keep it afloat. Fans of the original series may appreciate this spin-off for its nostalgic connection.

I remembering being sad when this show disappeared. I remember thinking it was right on par with married with children. Its not quite as good... but almost.

A major flop for all involved. Poor writing. Poor plot lines. Poor acting. And the show just looks cheap. Why the wonderful Rita Marino ever got involved with a mass like this. Thank God the show only lasted seven episodes is a blessing.

This was a charming spin-off of "Married with Children" and lasted all too short a time. It was clever and funny and featured the inspired pairing of Joe Bologna and Matt LeBlanc as father and clueless son. It was hysterically funny--and that's what a comedy is for!