Metamorphosis - The TV Show

No one can tell the difference.





(extra words because the above is too short)

"Metamorphosis - The TV Show" marked the fourth and final appearance for Pat Cranshaw as cameraman Jake Loomis, working at Mindy's TV station. The firing of her boss Miles Sternhagen (played in three episodes by Foster Brooks) has Mindy wondering if she'll be next in line to go. The new general manager is Daniel Pierson (Charles Bloom), who responds to Jake's 29 years at the station by dismissing him too. Mork tries to allay her fears, but when he and Mearth get their hands caught in an electric train set their minds are switched, so Mearth (in Mork's body) must accompany her to Pierson's introductory party. He announces that Mindy's 'Wake Up Boulder' is out, along with her, but time spent with Mindy's cartoon viewing husband inspires Pierson to come up with an idea for a morning show to be hosted by Mindy, which he dubs 'Stop Sleeping Boulder.' A second mind transfer finds Mearth now in Fred's body: "major bummer, now I'm bald!"

The difference between the two comic geniuses is most evident here, when called on to switch roles. Robin Williams carries off the character and Winter's bodyshape/movements really well (especially the scene at the party). Jonathan Winters impersonation of William's Mork is a series of eye rolling, "Min, Min, Min'..."Big Kiss" punctuated lines. A Middle Aged Mork by way of Ohio.

Admittedly Williams has the easier role playing the more exaggerated part, (and has played a child effortlessly in episodes of the show already) but whoever Winters was playing, that wasn't William's Mork, and actually feels a bit like it's poking fun at him.

Of the trio, the one who comes out best of this Freaky Friday installment (carrying it really) is Pam Dawber. With Mindy's discomfort (and aloneness) both in regards to her situation at work, and having to deal with the bizarreness, especially a husband inside her son's body, and making innuendos, really well conveyed.

Charles Bloom (who went on to top class career as a composer) does a really good (and very recognizable) job playing the pompous, intellectual young General Manager, tying himself in knots trying to pretend he understands the abstract terms coming out of what is actually a child's mouth.