3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 1 "Brains and Eggs"

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 1 "Brains and Eggs"

January 09, 1996


NBC’s 3rd Rock from the Sun, which initially appeared as a mid-season replacement, ended up being one of the most popular sitcoms of the late 1990’s. This era was overfilled with favored sitcoms such as Friends and Seinfeld, so it must have been a genuine surprise to the studio that this particular show was incredibly successful. The premise is not even exactly the most original idea. Aliens inhabiting human bodies as they learn about human behavior has been tried and done before a countless number of times. What made this show stand out? Well, the writing is very sharp and incredibly witty. The writers were able to take a human’s ordinary day and turn them into something extraordinary in the eyes of these aliens. Plus, the cast is very darn good. The leading quartet of John Lithgow, Kristen Johnson, French Stewart, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt all bring their charisma to this alien family, and they are a hoot to watch day in and day out.



A group of four aliens are sent to Earth by the Big Giant Head to study how humans live. They inhabit the bodies of humans and their earthly names are; Dr. Dick Solomon (John Lithgow), Sally Solomon (Kristen Johnson), Harry Solomon (French Stewart), and Tommy Solomon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). Dick is the head of the family. Sally is female but was a male alien. Tommy is the youngest but was actually the eldest alien. Harry has no clue about who he is or who he was.



In this premiere episode, “Brains and Eggs,” the Solomons find themselves an apartment but their landlord, Mrs. Dubcek (Elmarie Wendel) is very curious about their behavior. Dick is a physics professor at a local college, and he is officemates with Professor Mary Albright (Jane Curtin) and her assistant Nina (Simbi Kali). Dick realizes that humans have complex feelings and he wants to explore them with Mary. Tommy, after watching girls play volleyball, also realizes humans have complex feelings,,,,but in a different way than Dick may experience.



Overall, 3rd Rock on the Sun does begin on a high note. The writing is very strong, and I do like what the writers explore. The acting is fantastic! Watching these four actors play off each other for 22 minutes is something I would want to do every single day. They have excellent comedic timing. I never considered John Lithgow as a comedic actor, but he is wonderful. Those facial expressions of his are the best. I am hesitant to say this show is underrated, but this show was overshadowed by sitcoms like Friends. I could even say this is just a science fiction version of Friends. Definitely check this series out. I will be giving brief reviews of each episode, so keep an eye out!



My Grade: A-


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