The Movie Journal

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 20 "See Dick Run" May 21, 1996 “See Dick Run” is the twentieth and final episode of the first season of 3 rd Rock from the Sun . It’s a very good finale and sets up the next season very well. It also has a surprising finish. Dick wanted to take Mary out on a date for the longest time, and he finally gets his wish. Their date turns out to be something else. Sally also has some success with her date, Mr. Randell. But things turn sideways when the Solomons learned they have failed their mission and must leave Earth immediately. This was a funny, fitting end to the first season. I wasn’t sure this show would work based on principle alone. But I made it through this season with a smile on my face and wanting some more. It’s a light-hearted sitcom with a sci-fi twist. No ruining the very end, but I liked the cliffhanger. I also liked when Harry uses his communicator with the Big Giant Head for the first time. Very weird, but ...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 19 "Selfish Dick" May 14, 1996 “Selfish Dick” is a great episode. We get to see Dick at his selfish best and the rest of the storylines are great as well. Dr. Albright finally gets her own office- a bigger, more personal space for herself. Dick is devastated at the news and cannot have that. Meanwhile, Mrs. Dubcek cuts herself and Sally faints as the sight of blood. Taken to the hospital, Sally and Harry begin to act like doctors they are familiar with from television. Great storylines all around. Compared to the previous episodes, I laughed a lot more. Dick being very self-centered is nothing new, but he brought his antics up a notch here. Even though I really liked what Dick went through, the storyline with Sally and Harry is better. Harry going around telling each doctor that their patient has a burst appendix is absolutely hilarious. Excellent episode! My Grade: A-

3rd Rock from the Sun, Season 1, Episode 18 "Father Knows Dick" May 07, 1996 “Father Knows Dick” is another solid episode although it tends to be a bit vanilla at times. Most of the episode focuses around Harry. He is acting more rebellious, so Dick comes up with a solution. He believes Harry needs a father figure, and Dick believes he is the perfect one for Harry. Sally continues her relationship with Tommy’s teacher, Mr. Randell. She believes that she is ready to meet his parents, but he is not really too sure. I liked the concept of Dick becoming a father figure, but I felt like this part of the story could have been fleshened out a little more. I was surprised how much I liked Sally’s role here. She met the parents and well…..they do not exactly get along. There were some good lines of dialogue within this storyline. My Grade: B

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 17 "Assault with a Deadly Dick" April 30, 1996 “Assault with a Deadly Dick” is the seventeenth episode of the first season of the hit comedy series 3rd Rock from the Sun. It’s a solid episode that introduces fan favorite Officer Don, played by Wayne Knight. After a day of shopping, The Solomons have their car radio stolen from them, which causes Dick to give up on his fellow earthlings. In all this hubbub, Sally meets Officer Don and falls for him. Meanwhile, Dick forces Tommy to play basketball. But, he may not be cut out for the sport. I thought this was a good episode, if not a little forgettable. Officer Don will end up being one of my favorite characters, but he did make a good first impression here. I did like Tommy failing at basketball. That was pretty funny. While the rest of the episode is solid, there could have been better jokes and a tighter screenplay. My Grade: B

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 16 "Dick Like Me" April 23, 1996 “Dick Like Me” is a very interesting episode. It explores the themes of ethnicity, which of course is a very hot topic. I am not sure an episode like this gets made today, but I did think this was a really funny episode. The Solomons are called to Tommy’s school to have a conference with Tommy’s teacher, Mr. Randell (John D’Aquino) because he believes Tommy does not fit in. At this meeting, Mr. Randell asks Sally out to the school dance. But she does not know how to dance! Meanwhile, the family try to decide which ethnicity they belong in-and they have a hard time doing so. I thought this episode was well-done considering some of the plotlines. Some quotes are a little risky, and that may be a bit kind. But I did have a fun time watching this episode. At least we learned that Mary Albright is Irish! My Grade: A-

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 15 "I Enjoy Being A Dick" April 21, 1996 “I Enjoy Being A Dick” is a really good episode, because yes, this title applies to Dick’s personality very well. At work, Dick overhears Dr. Albright and Nina talking about a study club for women. Dick feels left out when he is told he cannot go, so he will do everything in his power to attend. Meanwhile, Sally goes shopping and does lots of it. When Dick reminds her how much shopping costs, she becomes angry but finds a job at a pancake house. Harry also finds a job. Tommy continues his relationship with August but has thoughts about whether he should tell her who he really is. This episode is better than the last episode. It’s funny and has some very surprising moments. Did not expect to see John Lithgow dressed in drag. But that was absolutely hilarious! One of the funniest moments of the first season, in my humble opinion. The other storylines are also really good-especially ...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 14 "The Dicks They Are A-Changin" April 09, 1996 “The Dicks They Are A-Changin’” is the fourteenth episode of the hit comedy series, 3 rd Rock from the Sun . It’s a good episode, but it could have been great considering the subject matter. When the Solomons first came to Earth, Tommy did not give the family his personal background. That makes it interesting when Dr. Albright brings up their past. She believes that Dick was an activist hiding from the FBI- a man that she met in the 1960’s. Dick pretends he is that guy. The Solomons also get to experience the sound of music when Harry joins a CD fan club (wow, I remember these!). The whole subject matter certainly intrigues me, but I do not think the episode played it to its high potential. That said, there are still plenty of jokes. Apparently, frozen French fries can be passed off as joints, as least in the mind of Dick Solomon’s. I do the B-storyline about the CD’s. Ma...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 13 "Angry Dick" April 02, 1996 In this solid episode, “Angry Dick,” the Solomons meet their neighbors for the first time! Dick comes up with the brilliant idea of actually meeting their neighbors in person instead of just merely observing them. They become fast friends with the Mullers (played by Mike Starr and Lois Foraker) until Dick begins to extend his boundaries to unwanted levels. Sally, who is horrible at cooking, takes advantage of these new neighborly functions to learn kitchen skills. Finally, Harry becomes an expert at television as he becomes addicted to it. I really liked this episode. I was a little surprised it took twelve plus episodes to involve the neighbors, but here we are. I liked how Dick becomes angry at his neighbors and wants to pulverize them-all because they got angry at his four am visit. There was some great comedy here. I definitely recommend this episode! My Grade: A-

3rd Rock from the Sun, Season 1, Episode 12 "Frozen Dick" March 26, 1996 “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. That’s right, folks! This is the episode where the Solomons discover snow for the first time and overreact in a hilarious fashion. In “Frozen Dick,” Harry finds a job at a video store, and that gives Tommy an idea that all college students think about at least once in their lives- watch a film instead of reading a book for the term’s paper. Sally is all alone, afraid of the snow-but one of Dick’s students, Leon (played by Lithgow’s son, actually) gives her some company when he comes to drop off a paper. Finally, Dick and Mary are heading to Chicago to accept an award, but apparently Dick is afraid to fly. This is one of the episode’s better episodes. It’s funny, heartfelt, and well-acted. The chemistry between Lithgow and Curtin gets better as each episode appears. I loved the idea of introducing snow to this family. I guess it is the end of the world...

3rd Rock from the Sun, Season 1, Episode 11, "The Art of Dick" March 19, 1996 After two solid, but not spectacular episodes, 3 rd Rock from the Sun comes roaring back to life with “The Art of Dick.” So far on Earth, Harry has spectacularly failed at everything. That is about to change! When Mary takes Dick to an art class, Harry tags along. He turns out to be a great artist-even better than Dick! Of course, Dick becomes jealous. Meanwhile, Tommy signs Sally up for a bake sale at the school. Sally takes a rather militant approach to the proceedings. I really liked this “Harry-centric” episode. It is refreshing to have an episode focused on Harry. I am not the biggest art fan, but I think the subject matter works well within the episode’s screenplay and character moments. I also like how both plotlines were as equally good. Having Sally take such a hands-on approach to the bake sale is fantastic humor. My Grade: B+

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 10 "Truth or Dick" March 12, 1996 Yes, Dick, sometimes people will attempt to flatter others to make them do what they want. Lying is fun, ain’t it? Well, Dick does not think so in this tenth episode of 3 rd Rock from the Sun’s first season, “Truth or Dick.” Mary is supposed to attend some committee meeting, but she is unable to attend. She uses her flattering technique to make Dick attend in her stead. Once he learns about this trick, he tries to understand why people would lie to each other. Meanwhile, Harry and Sally try to get themselves a driver’s license, and Tommy enters puberty when he grows a pimple on his face. This was a fun, if somewhat forgettable episode. The “A” plot is really good! Watching John Lithgow and Jane Curtin flatter each other is very amusing. The rest of the storylines are solid, but nothing worth writing home about. Now, Dick can understand the nuances of flattering! My Grade: B

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 9 "Ab-dick-ted." March 04, 1996 In this episode, “Ab-dick-ted,” Dick learns that Mary has a brother, Roy (played by Bronson Pinchot). Dick becomes fascinated by the idea of siblings, and invites both Albrights over so the entire Solomon can observe their interactions. They learn that these two humans are not particularly close to one another and they bicker with each other constantly. The major twist is that Roy claims he was abducted by aliens. The Solomons believe he knows their secret and they must do what they can at all costs to protect their secret. This was a solid episode that serves up some delicious one-liners. The banter between the two siblings fits the fine line between funny and irritating-still need to decide on that one. The cornfield climax is awesome and is the best part of the episode. The idea about siblings being obnoxious to one another is not a new idea, but I did like how the family try to preserve...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 8 "Body & Soul & Dick" February 27, 1996 How does Dick encounter death for the first time? In this episode, “Body & Soul & Dick,” we shall see! Dr. Leonard Hanlin (played by John Mahoney) is a disliked snobby professor. As his own party, he has a heart attack and dies. Dick was an honest man with him and in his will, he requests Dick to deliver a eulogy at his funeral. Coming up with nice words for the man may not be the easiest thing to do. Meanwhile, Tommy does have a hard time staying loyal to August-as cheerleaders arouse his interest. Compared to the last few episodes, this is a better and funnier episode. John Mahoney delivers the goods as the detested professor in his brief appearance. Watching Dick try to write a eulogy is some good comedy work. John Lithgow continues to amaze me as Dick. When the eulogy is spoken, that is what we need-a good ol’ belly laugh. Also, the Big Giant Head is finally spo...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 7 "Lonely Dick" February 20, 1996 Ah, the sad sensation of loneliness-something that Dick has to reckon with in this episode, “Lonely Dick.” Mary Albright goes on vacation, but she does not leave any contact information with Dick-only with Nina. Dick misses Mary very much and begins to feel lonely without her. Still, he will find other ways to act up. Meanwhile, Sally enters the world of cosmetics. Tommy has a new girlfriend in his life, August (played by Shay Astar). I thought this was a very fun episode. Phil Hartman made a guest appearance and is really good! It is unfortunate that this is one of his last appearances ever since he was murdered shortly after this episode was released. August is one weird girl, but weirdness is something that flows with this family. Also, Sally begging for free samples is really worth watching. Quote of the Episode: Phillip: Your 'friend' is pretty demanding. Harry...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 6 "Green-Eyed Dick" February 13, 1996 How does Dick experience jealously for the first time? In this sixth episode, “Green-Eyed Dick,” you’ll find out! On his way to his office, Dick sees two people hugging each other. Fascinated with that sensation, he asks Mary to hug her-but she refuses. Seconds later, her friend, Jeff (played by the wonderful Ed Begley, Jr) walks in and starts hugging her. Ta da, Dick feels jealous! He later recruits Sally to help him understand what jealously is. Meanwhile, Harry finds a stray dog and wants to keep it as a pet. This episode, while amusing, is a bit weaker when compared to the prior episodes. There is still plenty of humor that we come to expect from this show, and it was interesting for Dick to try and understand the feeling of jealousy. Ed Begley Jr does make a wonderful guest appearance. Quote of the Episode: Dr. Dick Solomon: This isn't a thimble. It's Turkish ...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 5 "Dick, Smoker" February 06, 1996 In this fifth episode, “Dick, Smoker,” Dick sees one of the students smoking. He takes that as a sign that smoking is cool. He decides to take on that nasty habit much to the dismay of his colleagues. Meanwhile, Sally is getting fed up with Dick’s bossy habits. Her anger also comes from a very sore tooth. She and Dick take a trip to the dentist where Dick finds out the hard way that he is not allowed to smoke in the office. As he goes outside, he becomes lost and locks himself inside the stairwell. With Dick lost, Sally is the new head of the family. This was a funny episode. Of course, the theme of smoking is bad is prevalent, but that allows Dick to become insane. Once he locks himself in the stairwell, that is when the episode is at its best. Watching him talk to himself using famed poet Edgar Allan Poe was a highlight. Keep an eye out for Jane Lynch who appears as a guest star. Also ...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 4 "Dick Is from Mars, Sally Is from Venus" January 30, 1996 In this fourth episode, “Dick Is from Mars, Sally Is from Venus,” Tommy is sent to high school because Dick wants his family to act more like a typical family. Sally has the chance to go on his first date and is encouraged to go by Dick because none of the family has encountered sex yet. Sally goes on her date and has a great time. She tells Dick her date will give her a call. Of course, with Tommy not truly understanding how schools work, has a very tough attitude-and Dick is forced to talk to his teacher about his attitude. This is another funny, and intelligent episode. With high school added to the picture, more hilarious situations can ensue. I really liked how Mary and Dick set up Sally on a date just so she can experience a casual encounter. Oh, and we get to see aliens cry for the first time! That was quite an amusing scene! Also, Sally’s reactions post-dat...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 3 "Dick's First Birthday" January 23, 1996 In this episode, “Dick’s First Birthday,” Dick realizes that humans have birthdays thanks to Nina asking Dick for an office birthday list. He instructs his family that they need to find birthdays. The younger ones enjoy having a birthday, but Dick is a middle-aged man as he finds out-and he is not exactly jumping around with joy. His age is against him when he falls for Laurie (played by guest star Lauren Graham), so he decides to make some changes to his physical appearance. This is another funny episode, and quite relevant too. I think it uses the theme of aging very well-and John Lithgow did very well with this material. One of my favorite moments is when both he and Mary connect with each other with they both exclaim they are 42 years old. Good stuff! As a guest cameo, Lauren Graham-a Gilmore Girl favorite, is really good! Quote of the Episode: Dr. Mary Albright:...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 2 "Post-Nasal Dick" January 16, 1996 “Post-Nasal Dick” is the second episode of 3 rd Rock from the Sun. Tommy is able to have his first kiss with his lab partner, but unfortunately picked up an illness. This illness spreads to the entire family where they feel the sensation of being sick for the first time. Dick wants to go to a wedding with Mary, but he has to feign normalcy to not show that he is sick. Sally discovers what being a mother is like. Harry dreams about Martha Stewart (in a wonderful cameo). This is solid episode that builds up what we saw in the premiere. I really love how this family caught a common cold and thought they were dying. I guess, through their eyes, coughing and sneezing are such damaging human functions. Quote of the episode: Dick Solomon: “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times- reading “A Tale of Two Cities.” “I’m not reading 387 pages if he can’t make up his mind i...

3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 1, Episode 1 "Brains and Eggs" January 09, 1996 NBC’s 3 rd 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, a...