Step By Step - Television Favorites

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: D     Episodes: C-

 

 

Step By Step was one of those hit shows that defied critics and survived for a few seasons, but it was not that good, does not hold up for what might have worked and that leaves only two reasons it was a hit:  Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Sommers.  Otherwise, the shows humor is trite, silly and worse.  Still, this single DVD from Warner’s Television Favorites series offers six shows over the seven seasons beginning with the pilot episode.

 

Though the media tries to tell us the urban kids are always the problem, the way these suburban “happy” teens talks with crude precociousness and might get them slapped in the face during a similar 1950s show.  The bigger slap in the face happens to the viewer who cannot believe what they see or hear.  It also offers the full breakdown of full dysfunction that make for the sickest of families, though people managed to laugh through this show.  I will never understand why.  Duffy and Sommers lucked out, as otherwise, it would have been infomercial hell henceforth.  This is for diehard fans only.  For everyone else, six shows should be more than enough.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image is above average at best, with a flat, tired look.  The Dolby Digital 1.0 Mono has clear dialogue and is very mundane.  There are no extras, but if enough fans buy this, whole seasons may follow.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo