Once again, a favorite show from the past is making its way onto the DVD market. How many of you can remember the familiar catchphrase “watchoo talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” That’s right, “Diff’rent Strokes” is the latest full season release coming out the Sony / Columbia Tristar vaults. This was yet another of the memorable shows that made it out of the late 70’s - early 80’s era. Only this one comes with its fair share of sad memories. (But I’ll get to those a little on down the road.) “Diff’rent Strokes” originally ran a staggering eight seasons, from 1978 to 1986, and crossed all boundaries of social commentary within the context of its comedy. In case you’re actually unfamiliar with the series, the premise surrounded the adoption of two young African-American children by an affluent white man. Back in the day, that premise is simple, whereas nowadays it could stir up all sorts of controversy. The series was often cloying, mostly because of the saccharine ‘cute factor’ of Gary Coleman.

But beyond that, it was actually a rather funny show. I believe I caught most of the original run when it first aired.

Coleman originally caught the eye of producer Norman Lear after having appeared in a number of commercials, and was signed on to do a remake of the “Little Rascals”, but that show went nowhere. Lear opted to have him appear in episodes of “Good Times” and “The Jefferson’s” in order to prepare him for bigger things. He then teamed Coleman with Conrad Bain, who had previously starred in “Maude”, in a multi-cultural series that would showcase their talent. The original concept was called “45 Minutes from Harlem” in which the affluent widower would adopt a single black child. But then Bain became more involved in the show’s development and suggested several changes. These included the addition of an older brother (Todd Bridges), as well as a daughter (Dana Plato) of his own. This is the direction they went, and in 1978, “Diff’rent Strokes” premiered.

The first season of the series, which is featured on this new DVD set, offered up a number of funny episodes. Yet they tended to be laced with lessons on culture, mostly stemming towards the denouncement of racism and discrimination. Stereotypes were often addressed and shot down, which was another positive aspect of the series. The first season was one of culture clashing, not so much between black and white, but more so that of rich and poor.

Charlotte Rae joined the cast in this first season as the housekeeper to Phillip Drummond (Bain), but only stayed on part way through the second season. Sensing a breakout star with Rae’s character, the network opted to shoot a pilot for a series called “Facts of Life” and ran it as a first season episode of “Diff’rent Strokes.” It tested well, and Rae left to continue the new show with the understanding that if it failed, she could come back. It didn’t, so neither did she.

I mentioned that this particular show came with its own set of tragedies, and could probably be considered the ‘poster child’ for the demoralization of young actors. All three of the series’ child actors went their own way after the series ended, and none of them would ever find the fame they had with “Diff’rent Strokes.” Everything from drugs to crime followed them, with Todd Bridges ending up in jail for a period. Even more tragic was the fate that befell Dana Plato, who could never really get her career on track. She passed away from a drug overdose at the age of 34.

On the brighter side and getting back to the set itself, the season 1 set of “Diff’rent Strokes” contains more extras than I’m used to seeing on Sony / Columbia Tristar series releases. There are three commentaries by story Editor Fred Rubin, and he speaks mostly towards the ideas and ideals presented in the series, as well as touching on his own career.

Then there are two featurettes, “A Look Back at Diff’rent Strokes” and “Watchoo Talkin’ ‘Bout?” The first one runs a little over 20 minutes and offer up new interviews with Conrad Bain, Todd Bridges, Charlotte Rae and several members of the creative staff. The second is much shorter and again includes interviews, but this time focuses primarily on working with Gary Coleman.

“Diff’rent Strokes” harkens back to a simpler time in the annals of TV sit-coms, and in spite of the latter trials and tribulations of some of its stars, still holds a place on my list of favorite shows from the past.

Episodes:
Movin’ In
The Social Worker
Mother’s Last Visit
Prep School
The Spanking
Goodbye Dolly
The Trial
Retrospective, Part 1
Retrospective, Part 2
The Fight
The Club Meeting
The Woman
No Time For Arnold
The Relative
The Tutor
The New Landlord
Willis’s Privacy
Mrs. Garrett’s Crisis
The Job
The Trip, Part 1
The Trip, Part 2
Getting Involved
Willis’s Birthday
The Girls’ School

Starring: Gary Coleman, Conrad Bain, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, Charlotte Rae
Extras: “A Look Back at Diff’rent Strokes” Featurette with All New Interviews with Todd Bridges, Conrad Bain and Charlotte Rae, “Watchoo Talkin’ About” Featurette on Gary Coleman, Commentaries with Writer Fred Rubin
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 9/14/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give an Diff'rent Strokes: Season 1 a B.