Full House, the beloved family sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1995, has been a staple of American television. However, like many long-running shows, not every episode hit the mark. In a recent discussion on their podcast, How Rude, Tanneritos!, former cast members Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner) and Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler) openly criticized one particular episode from Season 1, deeming it “easily the worst” in the show’s history.
The Episode in Question: “Sea Cruise”
Airing on October 16, 1987, “Sea Cruise” is the fifth episode of Full House‘s inaugural season. The plot centers around Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) attempting to have a male-bonding fishing trip, which takes an unexpected turn when attractive women come aboard. Meanwhile, Jesse (John Stamos) and Joey (Dave Coulier) engage in their own antics, and the younger girls deal with a separate narrative about the succession of the Queen Bee in the Honeybees girl group.
Cast Members’ Critique
Sweetin and Barber expressed their mutual dislike for the episode, citing several reasons for their disapproval. They felt that the storyline deviated from the show’s core family-oriented themes and introduced elements that were out of sync with the series’ tone. The episode’s focus on adult relationships and romantic subplots overshadowed the familial dynamics that fans had come to love.
Departure from the Show’s Family-Centered Dynamic
One of the main criticisms was the episode’s departure from the show’s family-centered dynamic. Full House was known for its heartwarming tales of family life, and episodes like “Sea Cruise” were seen as a misstep in maintaining that focus. The inclusion of suggestive jokes and the emphasis on adult themes were noted as elements that did not align with the show’s intended audience.
The Show’s Evolution
Despite the criticism, Full House continued to evolve over its eight-season run. The series gradually found its rhythm, focusing more on the family dynamics and less on the peripheral storylines that were evident in the early episodes. The show’s ability to adapt and grow contributed to its lasting popularity and eventual reboot, Fuller House.
Conclusion
While “Sea Cruise” may not be a fan-favorite, it serves as a reminder that even beloved shows have their missteps. The candid reflections of Sweetin and Barber offer insight into the challenges of maintaining a consistent tone and direction throughout a series. As with any long-running show, there are bound to be episodes that don’t resonate as well with audiences, but it’s the overall journey and character development that leave a lasting impact.
FAQs
1. Why did Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber dislike the “Sea Cruise” episode?
They felt the episode deviated from the show’s family-oriented themes and introduced elements that were out of sync with the series’ tone.
2. What was the main plot of the “Sea Cruise” episode?
The episode centered around Danny attempting to have a male-bonding fishing trip, which takes an unexpected turn when attractive women come aboard, while the younger girls deal with their own subplot.
3. How did “Sea Cruise” differ from other Full House episodes?
It introduced adult themes and romantic subplots that overshadowed the familial dynamics central to the show’s premise.
4. Did the criticism of “Sea Cruise” affect the show’s direction?
While the episode was a departure from the show’s usual tone, Full House continued to evolve, focusing more on family dynamics in subsequent episodes.
5. Is “Sea Cruise” the only episode that received criticism from the cast?
While “Sea Cruise” stands out, cast members have occasionally discussed other episodes they felt were less successful, but “Sea Cruise” remains a notable example of early missteps in the series.
