“You Could Do It Differently, And It Would No Longer Be Sad”: Full House Stars Address One Change They Wish The Sitcom Made
In a recent episode of their podcast How Rude, Tanneritos!, Full House stars Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner) and Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler) reflected on the beloved sitcom’s portrayal of grief and family dynamics. They expressed a shared sentiment: the show could have delved deeper into the memory of Pam Tanner, the girls’ mother, to enrich the family’s emotional journey.
The Absence of Pam Tanner’s Memory
While Full House touched upon Pam Tanner’s death, the series seldom revisited her memory. Sweetin noted, “It doesn’t need to be morbid or down. It would [be like] naturally, over time when you can tell stories about somebody that are funny.” She emphasized the importance of keeping Pam’s memory alive through shared stories, a practice common in real-life grieving processes.
Barber agreed, stating, “It doesn’t have to be sappy with the violins and crying.” She highlighted that integrating Pam’s memory could have added depth without detracting from the show’s lighthearted tone.
A Missed Opportunity for Emotional Depth
Pam’s death was the catalyst for the family’s formation, yet her presence was scarcely felt thereafter. Sweetin pointed out the lack of connection between Jesse’s family and Danny’s, especially in the early seasons. She mused, “Everything else in the family dynamics of the cast just felt so genuine, and then it just left me with a lot of questions.”
Barber echoed this, recalling how Kimmy’s family background was scarcely explored, leaving fans curious about her origins. She remarked, “I’m still hearing about it,” referring to the absence of details about Kimmy’s siblings.
The Potential Impact of Revisiting Pam’s Memory
Integrating more stories about Pam could have provided:
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Emotional Continuity: Offering viewers a sense of the family’s ongoing healing process.
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Character Development: Allowing characters to reflect on their past and growth.
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Narrative Depth: Adding layers to the storyline, making it more relatable and poignant.
Conclusion
While Full House remains a cherished classic, revisiting Pam Tanner’s memory could have added a richer emotional layer to the series. As Sweetin aptly put it, “You could do it differently, and it would no longer be sad.” Reflecting on loved ones can be a source of strength and connection, even in the most lighthearted of settings.
FAQs
1. Why didn’t Full House revisit Pam Tanner’s memory more often?
The show’s primary focus was on humor and lighthearted family dynamics, which may have led to the decision to limit discussions about Pam’s death.
2. How did the cast feel about this portrayal?
Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber expressed a desire for more acknowledgment of Pam’s memory, believing it could have added depth to the storyline.
3. Was Pam Tanner ever shown in flashbacks?
Yes, in Season 2, Episode 18, titled “Goodbye, Mr. Bear,” Pam appeared in a home video, portrayed by Christine Houser.
4. Did the show address other serious topics?
Full House occasionally touched on serious subjects like divorce, bullying, and peer pressure, balancing them with its comedic elements.
5. Has this topic been discussed in other forums?
Yes, discussions about the portrayal of grief and family dynamics in Full House have been topics of conversation among fans and cast members alike.
