La. La la la la. La. Premiering on Feb. 26 via Netflix, "Fuller House" definitely played to the strengths of the original show, "Full House." In this new series, DJ is now a single mother raising three boys on her own, much like her father was raising her and her two sisters on his own. When they realize how much DJ is struggling, Kimmy and Stephanie step up to the plate and move in with DJ and her boys, just like Jesse and Joey did for Danny. There is one subtle difference though. Kimmy is a divorcee, and her daughter joins the family as well, making the new series just a tad different from the original. Chock full of Elvis references, “cut it outs,” “how rudes,” Mr. Woodchuck, Uncle Jesse’s hair, Steve always eating, and Kimmy bursting through the door, "Fuller House" gave "Full House" fans a sense of nostalgia. It also added some creative twists and introduced a new generation of children. Although only 13 episodes long, the first season of "Fuller House" produced quite a few emotions for viewers. Here’s an episode by episode look into some of my favorite moments.
Episode one: “Our Very First Show, Again”
1. The entire cast threw shade at the Olsen twins for not showing up to the family get together. This isn’t a subtle thing either, it is made quite obvious when the entire cast turns at stares at the camera for a solid 15 seconds or so.
2. Max, the new middle child, won my heart early in the series with his idea of the three bad words: darn, booger and Donald Trump.
3. The Flintstone Montage. Originally, I thought the flashback was cute, but when they did the side by side comparison of the family singing to baby Michelle years ago, and singing to baby Tommy now, I was sold. The show really captured me in by reminding me how it all started originally, and it was a wonderful tribute "Full House."
Episode two: “Moving Day”
Stephanie’s first aunt talk didn’t go so hot when Jackson, the oldest son, took her advice in completely the wrong way. Luckily for her, Uncle Jesse was there to give her a pep talk, and the episode ended in a family hug. It is so interesting to see Steph following in her uncle's footsteps.
Episode three: “Funner House”
1. As soon as I knew Joey was going to be babysitting, I knew this episode would be interesting. Sick of the kids being on their devices, Joey hides all of the electronics, and challenges the kids to a silly string/goo/toilet paper fight. It creates a huge mess, but it brought the kids together, and made me want a toilet paper leaf blower gun. Don’t lie. You want one too.
2. While talking to the brothers, Stephanie and DJ tell the story of when they put a hole in their dad’s bedroom wall. That is one of my favorite "Full House" episodes, and it made me so happy when they mentioned it.
Episode four: “The Not-So-Great Escape”
Max finally gets to pick out a puppy. Being the cute kid that he is, he gets all dressed up and even applies some bologna cologne. What a smart little man! Honestly, I was beginning to wonder if that kid would ever choose a pup. But, by the end, the family had Cosmo T.D. Fuller. The T.D. stands The Dog, of course.
Episode five: “Mad Max”
After forgetting to give Max the lucky scarf she promised, Stephanie realizes that she doesn’t miss her old lifestyle. She broadcasted Max playing the trombone into Coachella to make him feel better about his recital, and proved to be the best auntie of all time.
When Stephanie comes back early from her trip with her friends, it seemed very familiar. Then, I remembered. When Uncle Jesse went away on a ski trip with friends, he ended up coming back early because he realized his nieces needed him. I love the little similarities between the two series.
Episode six: “The Legend of El Explosivo”
When Jackson tried to save who he thought was his little brother from the wrestling ring, he ended up in a not so good situation. But good old crazy momma DJ jumped into the match and kicked some major ass to save her son from the Crazy Chickens.
Episode seven: “Ramona’s Not-So-Epic Party”
When DJ’s high school boyfriend, Steve, meets her new work partner, Matt, he becomes pretty possessive of DJ. He clearly never got over her, and there is definitely a possibility of their love rekindling.
This is also the episode that Matt started hitting on DJ. She suddenly went from having no love life to having two men interested in her. The audience is left to wonder who she will choose. I’m on Team Steve over here.
Episode eight: “Secrets, Lies, and Firetrucks”
1. Danny, Jackson and Max all play poker. Danny thinks he has won the hand with a full house. Little does he know, Jackson has a fuller house, and beats him out. Little references like this make me so happy.
2. When Danny realized the couch needed to upholstered, he is very upset and worried that all of their memories are going to be lost. But Stephanie makes his day by upholstering it in the same pattern as before, and even making him a blazer out of the old fabric. He was so happy.
Episode nine: “War of the Roses”
1. Becky is literally only here because she likes babies. I don’t blame her. I like babies too.
2. A flashback? Aw, it’s Stephanie’s wedding video from when she was a kid. Yay "Full House" references!
Episode 10: “A Giant Leap”
Stephanie is dating another baseball player. Remember when she dated that kid that played on the opposite team as her? Although that time it was Little League, and she was on The Giants while Brett played for The Cubs, Steph sure has a thing for guys in baseball pants.
Episode 11: “Partnerships in the Night”
1. So. Many. Cow. Jokes. “Holy Cow!” “Someone’s in a MOOd.” “If you don’t like this one, I’ve got udders.” I thought the cow was a bit unnecessary, but the tacky cow jokes made it worthwhile.
2. Stephanie and Kimmy teamed up to be partners in a business, just like Joey and Jesse teamed up to do their jingles together so many years ago. It was definitely a subtle reference to the original series.
Episode 12: “Save the Dates”
1. Steve’s date is kind of awkward. Is it really necessary for them to be that close to mix meat? And, I can answer my next question. It definitely isn’t necessary for them to be singing. This was the only time I questioned Team Steve and was about to hop on the Matt Express.
2. Kimmy and Stephanie kissed. Kimmy and Stephanie kissed. Kimmy and Stephanie kissed. While we saw it coming, we never expected it to last that long. My mouth was literally wide open for a good minute after my jaw dropped.
Episode 13: “Love is in the Air”
1. At this point, I bet you could have guessed this would have made the list. When the ladies come back home after Kimmy’s bachelorette party, they dial Michelle and leave her a voicemail with all of her catchphrases. While I didn’t think it was super funny or necessary, I can appreciate the references.
2. Stephanie and Kimmy weren’t kidding when they compared DJ’s love life to The Bachelorette. It was getting intense waiting to see who she would choose. I wasn’t thrilled with her choice, but I am happy that Matt and Steve are going to be friends.
Obviously, I couldn’t include all of the story lines, moral lessons, and jokes. But, I think this gives a good variety of some of the laughs that "Fuller House" offers in the first season.The first few episodes had some rough acting, but as the series progressed, that improved. I’m excited to see where they take this series in the next season. I hope they include a lot more flashbacks, old jokes, and new stories as the family lives their new life. And I really hope that she-wolf pack howl is dead.
