Inspired by the loss of a wonderful actor, comedian, humanitarian, and performer, Robin Williams, I wanted so badly to go back to Mork & Mindy and revisit the show that made him a star. Robin Williams' physical abilities, expressions, "sound effects", impressions, and child-like innocence (think of his alien as a babe introduced to a new world, and his response to the mores, behavior, and lessons on humanity are what provided so much delight) are so kinetic, energetic, vigorous, wild, over-the-top, lively, unpredictable, and endearing, you couldn't help but smile or laugh at something he'd do at some point in each episode. The pilot special has Mork sent to Earth because his sense of humor clashed with the emotionless planet of Ork. "Exiled" to Earth to research humans and communicate through the mind back to leader, Orson (which he would lovingly mock the weight of), on what he has learned and experienced, this show had a unique premise that could have easily been a crash and burn disaster had it not been for the marvelous chemistry of cutie-pie Pam Dawber (she works at her father's musical instrument shop in Boulder, Colorado) and Williams. Pam is innocuous and sweet, providing her home "temporarily" to Mork as he spends time in this new world, reacting to the customs and ways of life he encounters. The pilot includes Mork "going back in time" to when he met the Fonz so he could learn "mating rituals" between men and women; the Fonz calls on Laverne (Penny Marshall; her work with Williams is spectacular) for help in kissing. Just seeing Fonz and Mork in the same scene together is an absolute hoot
the Fonz' discomfort as Mork seems in such desperate need of information is just a treat. Geoffrey Lewis has a hilarious scene as the sheriff, "encouraged" by Mindy's father (Conrad Janis), during a boozing at his store at the sad thought of his daughter having a "man" living with her (basic "society is in moral decline" and the yearning for "the old days") to address Mork, as he tries to intimidate and interrogate the visitor from another world. Mork's difference in how he "sits down" (standing on his head!), drinks (with his fingers!), looks at eggs (eggs are a mode of space travel for Mork's species!), salutes (with his fingers), "beeps" and "honks" when responding and reacting to people, situations, pop culture (he does a number of familiar impressions, notable to television audiences of the time) all provide countless moments to enjoy and remember. This character was at times quite manic, off-kilter, and bombastic; Williams was firing on all cylinders. Madcap doesn't begin to describe Williams' Mork. Pam was his "better half": a true friend who would be there for Mork through thick and thin. We see how Mindy comes to Mork's defense when he's facing an insanity hearing that could lead to his being sent to the loony bin
how Mork, speaking in a Southern attorney's voice, ruffles the feathers of the court-appointed psychiatrist, leading to the reveal of his affair with the stenographer, has to be seen to be believed. Just the opening episode tells you of what was in store. Great comic stuff, right here. Williams was a genius. A loss of him will always be felt
he had that type of significant impact. The bit with the backwards suit and Williams' hand sign exchange with a local kid are highlights.
3 Reviews
Fonzie and Laverne joining Robin Williams
kevinolzak17 October 2016
"The Mork & Mindy Special" was the one hour pilot that launched Robin Williams into stardom as the character Mork from Ork, introduced in the HAPPY DAYS episode "My Favorite Orkan" seven months earlier, even bringing back Henry Winkler as Fonzie, and adding Penny Marshall as Laverne De Fazio for an even better tie-in. Williams' love for performing and rapid fire character skills were undoubtedly unique, and never dimmed over time (he once referred to himself as a 'culture junkie'), while co-star Pam Dawber was quite the novice with one feature film (1978's "The Wedding") and a failed TV pilot on her slim singing/acting resume. A successful model loaded with charm and spunk, these qualities proved essential in portraying Mindy McConnell, unsuspecting earth woman whose first meeting with an alien from outer space piques her journalistic interest and compels her to let him stay and observe earth behavior so she can learn more about his Orkan ways. This doesn't sit well with her old fashioned father Fred (Conrad Janis), a successful orchestra conductor who owns a music store where his daughter works alongside grandmother Cora Hudson (Elizabeth Kerr), Fred's mother-in-law, who often pricks his pomposity by constantly calling him a 'weiner' (far more hip than square Fred). Cora accepts Mork right away, but Fred asks Deputy Tilman (Geoffrey Lewis) to put a scare into Mork, resulting in his arrest and sanity trial, where a few secrets are revealed by Mork's canny cleverness in impersonations. Before that takes place, he relates his past experience during the 1950s with the Fonz, seeking advice about women, major mishaps in store for an unsuspecting Laverne, who concludes that Fonzie set her up with another jerk! Another recurring character introduced is 10 year old Eugene (Jeffrey Jacquet), who often coaches Mork in how to react to adversity, such as being forced to eat spinach! (a child who is quite flattered to have an adult asking for HIS advice). Only Mindy is aware of Mork's alien identity, and every episode ends with the childlike Mork reporting his findings back to the unseen Orson (voiced by Ralph James), his Orkan superior, touching upon the foibles of human existence with great warmth and a twinkle in his eye. It's no wonder the show was an instant hit, finishing in the Top 3 its first year, though radical, unnecessary changes made during the offseason sent the series cratering rapidly, never to recover from its disastrous second season (though they did bounce back admirably for the third).
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