I can only second all the preceding calls that this masterpiece of modern American comedy be issued on DVD. It was shown here in Australia in the late 80s and missed by most, but I was lucky enough to see it and it remains a cherished memory. My girlfriend (now wife) and I and all our flatmates laughed our guts out at the time, but how dearly I wish now that I'd kept the videotape!
I loved the whole cast, Carol really shines, must be her best comedy part ever IMO; the whole team is totally spot-on; this was my second major sighting of Bill Paxton, who's very funny indeed, and it's all done with such a straight face, a twinkle in the eye and *perfect* timing. Dabney Coleman at his hilarious, magnificent, slimy best best ... Charles Grodin (also a personal best IMO) hamming it up magnificently as the petulant Cane, Teri Garr fantastically funny as uber-bitch Talon ... Gregory Harrison perfect as the the mega-dumb Torch, who literally does not have his shirt on for one single shot in the entire show ... Valerie Mahaffey *wonderful* as the oh-so-dim Tiffany. The shot that stays in my mind is Carol's sidesplitting look of non-plussed resignation as she clambers into the back of the station wagon.
The script is brilliant, funny in its own right as well as striking its targets with perfect accuracy -- anyone who has ever watched any of the daytime or primetime soapies will squeal with laughter. It stripmines the entire genre for send-ups -- the overacting, the improbable shots and set-ups, the overblown emotions, the ridiculous names, the unbelievable plots and coincidences, the flouncy 'rivalry' between the antagonists, the gordian interpersonal relationships ... the whole Armenian name shtick ... oh I could go on for ages ...
It's really sad that this hasn't kicked on and attracted the kind of following that similar efforts like 'Soapdish' enjoy, because it's every bit as good.
I can only conclude by appealing: CBS - PLEASE issue this wonderful show on DVD RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! I've been waiting nearly 20 years - we all wanna see it. What's up? Don't you want the money???
