Reviews

I've watched tv for over five decades and I don't believe I've ever seen a mistaken identity plotline done this creatively. A long lost, oldest relative of the Barones is located in Italy and arrives unannounced to visit in the U. S. Tia Sarina's warm and cheerful Old World presence transforms all the Barones from their usual state of bickering to loving and joyful, speaking and singing Italian together. Even though most of the Italian isn't translated into English subtitles, the writers have made it easy to get the gist of what's being said. Of course, because the Barones can't stay happy for long, they find out Tia Sarina isn't who they thought she was. I found this to be a delightful and fun episode, with plenty of humor. The actress who plays Tia Sarina was wonderful, has a long list of movie and tv credits, and was in her 90s when she made this episode.

I'm the mother of three adult sons who, in their youth, used to fight over who I'd live with someday. (Now that they're all married, they don't fight over me anymore.) That's why I so relate to this hilarious episode, with Ray and Robert fighting about Marie. I love how their discussion evolves (devolves?) from Marie someday living in a "home" to defending why the other should take her, and finally why each should have her. The physical comedy is top notch, too. They must have had a ball working out how this would play out while restricted to sitting in a car. One of my favorite episodes that I've seen so often I can recite the lines. Enjoy!

I've seen this episode many times over the years, including in it's original run in '76, and I cringe every time I see Ann/Bonnie flirt and tease and bump her way into her daughter's date's heart (or whatever). I realize Franklin didn't write the episode, but her performance is so over the top -- as it usually is -- that I can barely watch it. Ann bolsters her own ego and deflates Julie's, the mark of a great mom. Somehow I think this episode would be less cringe-worthy with a better actress. Richard Masur is always great, Mackenzie Phillips is good as the pissed off, rejected daughter, Valerie Bertinelli is still learning how to perform, Robby Benson is good as a horny, insecure college boy.

There's interplay between Jerry and George, and between the two of them and others, that is reminiscent of some of the best buddy relationships from comedy tv history. Very different from the usual Seinfeld humor, it's so goofy, but so funny, especially the bit at the public phone. (Watch for Jerry's brief homage to Barney Fife.)

Kramer's story is funny, but the bit actors they hired (the Norma Desmond-like neighbor and crazy van guy) are a riot, as is usually the case with the one-offs the production brings on.

I've seen both parts of The Trip more times than I could count and I still laugh each time.