Barnes & Noble

What a pleasure to be reunited with the Thacher family, who quietly broke television ground while the rest of America was apparently watching 60 Minutes. Life Goes On's first season was a heartening success in everything but the ratings: Programmed against the news-magazine juggernaut, this working-class dramedy ranked 98th out of 124 series on TV in the 1989-90 season. Happily, network executives took note of the small but devoted audience, resounding critical praise, and awards from such groups as the Viewers for Quality Television, and allowed Life to continue for another three seasons. Bill Smitrovich and Tony Award winner Patti LuPone star as Drew and Libby, very believable baby-boomer parents faced with struggles both ordinary and extraordinary. Their 18-year-old son, Corky (Chris Burke), has Down syndrome, and the series authentically depicts his attempts to integrate himself into the local public school, where he faces cruel practical jokes and academic struggles. In the premiere episode, he does make an unexpected friend in the school's football star, Tyler (Tommy Puett), who has a brother with Down syndrome. Corky provides the show's most potent drama in the first several episodes, but as the season progresses, another breakout character emerges: Corky's sister, Becca, endearingly portrayed by Kellie Martin. Something of a square peg, bespectacled Becca is bright, articulate, and poised to blossom. She also has an unrequited crush on Tyler, who is dating Becca's nemesis, cheerleader Rhona (Michele Matheson). Fantasy sequences throughout the season lighten the mood, such as in "The Spring Fling," wherein Becca daydreams that Tyler asks her to a school dance. Sensitively written and wonderfully acted, Life Goes On has aged remarkably well. Donald Liebenson

Product Details

• UPC: 012569757783
• Source: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Pre-1954 Standard (1.33.1)
• Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, Français, Español
• Time: 17:58:00
• Sales Rank: 33,197

This set contains DVDs which may be available separately:

• Life Goes On [TV Series]
• Life Goes On: Season 01

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