The DVD Dissection: Home Improvement – The Complete Fifth Season
Posted by Chad Webb on 12.06.2006
The best season of the entire series!
Tim Allen: Tim Taylor
Patricia Richardson: Jill Taylor
Zachary Ty Bryan: Bradley Michael Taylor
Jonathan Taylor Thomas: Randall William Taylor
Taran Noah Smith: Marcus Jason Taylor
Richard Karn: Al Borland
Debbie Dunning: Heidi Keppert
Earl Hindman: Wilson Wilson Jr.
William O’ Leary: Martin “Marty” Taylor
Sherry Hursey: Ilene Markham
Created By: Carmen Finestra, David McFadzean, Matt Williams
Directed By: Andy Cadiff
Season Air Time: 1995 – 1996
DVD Release Date: November 14, 2006
Full Running Time: 598 minutes for 26 episodes
Individual Episode Running Time: 22-23 minutes (without commercials)/ 30 minutes (with commercials)
Rating: TV-PG
The Show
In this all important fifth season of Home Improvement, the key word was “change.” It was during this season that show underwent crucial alterations because the staff needed to discover new ways to keep the show lively, fresh, and inventive. The series had just passed episode #100 by this point, and the writers made the decision to explore bumpy new territories. Some of those were bizarre, some were exciting, and some were just ridiculous.
Before I further discuss this season, I must address the show as a whole. This is my first review of any Home Improvement DVD for 411mania, but I am pleased that I now have the chance because this show remains one of my personal favorites. I never get tired of watching the episodes over and over again, and that’s imperative to cementing that a series was successful. One of main arguments people carelessly throw at me is that every episode of this show is the same. Tim screws up, goes to Wilson for advice, and then he makes up with Jill (or whoever). I have had to bite my tongue on so many occasions when people say this to me that my tongue was close to being bitten off. A simple “I don’t like the show” would suffice. Is this the best weapon you have for debating the quality of the series? The amount of sitcoms where the bulk of the episodes revolved around the same basic outline is enormous. Full House, Everybody Loves Raymond, Family Matters, and MacGyver are just a few that come to mind. However, each one of those shows had a delightfully long run didn’t they? Truth be told, Home Improvement did use the premise I mentioned above many times, but they also tried different things. At least Allen’s comedy changed with each week.
In the 1994-1995 year, the show maintained the Eatsern/Pacific Tuesday night time slot. If you’ll remember correctly, it aired between Tony Danza’s flop show Hudson Street and one of the last seasons of Coach. While the series grew stronger in terms of storyline development and entertainment, the amount of viewers tuning in each week dropped by almost 3 million. It was still receiving a huge number of viewers (much more so than any sitcom today), but not nearly like it was used to. The ratings were always impressive, but the strongest seasons occurred in the two years previous.
The highlight of season 5 is the infamous episode where Randy has a thyroid cancer scare. This was particularly controversial, and made the network extremely nervous, but it ended up being the highest rated show of the week that it first aired. Attempting such a serious issue such as that was a steep mountain to climb for a comedy sitcom, but it proved to be the right choice. One of the main reasons for that episodes success was that Jonathan Taylor Thomas (JTT…sorry I couldn’t resist) was at the height of his teeny bopper powers. He was on the cover of every single teen magazine on the market, and every girl loved him. The guys didn’t mind him because he brought some excellent sarcasm to the show. You’ll notice that numerous episodes during this season center on Randy. They had to please the teenage girls I guess. As for the other Taylor boys, Brad continued to evolve remarkably as a character, while it was clear that nobody knew what to do with Mark. While his older brothers eventually sported new haircuts, got girlfriends, and moved up grades, Mark stayed exactly the same. This would change dramatically in the next seasons when Gothic Mark invaded the show.
In addition to delving through new topics, season 5 was also the time when the show went into syndication. They chose to film a brand new episode for the start of the syndicated episodes, which had never been done before in a series. JTT was not the only one getting more popular at this time. Heidi, also known as Debbie Dunning, was also on the rise, particularly among males. She even had a calendar available. Heidi, combined with the hilarious comedy of Tim Allen, resulted in one of the most watched shows of that time period. In this season, while they looked at different plots, they also provided some of the same great stuff that everyone loved. For instance whenever Tim transforms a room to how a man envisions it, or when Tim works on his own house in the show. For a series that dealt with masculinity, male/female relationships, raising children, tools, and cars, Home Improvement was fantastic, never redundant, and well worth owning to watch again and again.
Disc One
A Taylor Runs Through It (23:16) - When Jill’s cousin Bonnie (Bonnie Hellman) is getting married, Jill must go to read a poem. Tim and the boys tag along, and decide to treat it as a vacation. Tim wants to cram in as many fun activities as he can. This was not a great way to start the season. I laughed adequately for this episode, but it wasn’t all that special. Some of the gags were lame. 6.5/10.0
The First Temptation of Tim (23:16) - Binford has been bought by a wealthy Tire owner named Bud Harper. He wants to take the show National, but only if Al is fired. This got the season right back on track with some great moments between Al and Tim, as well as introducing Charles Robinson as Bud Harper. He was the best boss on the show. They attempted so many that ultimately failed. 8.5/10.0
Her Cheatin Mind (23:15) - When Tim has poker night at the house, Jill goes to a book discussion group. What bothers Tim is that she drives to this group with a guy friend. This was just an outstanding episode that addresses one my favorite topics, which is whether or not guys and girls can be friends. The laughs were non-stop here. 9.0/10.0
Jill’s Surprise Party (22:48) - Tim is throwing a surprise birthday party for Jill’s 39th birthday, but the plans go haywire when Jill goes searching for an old family piano. This was one of the average episodes of the season. Al was the funniest here as he keeps trying to eat the snacks. 7.5/10.0
Advise & Repent (23:05) - Jill ends up in hot water, and Randy is embarrassed when Jill gives some psychology advice to the father (Mark L. Taylor) of Randy’s new girlfriend. The girl actresses for Randy and Brad love interests were never cute or that good of performers. This basically ended that trend. Still, the episode was regular enjoyable fun. 8.0/10.0
Let Them Eat Cake (22:29) - The Tool Time crew reluctantly go to an Awards ceremony where the rival show “Cooking With Erma” always wins. While his parents are out, Brad’s new friend Jason (Jarred Paul) persuades him to throw a party. The Jason character was kind of odd at times, but he was actually kind of funny. This could have been funnier if Erma weren’t annoying. 8.0/10.0
The Look (23:48) - Tim buys expensive Detroit Pistons season tickets from Bud, without consulting Jill first. He then gets “the look” from her, which he then talks about with the guys at Harry’s Hardware store. By the way, Tim’s circle of friends consists of Benny (Jim Labriola), his brother Marty, Harry, and Al. Although exaggerated, this episode was side-splitting and superbly over the top. Benny and Al’s expressions are priceless. 9.0/10.0
Room Without a View (23:10) - Randy and Mark cannot get along rooming together anymore, so Tim builds Randy a new room in the basement. Unfortunately, he gets scared by the noises when it is finished. This was one of my most favorite from this season, not only because Randy’s room was spectacular, but I too had a room in the basement, and could connect easily with the storyline. 10.0/10.0
Chicago Hope (23:17) - Tim wants Tool Time to air in Chicago, but he must obey Bud’s every order to get it. His obsession with this leaves his sex life cold. Troy Evans guest stars, and this was just a marvelous follow up to the last great episode. This was laughs from start to finish. Tim and Jill singing at the end was kind of lame, but funny nonetheless. 10.0/10.0
Disc Two
Doctor in the House (23:04) - Tim gets an honorary PhD from his alma mater, Western Michigan University. This causes Jill to become jealous. This was one of the risky episodes of the season. Thankfully, it worked well, and was just as hilarious as some of the best ones. I am not sure if this would happen to a celebrity of Tim Taylor’s stature, but whatever. 9.0/10.0
That’s My Momma (23:17) - Tim’s mother, Lucille (Bonnie Bartlett), comes to visit, and Tim gets upset when he can’t connect emotionally to her. The character that played Tim’s mother was used a couple more times, but not much more past that because her episodes were not that great. This was funny in small doses, but not much more sadly. 7.0/10.0
’Twas the Flight Before Christmas (22:59) - Tim fibs to Jill, so he can fly to a certain town and get a good present for her. The plan fails when he gets snowed in at some random airport, which leaves the boys decorating the roof. The Christmas “roof lighting” episodes are always funny. Tom Poston as the airport clerk was a nice touch. 8.0/10.0
Oh Brother (23:03) - Marty gets fired from his job, and Tim hires him to help build a new Tool Time set. However, their arguing prevents the work from being done properly. This is where we meet Brad’s fast talking girlfriend Angela (Kristin Clayton), who was also good looking. Marty is funny at times, and they seem to have good brother chemistry. This episode was overall pretty decent material. 8.0/10.0
High School Confidential (22:52) - Randy is disruptive in class because he finishes ahead of everyone else. He moves up a grade for some classes, which makes Brad jealous. The parent teacher conference with Tim and Jill is brilliant, and I thought the whole plot here was intelligent and realistic. 9.0/10.0
Tanks for the Memories (23:01) - Tim has a high school friend on the show, who has become a Marine Tank Commander. He and Jill are allowed to drive the tanks at the base. This episode was saved by Al’s Tool Time board game. The tank race was kind of stupid. The episode had the normal number of laughs though. This aired on syndication on September 11, 1995, and subsequently on primetime on January 30, 1996. 7.5/10.0
The Vasectomy One (23:02) – One of Jill’s friends becomes pregnant at an old age, and a worried Jill does not want any more kids, so she tries to convince Tim that a vasectomy is a wise idea. He doesn’t think so. This is one of the funniest episodes of the show, period. It is such a unique plot, and I literally could not stop laughing. 10.0/10.0
Fear of Flying(23:03) – Mark has been building model airplanes, and wants to take flying lessons. Jill says absolutely no way to this. Mark’s character was significantly reduced this season. The creators tried and tried to find something for him to do from karate to flying lessons to being goth eventually. This was pretty funny, but Mark just falls into that spot of the youngest child that is overlooked in sitcoms. 8.0/10.0
When Harry Met Delores (22:46) – Alan Jackson oddly opens up and sings “Mercury Blues.” The plot deals with Delores (Shirley Prestia) going to work for Harry (Blake Clark), but they argue constantly and split up. Tim wants to bring them back together. This is the worst episode of this season. Delores is fine in small doses, but not a whole show. Tim was not producing as many quality jokes either. 6.0/10.0
Disc Three
Eye On Tim (23:02) – A sexy reporter is doing a story on Tim. She and Tim flirt persistently, and even though she has the flu, Jill notices. Well, Rosalind Allen plays the reporter, and she is quite striking if you ask me. Plus, this episode had plenty of funny moments. The cleavage shot is sensational. 9.0/10.0
The Bud Bowl (22:18) – Bud invites Tim and Jill on a double date to bowl with his wife Jean (Bever-Leigh Banfield). Tim puts a tight leash on Jill so the competitive Bud does not take things personally. In a rare twist, I thought the acting here was a little off. I still observed the standard laughs, and was entertained, but this could have been better. 8.0/10.0
Engine and a Haircut, Two Fights (21:48) - Brad gets a new haircut, which Tim hates. Also, they cannot agree on what type of engine to put in the Hot Rod. This episode had a good message to it, and I enjoyed how it flowed smoothly, but I wanted to laugh a bit more. 8.0/10.0
The Longest Day (23:37) – The doctor finds a lump on Randy’s neck, which might be cancerous. While Tim works for distraction, Jill waits by the phone all day for the test results to come back. This is obviously the most moving episode in the shows run. It has well placed humor, and is more touching than you could imagine. 10.0/10.0
Mr. Wilson’s Opus (23:01) – Randy’s “Romeo & Juliet” play does not have a director after the original teacher has a baby. Wilson fills in, and drives everyone crazy with his strange techniques, including Tim who is building an all aluminum set. If Home Improvement were real life, this seems like something that would definitely happen. Wilson is the logical choice for this type of position. This is a damn fine episode. 8.5/10.0
Shopping Around (23:02) – Tim’s old shop teacher, Mr. Leonard (Dick O’ Neil), is dating Tim’s mother. When Tim and Jill go out for dinner, they spot Mr. Leonard with another woman. Even though Mr. Leonard and Tim’s mom are not my two favorite supporting characters, this was hilarious as Tim makes references to Deliverance and Spartacus. 9.0/10.0
Alarmed By Burglars (23:02) – Wilson gets robbed, so Tim thinks he should have a security system. He buys modest at first, until Jill tells him to buy the biggest and the best system for protection. This was classic Home Improvement hilarity. I can only imagine what it would be like to own a security system like this. 9.0/10.0
Games, Flames, and Automobiles (23:00) – Al wants to do something with his life, so he spends his life savings on marketing the “Tool Time” board game. Unfortunately it may be defective. The season finale was wonderful. Al takes center stage, and it worked splendidly. 10.0/10.0
The Video
No complaints will be made here. The show looks crisp, vivid, and bright. The picture emphasizes the various colors of the Tool Time set, Randy’s new room, and other areas beautifully. The show is presented in its original full screen ratio of 1.33:1, and with the absence of commercials, it is terrific to watch. All of these have been flawless transfers. This is no different. No grain or soft spots will be seen.
The Audio
Home Improvement falls into the category of shows that you do not buy for sound or even picture really. Regardless, the audio is solid and consistent. The dialogue is understandable, and the volume was steady and balanced. The portions where music is playing mesh properly with the acting.
The Extras
Like many television shows, the special features have never been the strength of the Home Improvement DVD’s. Each of them (except the first season) has the same unnecessary gag reel. I am used to this because many of the shows I own on DVD do not have many extras. Honestly, it would be a nice bonus if they were available, but I am not buying these for the extras. I just want the show on DVD. I am thankful they are being released regularly. I do not think the sets would sell more copies if more bonus features were included. You either like this enough to own it, or you don’t. On a disappointing note, each DVD set of Home Improvement has been packaged in a unique style. It is hard to explain. You’ll have to go see them for yourself. This time around they use a normal slip sleeve case with no creativeness.
Blooper Reel (7:28) – This was pretty funny, even if it is the only extra. The bloopers are comprised of some that you see at the end of the episodes, and some that we have never seen. His would have looked a lot nicer on a disc with other featurettes.
The Show: 10.0/10.0
The Video: 10.0/10.0
The Audio: 9.0/10.0
The Extras: 2.0/10.0
The 411: The fifth season is most certainly the shows best. I own all of the seasons that have been released so far, and this one stands out with the most memorable episodes. I suppose we all have that sitcom that has aged well on us. Home Improvement just happens to be mine. Tim Allen is comedic genius, and his stand up act shined through his portrayal as Tim Taylor. If you are like me, and just care about owning the episodes, this is the perfect season to start collecting. As the next seasons unfold, more gambles are taken, but the show remains just as funny.
