3rd Rock From the Sun

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Mork and Mindy became unendurably annoying in just four seasons; My Favorite Martian in three. Will 3rd Rock from the Sun break the curse of sci-fi sitcoms and make it to season five?

It’s a safe bet, if recent episodes are any indication. The fish-out-of-water schtick—aliens adjusting to life on earth—was funny at first, but the series’ survival depended on moving beyond the obvious gags. Commander Dick Solomon (John Lithgow) and his crew are well settled in their attic apartment now, beginning to explore the subtleties of human interaction.

Which is not to suggest that the show has become even remotely cerebral. For anybody old enough to remember Lithgow’s early career as a serious character actor, his insane 3rd Rock antics continue to amaze. This week, Commander Dick enters a dance contest and, typically, cannot simply compete for competition’s sake—he shows no mercy, and takes no prisoners.

Funny stuff, but be warned—there’s a brief scene in which viewers are asked to imagine Officer Don (Wayne Knight) naked. Not for the squeamish.

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