When Home Improvement was launched in the early 1990s, the premise was laughed at by some critics. Who would want to watch a show about a clumsy man hosting a show about tools? NASCAR dads?

But it worked. And people of all walks of life not only watched and enjoyed the show, but saw parts of themselves in the Taylor family.

Season 1, released on DVD in November, introduced the family and dealt with the almost-clich?d issues like a night out with the wife vs. watching the football game. The season stands out not so much for its cast, but for its approach at the humour. Wilson, the neighbour behind the fence, is introduced and immediately brings the puzzled looks as to why his face is never shown. That continuation of such an irrelevant bit is the cornerstone to the Home Improvement show: it’s basic, it’s funny, everyone can understand. Same goes for Tim Allen’s constant grunting.

And who can forget another cast member of the first season, Pamela Anderson as the very first Tool Time girl?

The DVD contains commentary from the co-creators and producers, who give a particularly interesting insight into what they thought worked and didn’t. There’s also a hilarious gag reel.

4*






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