Parker Lewis Can’t Lose - The Complete First Season
Parker Lewis Can’t Lose was a series that modeled itself after the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and aired on Fox from 1990 thru 1993.
In fact when Parker debuted, a Ferris Bueller series debuted on NBC which fizzled out after only 13 episodes.
The show which was a live action cartoon including sound effects and its camera angles and followed the "buds" Parker Lewis (Corin Nemic) fellow classmate Mikey Randall (Billy Jayne) and freshman Jerry Steiner (Troy W. Slaten) who have various money making enterprises (including the hot concert tickets) and are widely liked in Santo Domingo High School.
However they aren’t loved by all, school principal Grace Musso (Melanie Chartoff) and her student underlings Frank Lemmer (Taj Johnson) as well as Parker’s little sister Shelly (Maia Brewton) are a constant thorn in Parker’s side as they try their best to either thrown him in detention or finally have enough evidence to expel him.
The show added several words to everyday lingo including "Not A Problem" and "Coolness."
While the show focused on the buds, Parker Lewis was an ensemble series, which was strengthened by the cast and the interaction of all involved.
The show had many cool guest stars throughout its run, first season guest stars include: Milla Jovovich, Kool Moe Dee, Ziggy Marley, Robin Lively, David Faustino, Ozzy Osbourne, Barbara Billingsley, Jerry Mathers and more.
The commentaries include the producers, music composer Denis McCarthy and director Bryan Spicer, and most of the main cast who reminisce about the series and the fun they had while shooting.
The other extra is "The History of Coolness: A Look Back at Parker Lewis Can’t Lose," a retrospective about the series that has interviews with almost the entire main cast as well as the producers and crew.
For some reason Melanie Chartoff (Ms. Musso) is missing on all of the extras, they talk about her, but give no reason for her absence which is a shame since her character was a big part of the show.
Parker Lewis Can’t Lose is a snapshot of early 1990’s pop culture and fashion and was a fun show that didn’t get the respect it deserved while it was on the air.
At least we can watch it now and think what were we thinking about wearing those outfits?!?!
