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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN, which originally aired from 1996-2001, is an award-winning slapstick comedy about a group of aliens exploring life on Earth. John Lithgow stars as the mission's high commander, who lives among humans as physics professor Dr. Dick Solomon. Posing as his sister, Sally, Kristen Johnston plays his first officer in charge of security, while his intelligence officer pretends to be his teenage son, Tommy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). The team's quirky communications officer poses as Harry (French Stewart), Dick and Sally's rather dimwitted brother. Although mystified by things ranging from gender differences to leaving tips at restaurants, the Solomons must find a way to blend in among humans. But their rather quirky behavior consistently raises the eyebrows of folks like landlady Mrs. Dubcek (Elmarie Wendel) and makes some of Dick's university colleagues -- including anthropologist Mary Albright (Jane Curtin) and administrative assistant Nina Campbell (Simbi Khali) -- absolutely crazy.

Is It Any Good?

4

Intelligently written and well acted, 3rd Rock generates lots of laughs as viewers look at humanity through the aliens' unique point of view. Much of the humor comes from each character's specific (mis)understandings of how people see themselves and build relationships with one another. But while the space invaders' interpretation of human logic is often flawed, their way of thinking tends to highlight many of today's social ironies.

The show has plenty of silly moments, but it really isn't intended for younger kids, given all of the sophisticated social commentary that lies behind the slapstick. Younger viewers may not get it, but teens and adults will find things to both laugh and think about for years to come.

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