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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Emily Ashby

Taking a page from the 1970s classic The Brady Bunch, STEP BY STEP is the story of two parents and six kids who, with a little work, might somehow form a family. When divorced construction worker Frank Lambert (Patrick Duffy of Dallas fame) and widowed beautician Carol Foster (Suzanne Somers of Three's Company) meet on vacation and impulsively marry, the ensuing blending of their families poses challenges for everyone. Uptight Carol and her three kids -- Dana (Staci Keanan), Karen (Angela Watson), and Mark (Christopher Castle) -- couldn't be more unlike laid-back Frank and his brood: J.T. (Brandon Call), Alicia (aka "Al," played by Christine Lakin), and Brendan (Josh Byrne). When the kids find out about their parents' spontaneous matrimony, they're not thrilled. Not only is there understandable tension in the new household -- and fresh rivalries among the new step-siblings -- there's also downright dislike, as in the case of Dana and J.T. Carol and Frank mesh their parenting styles and keep cool heads as they handle both typical childrearing issues and the unique challenges presented by their new family.

Is It Any Good?

4

This family-friendly sitcom is a great choice for step-parents and step-children (or any family, really) to enjoy together. Originally broadcast as part of ABC's TGIF line-up in the early '90s, Step by Step now airs in syndication and is available on DVD.

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