It's easy to be dismissive of ALF (1986-1990), a kind of wisecracking variation on Steven Spielberg's E.T., but this family series, which attracted notable writing talent (Jerry Stahl, David Silverman) and had a decidedly dark streak, boasts some inspired episodes in its first season. ALF stands for "Alien Life Form," a phrase that comes to the mind of Willie Tanner (Max Wright) after a fuzzy creature named Gordon Shumway (of the former planet Melmac, Lower East Side) crashes his spacecraft into the circumspect civil servant's garage. Voiced by series co-creator and puppeteer Paul Fusco, ALF moves in with the obliging Tanners like a profligate uncle with a whiplash wit and minor compatibility problems--such as his penchant for eating cats. While too many of the scripts are soft, there are some unusual storylines, including one in which poor, put-upon Willie is accused of being a terrorist after ALF uses his host's ham radio to call Air Force One. Also noteworthy are the burlesque "Wild Thing," in which ALF goes crazy for 24 hours, and "La Cucaracha," a bizarre (and even suspenseful) story in which ALF and Willie battle a car-sized cockroach. Compiling all 26 episodes from the first season, DVD extras for this boxed set include the pilot, a gag/outtakes reel, and text trivia. Optional. (T. Keogh)
ALF: Season One
Lions Gate, 4 discs, 636 min., not rated, DVD: $39.98 Volume 19, Issue 6
ALF: Season One
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