Yo homes, to Bel-Air! Willard Smith Jr. enjoyed modest Grammy-winning fame with mixmaster pal Jeffrey A. Townes as “rap” duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, but the Prince shot to true stardom with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the 1990-96 series that plucked homeboy Will from his West Philly roots to slam-dunk the 17-year-old into plush life with his tony L.A. relatives (just two houses from the Reagans!). At the request of Will's mom, the Bel-Air Banks take Will into their home, offering him a chance at a better education. In return, the banal family--consisting of refined lawyer dad Philip, sophisticated teacher wife (and Will's aunt) Vivian, and kids (shallow, stylish Hilary, prissy suck-up Carlton, and impressionable wholesome Ashley)--are shaken up, early '90s neon-style! Featuring 24 episodes, this silly debut season includes “Bang the Drum, Ashley” (introducing Townes as Will's homey Jazz), “Not with My Pig, You Don't,” in which Philip is embarrassed after Will exposes his farm roots to the media; and the two-part Carlton/Will date competition “Someday Your Prince Will Be in Effect.” Will's mother Vy nags Vivian about the kids' too-few responsibilities on her holiday visit in “Talking Turkey,” while Will revives Philip's mother's spirits in “The Young and the Restless” with Heavy D concert tickets. The guest star ledger is packed phat in the debut season, including Queen Latifah, Naomi Campbell, Richard Roundtree, Don Cheadle, Jasmine Guy, Evander Holyfield, Tevin Campbell, Vivica A. Fox, Hank Azaria, and--all in one episode--executive producer Quincy Jones, Kadeem Hardison, Bo Jackson, Al B. Sure, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. The only DVD extra on this set is a retrospective documentary featuring interviews with the cast and creators. An enjoyably wacky sitcom with smart writing and a much-needed un-Cosby-tized view of a contemporary affluent African-American family, this is recommended. (J. Williams-Wood)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: The Complete First Season
Warner, 4 discs, 587 min., not rated, DVD: $29.98 May 30, 2005
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: The Complete First Season
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