Chris Thompson Movies

In the Three's Company tradition, this sitcom involves two guys and a woman in Denver. Assistant district attorney Casey Farrell (Maria Pitillo, of Chaplin and Godzilla) shares her apartment with two male roommates, medical student McCusky (David Newsom) and reporter Riley (Bradley White). In the opening episode, the two guys try to get rid Casey's arrogant boyfriend (Jeff Yagher). The second episode intros deadpan policeman Dan (Patrick Warburton of Seinfeld), given to odd ideas like asking Casey to shoot him in his bulletproof vest. Caryn James (New York Times) found "hints of loopy humor" amid "lame" plots, while Variety suggested the show would work best with the focus on just Pitillo and Warburton. Premiere March 9, 1998 on NBC. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Taking note of Larry's (Garry Shandling) increasing depression in the face of slipping ratings, the lack of an Emmy nomination, and an impending divorce from wife Jeannie (Megan Gallagher), Artie (Rip Torn) and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) decide to fix their down-in-the-dumps friend on a series of dates. Despite a bevy of attractive prospects, the only one Larry can truly find a connection with happens to be the same one he parted ways with in the past...his ex-wife, Francine (Kathryn Harrold). Special guest stars in this two-part opening of The Larry Sanders Show's second season include John Riggi, Karen Lynn Scott, Eric Briant Wells, Kristin Davis, Victor Raider-Wexler, Dana Delany, Helen Hunt, Teri Garr, and Susan Anton. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

A temporary change threatens to become permanent in the fifth episode of HBO's popular behind-the-scenes late-night talk show satire The Larry Sanders Show. When Larry's (Garry Shandling) friend takes over for faithful producer Artie (Rip Torn) on what was supposed to be a short-term basis, he begins scheming to ensure that Artie won't be coming back. This episode of The Larry Sanders Show features guest appearances by Bill Applebaum, Ian Buchanan, Robert Morton, and Jeff Cesario. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Future Tonight Show host Jay Leno appears in this episode as fun-loving Joey Mitchell, on whom Laverne (Penny Marshall) has a seemingly hopeless crush. Unfortunately, Joey thinks of Laverne as just one of the "guys", compelling Laverne to turn to Shirley (Cindy Williams) for advice on how to act more "froo-froo" (translation: more feminine). As a result, Laverne undergoes a miraculous (and ludicrous) character transition, reinventing herself as an eyelash-fluttering Southern belle! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Once again, Laverne (Penny Marshall) and Shirley (Cindy Williams) are placed in charge of the annual Shotz Brewery Talent Show. Among the auditioning acts is a tap-dance duo constisting of Carmine (Eddie Mekka) and Edna (Betty Garrett), which somehow inspires brewery owner Mr. Shotz to demand that the girls adopt a "patriotic" theme for the show. Musical highlights include "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Rock 'N' Roll is Here to Stay, and Lenny and Squiggy's specialty number "I Knew I Should Have Listened to Momma", written by "Lenny" himself, Michael McKean. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

This episode is set in "the future"--not only the future as it relates to the year the episode was filmed (1978), but also in relation to the year in which it takes place (1960). In a dream, Laverne (Penny Marshall) sees herself and Shirley (Cindy Williams) when they're in their eighties--still unmarried, still roommates. Desperate to march down the marital aisle before it's too late, our octogenarian heroines accept the proposals of the equally decrepit Lenny (Michael McKean and Squiggy (David L. Lander). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Season Three of Laverne & Shirley gets under way as the titular heroines (played by Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams) prepare to take their first airplane flight. Laverne is a bit frightened at the prospect, but Shirley is thrilled by the experience. Unfortunately, things get a bit more "thrilling" than expected when the pilot (Roy Stuart) is accidentally knocked cold, forcing the girls to take over--with Laverne at the controls and Shirley as navigator! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi