The Norm Show

1990s tv sitcom

Former professional hockey player is banned for life for gambling and tax evasion. To avoid being sent to jail he is doing a community service as social worker. At least in theory, in practice he does as little as possible.

Ex-professional hockey player and gambler is made social worker instead of being sent to jail, even though he has no skills, motivation or even slightest idea how to help people - sounds not very inventive, right? The main character is completely irresponsible, childish, often mean and lazy - sounds not very original, right? So can two not very good idead produce a decent sitcom? Actually it turns out that they can, which The Norm Show is shining example. Although the idea for the show, the main character are quite similiar to other well known sitcoms (similarity between Norm and Brian from Wings is rather easy to spot), but with a little help from Norm MacDonald’s twisted sense of humour it actually worked.

The first season, although short, was quite impressive, plots were fresh, jokes rather good, overall atmosphere was superb. Second season was tangled in the romance stories that didn’t really help, while the third season was a mess with not so good plots, not so fresh jokes and return of unnecessery romantic elements. Funny enough one of the romantic plot involved Kate Walsh’s character, who played almost identical part in Drew Cary Show (also created by Bruce Helford) as Drew’s surprising girlfriend (and by the way - equally unnecessery subplot).

Overall it was surprisingly good sitcom, even though it had very short run - only 2,5 seasons), but mostly it was due to good cast and entertaining atmosphere. Some of the later episodes were far below the level set in season 1, which was disappointing. Still - definately worth to know.

Rating	7.2
Funny	7 / 10
Entertaining	4 / 5
Characters	4 / 5
Nonrepetitive	3 / 5