Mork & Mindy may have only lasted for four season from 1978 until 1982 but it’s left a long-lasting impression in sitcom legend. The show was of course responsible for launching the career of the late Robin Williams and was a spin-off from Happy Days. The character of Mork first appeared in a fifth season episode of Happy Days as part of a dream sequence involving Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) which actually turned out not to be a dream at all. Mork was so popular that he was given his own series and so Mork & Mindy came to be.
Over its four seasons the show comprised of 95 episodes and told the story of the inconventional relationship between Mork (Williams) and 21-year-old Mindy (Pam Dawber). The two characters meet when Mork has a chance encounter with a distraught Mindy has had an argument with her boyfriend. The two hit it off and after Mork reveals the truth about himself, Mindy invites him to live in her attic. Over the course of the series Mork learned about Earth and the way that humans behave with the help of Mindy before the two characters inevitable embarked on a romance, which received a mixed reception from the audience.
Whilst the first season was a clear breakout hit, creative changes in the second season saw the show struggle in the ratings shedding its audience by the time the fourth and final season aired. What never changed was the performance of Robin Williams who went from unknown to household name over the course of the show. Mork & Mindy established him as one of the best-loved comedy actors in television and it was the start of a long and varied career for the actor. We still can’t believe he’s no longer with us, especially considering he’d just made a return to TV with The Crazy Ones, which was sadly cancelled after only one season.
Alongside Williams of course was Pam Dawber who was perfectly cast as Mindy. Her chemistry with Williams was so natural and the two actors were a joy to watch on-screen together. She like Williams came out of Mork & Mindy well with her performance praised. It was a real treat for fans to see her do a one-episode guest turn on The Crazy Ones alongside Williams earlier this year.
Extras on the boxset include three gag reels and two bonus Happy Days episodes.
Mork & Mindy will always be a classic series to us. If nothing else the show was a fun way to pass 22 minutes each week and it launched the career of the incredible Robin Williams. It is true that the creative changes that came in with every season hampered the show and if it had been left in the shape it was by the end of the first season it would likely have lasted a lot longer. Having said that imagine what might have happened to Williams’ career had he been committed to the show for a longer stint. Mork & Mindy may have its flaws but it’s worth watching for Williams and Dawber and it will always have a place in our hearts.
