Was Valerie Bertinelli the unsung hero of ODAAT - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 01-17-2019, 04:38 AM

What I mean is that while she may or may not have been a breakout star and was perhaps decidedly limited in range, her 'brightness' and beauty were a perfect remedy for Mackenzie Phillips and Bonnie Franklin. The former brought a darkness to her role (which was eventually was overtaken by her offscreen issues) while the latter was often just plain grating. In effect, Mackenzie and Bonnie's performances were often just a bit too grim for laughs.

opus · 01-17-2019, 01:11 PM

If by unsung you mean seemingly being on every magazine cover of the late '70s, early '80s, then yes, definitely unsung

If by this

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMC

and was perhaps decidedly limited in range

you mean decidedly limited in range, then yes, you're definitely wrong

1960'sTVfan · 01-17-2019, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMC

Mackenzie and Bonnie's performances were often just a bit too grim for laughs.

I'm not a MacKenzie Phillips fan and would have preferred another actress been hired for her role.

As far as Bonnie Franklin is concerned, there might be some moments when she goes a little over the top, but overall there is nothing wrong with her acting. She performed according to the way the scripts called for. What I don't like is in the 4th season when she was given the short hairstyle, she lost a lot of her visual appeal and cute looks with the short hair.

I think her hair was changed to the short style because the producers wanted her to look more like a career/business woman.

Heenan Fan · 01-17-2019, 02:57 PM

Valerie was the only thing I liked about the show. If they would of had a young son from the beginning, I would of liked the show better.

Bonniegirl · 01-17-2019, 03:54 PM

Valerie Bertinelli blah!!!!

opus · 01-17-2019, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonniegirl

Valerie Bertinelli blah!!!!

That comment deserves "The Cold Stare"!

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RetroTVNitekatt · 03-08-2019, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMC

What I mean is that while she may or may not have been a breakout star and was perhaps decidedly limited in range, her 'brightness' and beauty were a perfect remedy for Mackenzie Phillips and Bonnie Frankin. The former brought a darkness to her role (which was eventually was overtaken by her offscreen issues) while the latter was often just plain grating. In effect, Mackenzie and Bonnie's performances were often just a bit too grim for laughs.

They knew what they were looking for when they revamped the pilot and added the second younger daughter and found the right actress.

Does make you wonder who else might have read for the role. Being a Norman Lear show, I'm sure every decent known and unknown actress in the right age range and look were submitted for a chance to read for the part by their agents.

Bonniegirl · 03-09-2019, 01:01 AM

It was a good show and Valerie was a REALLY good choice in casting ,

but it REALLY picked up in Season 5 with the addition of Max !!!

RetroTVNitekatt · 03-09-2019, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonniegirl

It was a good show and Valerie was a REALLY good choice in casting ,

but it REALLY picked up in Season 5 with the addition of Max !!!

As I've said before, Max was finally a "5th Regular Character" that fit the show well.

Bonniegirl · 03-09-2019, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetroTVNitekatt

As I've said before, Max was finally a "5th Regular Character" that fit the show well.

Max was ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

TMC · 02-05-2022, 06:23 AM

It has since been theorized that the key to why ODAAT lasted for nine seasons Valerie Bertinelli staying the entire time. Her good looks and wholesome image (especially in contrast to what Mackenzie Phillips was going through behind the scenes) were probably the main reasons for the show's appeal and popularity.

Chocolate Moose · 02-07-2022, 03:36 PM

she was great - didn't care for any of the boyfriends though.

01-17-2019, 04:38 AM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 128,011	Was Valerie Bertinelli the unsung hero of ODAAT What I mean is that while she may or may not have been a breakout star and was perhaps decidedly limited in range, her 'brightness' and beauty were a perfect remedy for Mackenzie Phillips and Bonnie Franklin. The former brought a darkness to her role (which was eventually was overtaken by her offscreen issues) while the latter was often just plain grating. In effect, Mackenzie and Bonnie's performances were often just a bit too grim for laughs.
	Last edited by TMC; 04-15-2019 at 11:25 PM.

02-07-2022, 03:36 PM	#12
Chocolate Moose Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4,904	she was great - didn't care for any of the boyfriends though.
	__________________ How long a minute is, depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.

01-17-2019, 02:57 PM	#4
Heenan Fan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Oct 19, 2016 Posts: 6,001	Valerie was the only thing I liked about the show. If they would of had a young son from the beginning, I would of liked the show better.

01-17-2019, 03:54 PM	#5
Bonniegirl AKA Hazel Horvath Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 10, 2014 Posts: 66,370	Valerie Bertinelli blah!!!!

03-09-2019, 01:01 AM	#8
Bonniegirl AKA Hazel Horvath Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 10, 2014 Posts: 66,370	It was a good show and Valerie was a REALLY good choice in casting , but it REALLY picked up in Season 5 with the addition of Max !!!

02-05-2022, 06:23 AM	#11
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 128,011	It has since been theorized that the key to why ODAAT lasted for nine seasons Valerie Bertinelli staying the entire time. Her good looks and wholesome image (especially in contrast to what Mackenzie Phillips was going through behind the scenes) were probably the main reasons for the show's appeal and popularity.