A "Cheers" spin-off that started off mediocre (buried in a Friday, 9 o clock time slot) but soon found its wheels to become a truly sharp, perfectly written sitcom. If you catch the reruns on USA you might get lucky and see the show in the middle of its run. Then when you see the early, not so hot episodes you wont be so hard on it. Basically the premise was two brothers, reunited after years of bickering, decide to run an airline together. Tim Daly and Steven Weber were Joe and Brian Hackett, one straight laced, the other an outgoing goofball. Their daily life consisted of gabbing with their longtime friend Helen who worked at the lunch counter, played by the gorgeous Crystal Bernard, plus fending off insults and competition from David Schramms Roy Biggins, owner of the airline one counter away. Others featured were Thomas Haden Church's dummy mechanic Lowell, and sweet-tempered Fay, the brothers ticket agent. After the first season Tony Shalhoub was added as cabby Antonio, and in season 4 the lovely Farrah Forke was brought on for a couple of years as Brians love interest. Most of the time Joe found himself on again off again with Helen, with the rest of the cast dating a myriad of visiting characters. Must see episodes include "Joe Blows," when Daly deals with an unbearable amount of the casts problems, the one where Helen tries to get ready for a date as each of the cast keeps dropping by, and definitely the one where Brian and Joe lose the body of a bitchy rich lady's father. The final episode has some of the gang coming into money, but like its sister show "Cheers" does not give its characters big send-offs. But that last show is still decently written and provides fans with a decent payoff. So if you have the chance, hop on board "Wings," one of the more underrated sitcoms ever. (Biggest sign of that: not one Emmy that I know of to anyone involved with the show. Hissssss.)
80 Reviews
Wings - the best and the funniest show I have ever seen
adamik29 December 2000
I think that serial "Wings" is the best and the funniest show I have ever seen. Most of series are funny only for the first seasons and this show was funny for all 8 seasons. I like all characters especially Joe, Brian and Helen. At the end of last 8th season Joe and Helen said that they would come back from Vienna in one year (that means that "Wings" should have been continued in one year too). Now it is 3 years, but I still hope that the show will be continued. I am so glad that polish television also give us the chance to watch the reruns. I am still waiting for new episodes of this great show....
Edit 06 May 2022: Passed another 22 years (OMG I'm getting old) since I wrote this short review and we know now "Wings" have been never continued. Taking into consideration other shows which had their (rather weak) revivals I am sure that was a good decision. After so many years "Wings" still make me laugh and luckily we have reruns on Fox here in Poland. Really recommend it.
Edit 06 May 2022: Passed another 22 years (OMG I'm getting old) since I wrote this short review and we know now "Wings" have been never continued. Taking into consideration other shows which had their (rather weak) revivals I am sure that was a good decision. After so many years "Wings" still make me laugh and luckily we have reruns on Fox here in Poland. Really recommend it.
My favorite show when I was growing up. . .
iulilia26 November 2002
I wonder if it's still playing now? On USA network, I remember it still. But I remember it, clear as day, watching just about each and every episode. It was such a great TV show series, and I loved spending every night, watching that after we'd been good and finished dinner. Ah, those wonderful growing up years with the family. Helen, Brian, Joe, Antonio, Lowell, Roy, and Faye... oh, so funny...
Sweet piece of work - Viva Shaloub
MattandMarkT28 August 2005
I love Wings ... it was a real sweet piece of sitcom work ... Tony Shaloub was a stitch and the writing was top shelf ... the show managed to get it done without touching a lot of sensitive issues which can be a crutch for many modern sitcoms ... I liked the interplay between the brothers with their very different personalities ... Kaye, the employee, who ran the company ... Lowell, the good-natured knucklehead whose lone talent was the ability to fix airplanes and be a loving friend and family man ... Roy, the ruthless competitor and Helen, the ever self-effacing one who stepped up to the plate when the chips were down time after time ... I also like the adjustments over the years, Helen and Joe go from pals to lovers and marry ... Shaloub was so good as the maitre d' that he had to change careers so it was much easier to write him into the scripts ... he was my favorite character with his passionate Italian solilioquies
Underrated
safenoe12 February 2022
Super solid comedy from the 90s!
hnt_dnl13 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
WINGS, which ran for 8 seasons from 1990-1997, is one my favorite comedies. In a way, it is a lot more watchable than even so-called "better" comedies because it has a very inviting, comfortable feel and always seemed to stay within it's zone. It never really got overly serious as other comedies and always maintained a light, fun approach to storytelling. And, 99.9% of the time, the jokes were spot on, so spot on that they are still funny upon repeat viewing.
A major strength of WINGS is the dialogue, which seems so spontaneous and ad-libbed at times that I wonder how much of it comes from the writers and how much from the actors (I'd bet a fair amount came from them!). Much of the dialogue is actually conversational and not just to set up jokes and punchlines, like in most situation comedies. So I find myself laughing DURING the conversations, not just at the end of them!
In general terms, like many of the great comedies, WINGS was just as funny in it's later seasons as it was in the early ones (I dare say the later seasons were funnier!). The earlier seasons are a lot more structured and plot-oriented, whereas the later seasons, because we already know the characters so well, the plot plays 2nd fiddle to the characters we have come to know and love and they just run with it!
WINGS starred the great, underrated television stalwart Timothy Daly (who should have at least one Emmy for something by now!) as Joe Hackett, owner of Sandpiper Air in the tiny island of Nantucket outside of Boston. Joe got to live his dream of owning his own airline and the opening scene introduces us to this central character. "Joe" is the appropriate name for this character as he was truly an "Everyday Joe", "Everyman", "Regular Joe" type of character! A stickler for order and neatness, Joe was borderline anal retentive! And Daly ALWAYS was in character. I think playing the straight man amongst a sea of wacko characters is one of the hardest things to do and Daly's Joe was the calm, solid center for the show's entire run. Not to mention that Daly was just as funny as his co-stars and he didn't need to act like a wacko to be funny!
But Daly wasn't the only star. Steven Weber hilariously essayed the role of Brian Hackett (Joe's younger, cooler, zanier brother who initially worked for him and in later seasons became his equal partner in the airline). Brian was perhaps my favorite character as he was always so sarcastic, nutty, and witty, even in serious situations that you just HAD to laugh at him. I just couldn't help myself from laughing at Brian's antics (even when I tried!). Weber's comic timing was just plain superb. If I had to choose ONE actor from WINGS to that should have won an Emmy for their role, it would have been Weber.
The chemistry between Daly and Weber as siblings Joe and Brian is some of the best I've ever seen on a TV show. There are a lot of times where I'd swear I was watching real brothers interact...They are that good!
The third star (who could also be considered a supporting character) was the infectiously funny and wild Crystal Bernard as Helen Chappell, the Hackett brothers childhood friend who would eventually become Joe's wife in later seasons. She ran the lunch counter at the airport, the central location for every episode of the show. I personally liked Helen a lot more in later seasons (when she and Joe got married) than earlier. I think her marriage to Joe (who she had a crush on forever!) really lightened her up in a good way and allowed Bernard to show her full comic range. She and Joe's banter pre-marriage seemed a bit too Sam-and-Dianeish (a la CHEERS) for me; usually, when a show finally puts a couple together, it is the deathknell, but WINGS flourished after they finally got Joe and Helen together.
The supporting cast was magnificent and one of the best ensembles ever: the daffy airline mechanic Lowell (played by Thomas Haden Church, who left early in Season 7 to star in his own show NED AND STACEY), the brothers' airline assistant, the esteemed world-weary, sarcastic Fay (played the entire run by Rebecca Schull), the brothers rival at the airline, the boisterous, unapologetic robust Roy (played entire run by David Schramm), the lovable, Italian loser cabbie Antonio (probably my 2nd favorite character, played by Tony Shalhoub, who everyone now knows as MONK!), Helen's looney, spurned-by-her-husband-jack-of-all-trades older sister Casey Chappell (played wonderfully by the delightfully radiant Amy Yasbeck in Seasons 6, 7, and 8, the last three seasons of the show).
Also, there was helicopter pilot Alex (played by Farrah Forke in Season 5). While a solid character, I didn't really think Alex added anything special to the show from a comedic standpoint other than be kind of a "cheerleader" type character and thought she brought Brian's character down and kept him from being his usual fun self. Thankfully, they rectified that and Alex only lasted the one season, allowing Brian to become a full-blown, comical character. At the end of the day, when it comes to comedy, I favor laughter over realism! Also, I thought that Brian and Casey had a lot more chemistry as a wacky kind-of-but-not-really-a-couple couple than Brian and Alex had as an actual couple!
A funny, lighthearted satire, WINGS is one of the best ensemble comedies that has ever graced television!
A major strength of WINGS is the dialogue, which seems so spontaneous and ad-libbed at times that I wonder how much of it comes from the writers and how much from the actors (I'd bet a fair amount came from them!). Much of the dialogue is actually conversational and not just to set up jokes and punchlines, like in most situation comedies. So I find myself laughing DURING the conversations, not just at the end of them!
In general terms, like many of the great comedies, WINGS was just as funny in it's later seasons as it was in the early ones (I dare say the later seasons were funnier!). The earlier seasons are a lot more structured and plot-oriented, whereas the later seasons, because we already know the characters so well, the plot plays 2nd fiddle to the characters we have come to know and love and they just run with it!
WINGS starred the great, underrated television stalwart Timothy Daly (who should have at least one Emmy for something by now!) as Joe Hackett, owner of Sandpiper Air in the tiny island of Nantucket outside of Boston. Joe got to live his dream of owning his own airline and the opening scene introduces us to this central character. "Joe" is the appropriate name for this character as he was truly an "Everyday Joe", "Everyman", "Regular Joe" type of character! A stickler for order and neatness, Joe was borderline anal retentive! And Daly ALWAYS was in character. I think playing the straight man amongst a sea of wacko characters is one of the hardest things to do and Daly's Joe was the calm, solid center for the show's entire run. Not to mention that Daly was just as funny as his co-stars and he didn't need to act like a wacko to be funny!
But Daly wasn't the only star. Steven Weber hilariously essayed the role of Brian Hackett (Joe's younger, cooler, zanier brother who initially worked for him and in later seasons became his equal partner in the airline). Brian was perhaps my favorite character as he was always so sarcastic, nutty, and witty, even in serious situations that you just HAD to laugh at him. I just couldn't help myself from laughing at Brian's antics (even when I tried!). Weber's comic timing was just plain superb. If I had to choose ONE actor from WINGS to that should have won an Emmy for their role, it would have been Weber.
The chemistry between Daly and Weber as siblings Joe and Brian is some of the best I've ever seen on a TV show. There are a lot of times where I'd swear I was watching real brothers interact...They are that good!
The third star (who could also be considered a supporting character) was the infectiously funny and wild Crystal Bernard as Helen Chappell, the Hackett brothers childhood friend who would eventually become Joe's wife in later seasons. She ran the lunch counter at the airport, the central location for every episode of the show. I personally liked Helen a lot more in later seasons (when she and Joe got married) than earlier. I think her marriage to Joe (who she had a crush on forever!) really lightened her up in a good way and allowed Bernard to show her full comic range. She and Joe's banter pre-marriage seemed a bit too Sam-and-Dianeish (a la CHEERS) for me; usually, when a show finally puts a couple together, it is the deathknell, but WINGS flourished after they finally got Joe and Helen together.
The supporting cast was magnificent and one of the best ensembles ever: the daffy airline mechanic Lowell (played by Thomas Haden Church, who left early in Season 7 to star in his own show NED AND STACEY), the brothers' airline assistant, the esteemed world-weary, sarcastic Fay (played the entire run by Rebecca Schull), the brothers rival at the airline, the boisterous, unapologetic robust Roy (played entire run by David Schramm), the lovable, Italian loser cabbie Antonio (probably my 2nd favorite character, played by Tony Shalhoub, who everyone now knows as MONK!), Helen's looney, spurned-by-her-husband-jack-of-all-trades older sister Casey Chappell (played wonderfully by the delightfully radiant Amy Yasbeck in Seasons 6, 7, and 8, the last three seasons of the show).
Also, there was helicopter pilot Alex (played by Farrah Forke in Season 5). While a solid character, I didn't really think Alex added anything special to the show from a comedic standpoint other than be kind of a "cheerleader" type character and thought she brought Brian's character down and kept him from being his usual fun self. Thankfully, they rectified that and Alex only lasted the one season, allowing Brian to become a full-blown, comical character. At the end of the day, when it comes to comedy, I favor laughter over realism! Also, I thought that Brian and Casey had a lot more chemistry as a wacky kind-of-but-not-really-a-couple couple than Brian and Alex had as an actual couple!
A funny, lighthearted satire, WINGS is one of the best ensemble comedies that has ever graced television!
Great feel good sitcom
jvetter-175399 June 2019
Wings Will Send You Soaring High With Sentiment and Laughter!!!
rhoward-1411 April 2006
I have discovered Wings to be one of the most underrated and under-appreciated of comedy series that I have ever watched. The writing is crisp, witty and often warm. The main setting is a small Nantuckett airport, wherein a madcap cast of characters attempt to cope with a hilarity of usually self-created misadventures. The chemistry between the major characters, Helen Chapel (played by Crystal Bernard,who gives a flawless delivery of her punch lines) and Joe Hackett, is superb, and gets even better as the show has more seasons. Brian Hackett, as Joe's immature, misbehaving younger brother, adds by often creating the plot dilemma and simultaneously provoking his serious, overly fastidious older brother. Add to this an exquisite supporting cast, consisting of: an aging female flight announcer who's been through the deceased husbands; a wisecracking self-centered rival airline owner; a luck-deprived Italian taxicab driver; and a lunk-headed airplane mechanic, (played by a wonderfully deadpan Thomas Haden Church). In later shows, Amy Yasbeck appears as Helen's neurotically shallow older sister, and teams unwittingly with Brian to create more madcap, particularly in an episode where she and Brian give a surprise gone awry.
The comedy is only enhanced by several repeat guests, including a whiny senior citizen named Carlton; an old flame of Joe named Sandy, who forces him to reenact a "missed" high school prom; and even few characters who reprise their same roles from the Comedy "Cheers". Throughout the series, there remains a well-grounded sense of love and admiration among this cast of characters, which sometimes surfaces to provide unexpected, and often very touching moments. Wings is a series not to be missed by any true fan of comedy!
The comedy is only enhanced by several repeat guests, including a whiny senior citizen named Carlton; an old flame of Joe named Sandy, who forces him to reenact a "missed" high school prom; and even few characters who reprise their same roles from the Comedy "Cheers". Throughout the series, there remains a well-grounded sense of love and admiration among this cast of characters, which sometimes surfaces to provide unexpected, and often very touching moments. Wings is a series not to be missed by any true fan of comedy!
Pleasant Diversion Ensemble Comedy
DKosty12314 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Wings for seven seasons was a show on NBC like it's premise. The show is about a small airport near Nantucket, Massachusets which has a group of small charter airlines flying by the seat of their pants out of it. At times it would hit a funny vein, & at times it was just there. NBC kept moving the show around on it's schedule like it had wings & would be watched anytime or any day. That ultimately led to it ending.
This was never a big hit, but the ensemble always found ways to keep things fresh. The brothers Tim Daly & Steven Webber (aka. the Hacketts) always seemed to be at each others throats about something involving their charter plane, their lives, or something. Crystal Barnard was Joe Hacketts object of affection. That kind of wore thin later in the series as they never had things come off right & really Crystal is not all that attractive.
Tony Schalub as Antonio & Thomas Hayden Church as Lowell were major assets in their recurring roles in the series. David Schramm as Roy Biggens was also a sarcastic funny character. This whole series was about funny people & situations. If you could follow it around NBC's flighty schedule for it, you enjoyed some good comedy.
As the series never got big, it's play in reruns has been limited, & quite frankly there is not much demand for it. If you want a pleasant diversion though, this show is for you. Finding it might be better to try DVD's as stations don't run it much.
This was never a big hit, but the ensemble always found ways to keep things fresh. The brothers Tim Daly & Steven Webber (aka. the Hacketts) always seemed to be at each others throats about something involving their charter plane, their lives, or something. Crystal Barnard was Joe Hacketts object of affection. That kind of wore thin later in the series as they never had things come off right & really Crystal is not all that attractive.
Tony Schalub as Antonio & Thomas Hayden Church as Lowell were major assets in their recurring roles in the series. David Schramm as Roy Biggens was also a sarcastic funny character. This whole series was about funny people & situations. If you could follow it around NBC's flighty schedule for it, you enjoyed some good comedy.
As the series never got big, it's play in reruns has been limited, & quite frankly there is not much demand for it. If you want a pleasant diversion though, this show is for you. Finding it might be better to try DVD's as stations don't run it much.
One of the most underrated comedies
jakethesnake-4200715 April 2021
It makes me made that this show is so underrated and never got the credit it deserved. It's one of best comedies ever. The characters are funny and keep you coming back each episode. The storylines are funny. I like how most of the show takes place in the airport just like cheers did with the bar. The comedy is smart just like Frasier but it's more silly like cheers so it's a good mix between the 2 shows and maybe that's why the show is forgotten. In my opinion the show is one of the best comedies ever and if anyone gets a chance you should watch this gem of a show.
Good and Bad
zombiemockingbird7 March 2021
A lot of this show was really funny and well-written. Brian, Lowell, Faye, Joe, Roy and even Antonio are fairly solid, funny characters. The worst character on the show, unfortunately, is Helen. It's not Crystal Bernard's fault; it's the way the character is written. She's neurotic, psychotic, selfish and obnoxious. Brian is a womanizing jerk but he's likable. Roy is selfish and uncaring but he's likable. Helen is so unreasonably self-centered that she just isn't likable. This show would have been a million times better if they had toned down her character. She over-reacts to everything, always plays the victim and always gets away with everything, even when she's in the wrong, and it just gets really tiresome and un-funny.
It's Irrestible
Sylviastel13 September 2004
Wings has always been a great show with a wonderful cast of colorful actors like the Hackett brothers, the Chappel sisters, Lowell, Antonio, Fay, & Roy but I am probably leaving somebody out. Unlike most sitcoms, the show is set in Nantucket, far from the Los Angeles or New York City which is another reason to watch alone. Set in a small airport, Fay and Roy are always a pleasure to watch. Lowell is a unique character. The fact that the Hacketts, Lowell, and the Chappel sisters have a history in Nantucket is also useful for creating great plots around their history. I have plenty of favorite episodes like the psycho Valerie Mahaffey's character in recreating their senior prom, honeymoon, wedding etc. I also liked Farrah Forke's character but she left one season. These actors appear to have a good time on screen and off-screen which makes it another reason to watch. I just watched the Christmas episode where Antonio's girlfriend is the wife of his kidnapper, the new air traffic controller, who takes him hostage when he takes his donut. Sure the absurdity sometimes is half the fun of this show.
Surprisingly good
shellmine13 December 2021
This is part of the Taxi/Cheers/Tracy Ullman/Simpsons family and for how little I had heard of it compared to the others, I wasn't sure if it would do as well. It's actually got some fantastic lines. The only issue is Helen who is self-obsessed to the point of putting other people in danger or in debt, and those are her "friends" on the show. Without her, the show would be a triumph.
Started off okay, but...
ericapolitica9 September 2020
One of my all-time favorites
reve-228 March 2000
I am so glad that USA Network continues to rerun the episodes of this great show. With one exception I found this to be among those shows with a once in a lifetime cast. The only exception was Farah Forke, an absolutely terrible actress, who has dragged down every series that she has been a part of. Her character Alex was contentious, had a constant chip on her shoulder, and constantly felt that she had to show everyone how tough she was. BUT, when the shows' producers saw the light and bounced her they hit a home run with the casting of Amy Yasbeck in the role of Helen's sister. IMHO this show was as well written as any sitcom ever was. I hated to see the character of Lowell leave but I can't blame Thomas Hayden Church for trying to make it as the star of his own series (sadly, the series was a dud). And, while I would never want to associate professionally or socially with Roy, he was played perfectly by David Schramm. The final two part episode did a superb job of wrapping things up. It was a real bittersweet moment for me as I imagined what life would be like for Brian who so abruptly gave up his dream life in the islands to keep Sandpiper going while Joe was in Europe with Helen. Who knows if he really got to fulfill that dream one year later. So many things can change in that time frame. This was a show that people like me could get involved in and it all seemed so real. I hoe that USA continues the reruns for many, many years.
Just Got The Boxed Set To Relive The Old Series!
collectorofsorts8 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This series came out and ended when I was in my 20's. I'm in my 50's now and getting a few of the old boxed sets from my youth. Season 1-4 is Gold! Season 5-6 is hit or miss. Season 7-8 is more miss than hit. They got rid of the actor who played Lowell at the end of season 6 so they could fill every show with Joe/Helen drama and it was a big mistake. Lowell was the eccentric mechanic who always gave us laughs. When they took him out of the mix, the show took a steady nose-dive and only made it 2 more seasons. Want to remember the best? Stick with seasons 1-4 and save seasons 5-8 when nothing else is on to watch. I would rate Seasons 1-4 in the 9-10 Star range. Those were the years when the writers were still coming up with good story lines that would leave you laughing even after the episodes ended.
Boring is Interesting and Very Very Funny!!!!
dataconflossmoor17 July 2007
The initial response to this show is that it was a spin-off from the sitcom, "Cheers"; "Wings" was not easy to identify with, and maybe, it would last two seasons, three tops!! Much to the pleasant surprise of everyone, the superb character portrayals, and the exceptional writing to this series, made it one of the most popular shows in recent times!! The show focused on the Hackett brothers, Joe and Brian, and their unexplainable disappointments in life... The other characters followed suit!!! Joe, (Played by Tim Daly) was the super jock of yesteryear who tried to be perfect, he was only recognized in the small, one horse, town of Nantucket, and slowly but surely, even that fame began to quickly erode!! Brian, (Steven Weber) was the hapless Casanova who burdened his brother with his grotesque lack of responsibility in dealing with even the slightest matter!! Helen (Crystal Bernard) was the former childhood chub, now fit and trim, yet, she was still very non-motivated about her life!! Roy (David Schramm) was the biggest jerk in the world, having a halfway decent mind made this situation all that much more nauseating to stomach!! Faye (Rebecca Schull) was the conscientious and faithful worker who was an emotional Mardi-Grass! Lowell (Thomas Hayden Church) was the goof ball with a surprising succinct accuracy about certain issues!!(I had a friend, Ian, who was just like this) Those were the intricacies to being just the mechanic!! Antonio, (Tony Shaloub) he was the taxi driver who's life always went from bad to worse... Also on the show, were both Casie and Alex who were love interests of Brian's, they were attractive women whose lives were on the decline in one way or another!! When describing everyone's life in this series, it is tantamount to preaching apocalyptic doom!! These were lives which were besieged with unadulterated boredom, and, it nestled a kindred spirit with much of the television audience (unfortunately)... It is the element of monumental failure in everyone's lives that created wonderful cannon fodder for this situation comedy!! This show articulates copious aspects of lackluster behavior from always being defeated with the ill fated endeavors in these character's lives, and, the television show's witty dialog was written commensurately!!! The one episode which illustrated a domino effect scene, with regard to Lowell wanting a Kodak moment ,and missing the perfect one, because he was looking the other way, kind of summed this whole series up!! I love the T.V. Show "Wings" Tim Daly is one of my favorite television actors, and Steven Weber is so incredibly funny!! The writing was fabulous on this show, and the character portrayals on "Wings" are some of the best I have ever seen on television!! I rate this show 10 out of 10!!
A comedy show that doesn't have a single funny episode
interestingstuff15 January 2022
I've binge watched the entire series and laughed a total of 5 times in my entire watch. The show was not funny at all, not even remotely but it made me feel good and it made me smile many times. This is one of those "feel good" shows that give you a warm cozy feeling but don't expect it to make you laugh because the show absolutely lacks humor and its jokes are extremely dry and unfunny.
The only truly funny episode of this show was when Frasier visited. I recommend that episode if you have to watch an episode of this show at all but you won't miss out much if you skip this show.
Also it's super annoying how they overuse laughing tracks. Literally every time a character finishes a sentence, there is a laughing track even though 99% of the sentences used in this show are nowhere near funny.
The only truly funny episode of this show was when Frasier visited. I recommend that episode if you have to watch an episode of this show at all but you won't miss out much if you skip this show.
Also it's super annoying how they overuse laughing tracks. Literally every time a character finishes a sentence, there is a laughing track even though 99% of the sentences used in this show are nowhere near funny.
Wonderfully entertaining, clever 90s sitcom.
sonya9002824 December 2007
I'm a tail-end Baby Boomer-meaning that I was born between 1954, and 1964. My segment of the Boomers, were always over-shadowed in the media, by both our older Boomer brethren, and Gen-Xers. So, it was great to finally find a sitcom like "Wings", with tail-end Boomers as the main focus of the show. I could identify with these guys, since we hailed from the same generational zeitgeist, so-to-speak.
The series revolved around two very different brothers, named Joe and Brian Hackett. Joe was the elder, responsible, and straight-arrow one. Brian was his younger, much more free-spirited sibling (Brian could be a real screw-up, but somehow always came out okay in the end). Because of their radically different approach to life, their conflicts were the main source of laughs for the show.
The Hackett brothers ran a tiny, one-plane commuter airline, on the island of Nantucket. They were surrounded by a menagerie of other colorful characters on the show. Their lifelong friend, Helen, ran the lunch-counter at their little airline. Roy Bigguns was their ever-egocentric competitor. Roy always loved to crow that his airline, Aeromass, was bigger and better than the Hacketts' puny operation. Lowell was their ding-bat mechanic. And Faye was their receptionist/flight announcer, who was always hilariously cheerful.
In later seasons of the show, Lowell left. Then Antonio, the sad-sack airport cabdriver, joined the cast. The Antonio character was only mildly funny to me. I thought Lowell was much funnier. On occasion, actress Farrah Fork appeared on the show, as Brian's no-nonsense, military pilot girlfriend, Alex. She could never tame Brian's free-spirited ways, no matter how hard she tried (and it was always fun to watch her keep trying). Helen's klutzy sister, Casey, became a regular cast member late in the series. These extra characters added their own comedic dash to the overall ensemble of the show.
"Wings" was never one of NBC's main comedy attractions, like "Seinfeld", or "Cheers" were. But for 10 seasons, it managed to generate a loyal viewer-ship. In my opinion, I think this was due to the fact that many viewers (myself included), liked to watch the Hackett brothers live-out their dreams. After all, they owned their own business, doing what they loved (flying). They had comfortable, solidly middle-class life-styles, even owning their own gorgeous house. They lived on a scenic island, far from any crime-ridden, major urban areas. All-in-all, the Hackett brothers were tail-end Boomers, who also managed to win the proverbial game-of-life. Many of us other tail-end Boomers could be inspired in our own lives, by watching the Hacketts every week on TV!
The series revolved around two very different brothers, named Joe and Brian Hackett. Joe was the elder, responsible, and straight-arrow one. Brian was his younger, much more free-spirited sibling (Brian could be a real screw-up, but somehow always came out okay in the end). Because of their radically different approach to life, their conflicts were the main source of laughs for the show.
The Hackett brothers ran a tiny, one-plane commuter airline, on the island of Nantucket. They were surrounded by a menagerie of other colorful characters on the show. Their lifelong friend, Helen, ran the lunch-counter at their little airline. Roy Bigguns was their ever-egocentric competitor. Roy always loved to crow that his airline, Aeromass, was bigger and better than the Hacketts' puny operation. Lowell was their ding-bat mechanic. And Faye was their receptionist/flight announcer, who was always hilariously cheerful.
In later seasons of the show, Lowell left. Then Antonio, the sad-sack airport cabdriver, joined the cast. The Antonio character was only mildly funny to me. I thought Lowell was much funnier. On occasion, actress Farrah Fork appeared on the show, as Brian's no-nonsense, military pilot girlfriend, Alex. She could never tame Brian's free-spirited ways, no matter how hard she tried (and it was always fun to watch her keep trying). Helen's klutzy sister, Casey, became a regular cast member late in the series. These extra characters added their own comedic dash to the overall ensemble of the show.
"Wings" was never one of NBC's main comedy attractions, like "Seinfeld", or "Cheers" were. But for 10 seasons, it managed to generate a loyal viewer-ship. In my opinion, I think this was due to the fact that many viewers (myself included), liked to watch the Hackett brothers live-out their dreams. After all, they owned their own business, doing what they loved (flying). They had comfortable, solidly middle-class life-styles, even owning their own gorgeous house. They lived on a scenic island, far from any crime-ridden, major urban areas. All-in-all, the Hackett brothers were tail-end Boomers, who also managed to win the proverbial game-of-life. Many of us other tail-end Boomers could be inspired in our own lives, by watching the Hacketts every week on TV!
A show that never flew that
jpapanone30 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
High...sank like a stone towards the end.
I remember watching the reruns of Wings on USA when I came home from school...and some of these episodes I've probably seen 20 times.
I found myself finishing lines that must be buried somewhere deep in my subconscious.
I'm half guessing how they end, and more often than not, I'm right. It's a combo of having seen em before...and the show being pretty damn predictable.
So...season 1 to 3 were early episodes. Pre Antonio and when the opening was classical music, which I never liked.
So really...seasons 4 and 5 were probably the best. There was definite some good stuff and scenes and episodes early on, but I think 4 and 5 were the most easily watchable and rewatchable.
There are some good scenes and episodes once Casey arrives, but that started the descent starting in season 6, and once Lowell is gone and Bud arrives for 1 way too long season 7, the show was over.
Season 8 is just the leftover remains.
I haven't rated many episodes. I tended to do the ones that's stood out as enjoyable or were easily neutral.
This show...like a handful of others that I can't recall right now...was pretty darn consistent.
I am 99% sure that there isn't a 10...probably not even a 9. I think the best Wings episode may be a very generous 8.
It wasn't groundbreaking, writing wasn't Seinfeldesque and didn't have anything like Friends...but it definitely could have played and contributed in the major leagues. Not a 300 hitter, but good enough to make the team and stay on.
I found Day to be more annoying than anything but nothing too terribly awful. Some good stuff throughout.
I really am blown away by Thomas Haden Church as Lowell. I don't want to compare him to Kramer ..but I also don't want to NOT compare him.
They both played the fool absolutely excellently.
Kramer was the one that got all the attention, but THC as Lowell, upon viewing as an adult having seen a lot more attempts and content...he really did it very well. As much as Kramer wouldn't have been Kramer without Michael Richards, Lowell could easily have been a terrible carciature and over the top performance. THC played him subtle yet absurd.
Shalhoub as Antonio...not that anyone could have predicted Monk, but he did seem to be the best actor of the bunch.
THC did Lowell excellently, but I'm not sure he has or has anything else. That seems to have been the perfect role and actor for that character. Shalhoub however was able to stretch and play other things well.
Tim Daly. Fine I really like Steven Weber and thought he played Brian excellently, but there were definitely a lot of cracks and holes with him. I think I remember the good parts way more than the critiques. Upon further viewings, not that great.
Helen...Crystal Bernard. Fine enough I guess. I have nothing bad to say, nothing too terribly good. It was fine. Nothing memorable.
I almost forgot about...what's her name. Farrah Forke...Alex. I never cared for her character. It was fun to see the brothers act like idiots over and for her...and I thought the way they ended her and Brian was dumb. But I think there was something with the actress and a bad breast job and there was corporate stuff with a lawsuit but they also were a parent company of whoever made the show. I thought she was a bad actress. Someone elseay have been able to do more with the part.
I left Roy for last. I knew he was funny and I enjoyed his stuff...but wow. David Schramm really knocked that out of the park. His delivery, his mannerisms, his laugh. I'm pretty sure he comes from the stage...and it really felt like he knew what he was doing, knew how to do it, and made it look effortless. They were are very good at acting, but he seemed a cut above.
I never thought of it until now, but if Joe and Bryan and Helen were the leads, I think Shalhoub, Church and Schramm were better players than the leads, which happens sometimes.
I think I remember more scenes from Antonio, Roy and Lowell than I do the others.
So...I'm never a big fan of rating a series. Tend to be way too many highs lows and neutrals to come up with an overall avg.
So...def not a 10 9 or 8. It's not in that level.
And not a 1 2 3 or 4. And...no. Not a 5.
So...6 or 7.
7 for me is easily rewatchable, without a doubt.
I used to use a 6 as eh. It's not great, not bad...but if it comes back on, flip a coin. Good to play in the background and randomly tune in.
Don't expect too much, but you won't be disappointed.
It will give you what you want. Want some light entertainment, 6 will satisfy you.
So..is Wings a 6 or 7?
I really don't think I can give it a 7.
The majority of the episodes are easily rewatchable and have some excellent scenes even if not great from start to finish.
And the back 9, the episodes just end. They don't conclude...they don't pay off...they don't give a Larry Davis or Seinfeldian end or intersection of different plots and arcs. They leave one unsatisfied...like shave and a haircut without the 2 bits.
I remember watching the reruns of Wings on USA when I came home from school...and some of these episodes I've probably seen 20 times.
I found myself finishing lines that must be buried somewhere deep in my subconscious.
I'm half guessing how they end, and more often than not, I'm right. It's a combo of having seen em before...and the show being pretty damn predictable.
So...season 1 to 3 were early episodes. Pre Antonio and when the opening was classical music, which I never liked.
So really...seasons 4 and 5 were probably the best. There was definite some good stuff and scenes and episodes early on, but I think 4 and 5 were the most easily watchable and rewatchable.
There are some good scenes and episodes once Casey arrives, but that started the descent starting in season 6, and once Lowell is gone and Bud arrives for 1 way too long season 7, the show was over.
Season 8 is just the leftover remains.
I haven't rated many episodes. I tended to do the ones that's stood out as enjoyable or were easily neutral.
This show...like a handful of others that I can't recall right now...was pretty darn consistent.
I am 99% sure that there isn't a 10...probably not even a 9. I think the best Wings episode may be a very generous 8.
It wasn't groundbreaking, writing wasn't Seinfeldesque and didn't have anything like Friends...but it definitely could have played and contributed in the major leagues. Not a 300 hitter, but good enough to make the team and stay on.
I found Day to be more annoying than anything but nothing too terribly awful. Some good stuff throughout.
I really am blown away by Thomas Haden Church as Lowell. I don't want to compare him to Kramer ..but I also don't want to NOT compare him.
They both played the fool absolutely excellently.
Kramer was the one that got all the attention, but THC as Lowell, upon viewing as an adult having seen a lot more attempts and content...he really did it very well. As much as Kramer wouldn't have been Kramer without Michael Richards, Lowell could easily have been a terrible carciature and over the top performance. THC played him subtle yet absurd.
Shalhoub as Antonio...not that anyone could have predicted Monk, but he did seem to be the best actor of the bunch.
THC did Lowell excellently, but I'm not sure he has or has anything else. That seems to have been the perfect role and actor for that character. Shalhoub however was able to stretch and play other things well.
Tim Daly. Fine I really like Steven Weber and thought he played Brian excellently, but there were definitely a lot of cracks and holes with him. I think I remember the good parts way more than the critiques. Upon further viewings, not that great.
Helen...Crystal Bernard. Fine enough I guess. I have nothing bad to say, nothing too terribly good. It was fine. Nothing memorable.
I almost forgot about...what's her name. Farrah Forke...Alex. I never cared for her character. It was fun to see the brothers act like idiots over and for her...and I thought the way they ended her and Brian was dumb. But I think there was something with the actress and a bad breast job and there was corporate stuff with a lawsuit but they also were a parent company of whoever made the show. I thought she was a bad actress. Someone elseay have been able to do more with the part.
I left Roy for last. I knew he was funny and I enjoyed his stuff...but wow. David Schramm really knocked that out of the park. His delivery, his mannerisms, his laugh. I'm pretty sure he comes from the stage...and it really felt like he knew what he was doing, knew how to do it, and made it look effortless. They were are very good at acting, but he seemed a cut above.
I never thought of it until now, but if Joe and Bryan and Helen were the leads, I think Shalhoub, Church and Schramm were better players than the leads, which happens sometimes.
I think I remember more scenes from Antonio, Roy and Lowell than I do the others.
So...I'm never a big fan of rating a series. Tend to be way too many highs lows and neutrals to come up with an overall avg.
So...def not a 10 9 or 8. It's not in that level.
And not a 1 2 3 or 4. And...no. Not a 5.
So...6 or 7.
7 for me is easily rewatchable, without a doubt.
I used to use a 6 as eh. It's not great, not bad...but if it comes back on, flip a coin. Good to play in the background and randomly tune in.
Don't expect too much, but you won't be disappointed.
It will give you what you want. Want some light entertainment, 6 will satisfy you.
So..is Wings a 6 or 7?
I really don't think I can give it a 7.
The majority of the episodes are easily rewatchable and have some excellent scenes even if not great from start to finish.
And the back 9, the episodes just end. They don't conclude...they don't pay off...they don't give a Larry Davis or Seinfeldian end or intersection of different plots and arcs. They leave one unsatisfied...like shave and a haircut without the 2 bits.
A pure definition of must-see TV!
Catherine_Grace_Zeh22 January 2006
"WINGS," in my opinion, is a pure definition of must-see TV! Despite the fact that I've never seen every episode, I still enjoyed it. My favorite one is the one with the Christmas party. You'll have to have seen it for yourself if you want to know how any why. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. Before I wrap this up, I hope that all you die-hard fans of the show will always have it live on in syndication. In conclusion, even though it can be seen in syndication now, I strongly recommend you catch it before it goes off the air for good.
The Best Quote
cynthia-morgan-19 May 2006
I think the BEST quote was when Joe said: "Face it. We're Scarpacci'ed!"
This was one of the best shows on television. A true classic up there with the greats such as "I Love Lucy", "The Honeymooners", "Seinfeld", because the ensemble cast clicked, the writing was funny and fresh, the acting great,the show was always interesting and never stale,etc., etc.,etc. I can watch it over and over and never get tired of it, and it still makes me laugh and laugh. Oh how I wish they could bring it back!
I bought the first 2 seasons;WHEN will the rest of the episodes be on DVD????????? I taped every episode onto video, but it has some glitches and the quality isn't the best, so I want to buy the whole show on DVD.
This was one of the best shows on television. A true classic up there with the greats such as "I Love Lucy", "The Honeymooners", "Seinfeld", because the ensemble cast clicked, the writing was funny and fresh, the acting great,the show was always interesting and never stale,etc., etc.,etc. I can watch it over and over and never get tired of it, and it still makes me laugh and laugh. Oh how I wish they could bring it back!
I bought the first 2 seasons;WHEN will the rest of the episodes be on DVD????????? I taped every episode onto video, but it has some glitches and the quality isn't the best, so I want to buy the whole show on DVD.
Rubbish
brianz-2444020 May 2020
Wonderful And Underrated
Thor200010 April 2001
This show had me from the start when Steve Weber in the first episode complimented the owner of the rival flight company for getting rid of the life jackets to save money and hiring a novice pilot right out of flight school. Just when I think I've caught my breath, a voluptous brunette walks past and he blurts out, "Major Hooters," only to save himself from her wrath by introducing himself as his alter-ego, "Major Bob Hooters." This was the kind of writing and creativity that made this under-appreciated series a hit for almost ten years as NBC floated it all over it's schedule. Yet, the fans continued to follow it. The other thing that made this show was sexpot Crystal Bernard, a survivor from the last season of Happy Days. The show had an incredible ensemble of talent including Bernard, Weber, Tim Daly, David Scramm, Rebecca Schull and Thomas Haden Church who played the slightly annoying mechanic Lowell Mather. Replaced by the dynamic Tony Shalhoub as the haplessly unlucky Antonio Scarpacci, the series even became a cousin to the equally successful Cheers with crossovers with its best talents. Underrated for its time on TV, this incredibly funny and relentless series lasted an enjoyable seven years until Amy Yasbeck joined the cast as Helen's jinxed sister, Casey, possibly named after Bernard's Happy Days character, K.C. Cunningham. Yasbeck's arrival signified the sign that the series had run out of ideas as Daly and Bernard's characters got married for the marriage jokes and millions of Crystal Bernard fans lost their hearts.
Funny Nostalgia
putnamdavis22 April 2019
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