A tricky situation becomes even more complicated when Mel’s difficult father Senator Russell Burke (Christopher Rich of Reba) spoils grounded Lennox while he’s in town.
Even before Senator Burke arrives in this week’s episode The Perfect Storm, Mel and Joe’s amateur parenting skills are put to the test. Lennox is in danger of failing chemistry, and while Mel still wants to take her to a Green Day concert, Joe puts his foot down. Though she wants to be seen as “fun Aunt Mel,” she gets on board and tries to act tough. Unfortunately, while Lennox is forced to do practice tests, Senator Burke surprises everyone with a visit, with the intent of spoiling his grandkids rotten.
After Mel insists that Lennox has to study, Russell takes the sneaky route and bribes Joe with a Rolex so he can let Lennox go to a party. On the ride home, Senator Burke convinces Lennox that she would have a better time living with him. Mel and Joe’s attempt at reverse psychology fails, but they catch a lucky break when Russell’s lack of faith in her academic abilities changes Lennox’s mind.
A personal favorite aspect of this episode was how perfectly Christopher Rich fit the part of Senator Burke. Rich plays the role of conniving jerk very well. As a Reba fan, I did see a little bit of Brock in this character, specifically when he teases Joe about being the nanny. Since he did such a good job with the part, I sincerely hope this is a recurring role for Rich. Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if it is, since as Mel’s father, there will be plenty opportunity for him to cause chaos in the household again.
Because of Senator Burke’s visit, viewers get to learn about Mel’s upbringing. Already Mel has mentioned her party girl past many times in just the four previous episodes, so some of the reason for this is revealed. Basically, she was neglected and spoiled rotten by her upper class parents. Senator Burke’s condescending attitude towards the women of his family is an interesting aspect of his character, and it was a nice change up of the old “reverse psychology” story line.
Along with developing back story, the show’s quality seems to be improving as well. Melissa Joan Hart seems to be a little more relaxed in this episode, her jokes not as forced. Mel and Joe’s bit where they make each other to tell the truth was actually very funny. My only complaint is the YMCA joke. While the line itself is cute, the laughter afterwards is just…weird. There’s normal laughter, but Hart and Lawrence seem to wait as if the audience needed to calm down. Makes me think the line was supposed to have a bigger impact than it did. The moment isn’t a big deal but for some reason it really bugged me.
Anyway, so even though Rhonda is missing, this week’s episode definitely shows continued improvement – especially since Rich’s appearance on the show is put to very good use.
