JLRMovieReviews The spoof of all spoofs, the parody of all parodies – is "Fresno." Inspired by the characters and outrageousness of "Dynasty,' "Falcon Crest," and "Dallas," "Fresno" is a tale of murder, deception, lust infused with comedy. Carol Burnett, Dabney Coleman, Teri Garr, Gregory Harrison and Charles Grodin are the main cast of this hilarious showcase. There's so much involved in this story, I don't know where to begin. Carol Burnett is Charlotte Kensington and is rich, and is in the raisin business. They have a novel idea, a secret weapon, but her enemy Dabney Coleman wants to destroy her. Part of the back story is the mysterious death of Carol's husband, Yancey which happened years ago. Charles Grodin's character, her son, Kane, is obviously a takeoff of J.R. Ewing and Charles is absolutely great in his role. He almost steals the show from everyone else, but everyone is given equal time to shine. Unfortunately they don't really do much with Tallon, played by Teri Garr and is Charles's wife. There's a gay son and also an adopted daughter, played especially well by Valerie Mahaffey. Bill Paxton and Teresa Ganzel are simple country folk and married, she a maid in the family's household but who has dreams of being a country singer. As you can see, it's practically a virtual who's who of 1980s TV. And, Gregory owns a shirt, which he carries over his shoulder. But he's shirtless throughout most of the time, even in places you wouldn't expect. He shows up with an agenda of his own. I am barely scratching the surface with all this, but I can't really describe the experience of seeing all the bizarre goofiness of "Fresno." You can see this on Youtube, so find "Fresno" and enjoy the twisted characters in all their wonderful glory.

fernandofamily Why haven't they put this on DVD yet? I saw this as a 14 year old and my mom had been a Dallas fan, so to me this was the funniest thing on the planet. My sister is the only other person I personally know who has seen it.We live in Fresno now and have driven past so many areas that I remember from the miniseries. I still can't help laughing when I think about it. I really badly want to see it again. My husband thinks I am nuts. He never even heard about it when it was on back in the 80's, but it is one of my biggest TV memories.I have searched high and low on the internet and never have found an old copy of the VHS that is reported to be out there. I would rather have it on DVD anyhow. What do we have to do to get it put on DVD (and not a bad copy of an old recording). I want the real thing!

brian-olsen1 My brother and I watched this and I still recall some of the choicer scenes: the family at the table where an empty seat is placed for the long departed Patriarch Mr. Kensington, hat and vest in place. Carol Burnett as Mrs. Kensington telling hired hand Jaun that he didn't need a raise, "I've seen what your family wears and what they eat, you don't need a raise." Dabney Colman as Mr. Tyler Cain taking his niece to school in the limo. (She hates to "attrack attention"). The lady with the water rights, her clock collection and her beer drinking, hick husband in his dirty T shirt with a wedge of belly exposed. Charles Grodin as Cain Kensington pouring mama's bloody mary "breakfast". Jerry Van Dyke hosting a fund raiser for WHIP (Woman with Husbands in Prison)was a hoot. Mrs. Kensington visiting her son in prison...well it was just one belly laff after another. Non stop hilarity with an absolutely wonderful cast of characters. This NEEDS to be released on DVD!

rv6abob My favorite scene from this mini-series is when the person, in the middle of the trial suddenly bursts out their guilt in a passioned plea. Then realizes they are in the wrong courtroom. Carol Burnett, Dabney Coleman, Charles Grodin and Teri Garr are exceptional in their portrayals. This should definitely be on DVD!