Rewind the 70s: A Review of Mork & Mindy

Before his roles as “Aladdin’s” Genie and the title character in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Robin Williams was known as Mork from Ork in the zany 1970s sitcom, “Mork & Mindy.”   

The show, airing on ABC from 1978 until 1982, was conceived from the sitcom spin-off craze of the late ‘70s and ‘80s, which showcased the transition from broadcasts that promoted traditional, conservative values to fresh, boundary-pushing sitcoms. 

In a half-witted Star Wars parody, the writers Garry Marshall and Lowell Ganz tasked themselves with creating an alien named Mork who attempts to abduct the character Fonzie in the family show called “Happy Days.” However, this failed kidnapping is later revealed to just be a dream.  

The success of Mork’s character was no dream, however. Though E News reported that Robin Williams wasn’t the studio’s first choice, his performance elevated the character, and audiences demanded a spin-off; their wish was granted with “Mork & Mindy.” 

In his own show, Mork returns to Earth and befriends Mindy (Pam Dawber), an aspiring journalist, in his quest to understand humanity. In the first episode, Mork greets people by declaring “Nanu Nanu,” uses egg-shaped technology, drinks with his fingers and sits on his head.  “Mork and Mindy,” although eccentric, represented the ‘70s unlike other shows of the time. 

Most of the show’s episodes centered around Mork struggling to learn about laws, government, love or human etiquette while his down-to-Earth counterpart, Mindy, attempts to keep him out of trouble, leading to countless comedic misunderstandings. Mork and Mindy’s chemistry is surprisingly explosive and a joy to watch. Pam Dawber is the source of reason with enough laid-back charm to perfectly balance out Williams, coaching the audience to embrace the absurd.  

Despite having a strong co-actress, Robin Williams is the supernova powering the show. Although Williams used silly nonsense, some weak gags and outdated references, he delivered every line as passionately as the first, giving an electric performance that cannot be recreated. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the crew had to add a fourth camera just to keep pace with Willaims frantically bouncing about the set.  

In its first season, “Mork & Mindy” was Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series according to IMDb. It also introduced Robin Williams to mainstream audiences, appealed to kids and adults alike and put the show’s town of Boulder, Colorado, on the map.   

Despite “Mork & Mindy’s” initial success, its subsequent seasons failed to truly evolve. Mork became a static one-man show as supporting characters were easily replaced and plots became lackluster. Originally a frenetic and unpredictable character, Mork — and the show in general — became formulaic and lost a majority of its heart and charm by season four.  

“Mork & Mindy’s” first season is certainly its strongest with each subsequent season paling in comparison. For modern audiences, the pervasive laugh track, a moral recap at end of each episode and gags revolving around William’s strange acting makes for a tough sell. However, Williams continuously pushes the limits of his impressions, his body and his energy over all four seasons. While the show’s first season remains innovative, fresh and a reflection of sitcoms exploring modern topics like democracy or immigration, its subsequent seasons fail to replicate the same caliber of excitement.  

Anyone can watch “Mork & Mindy” for free on Pluto TV. 

Glass is a feature reporter for the Liberty Champion.