Mork And Mindy, 1978
Mork and Mindy was the hit US sitcom that became extremely popular in the UK.
The series was a spin off from a hugely popular episode of another US sitcom that proved popular in the UK Happy days. Robin Williams’ first big starring role the show clocked up a marathon ninety five episodes over four series.
The series was screened in the UK on ITV, broadcast in the 5.15 teatime slot.
Summary
Mork arrives on Earth in an egg-shaped spacecraft. He has been assigned to observe human behaviour by Orson, his mostly unseen and long-suffering superior (voiced by Ralph Jones). Orson has sent Mork to get him off Ork, where humour is not permitted.
Landing in Boulder, Colorado, he encounters 21-year-old Mindy, who is upset after an argument with her boyfriend and offers assistance. The two strike up a friendship that leads to Mindy allowing Mork to move in with her. The friendship over the series blossoms into romance with the couple eventually marrying and having a child.
Storylines usually centre on Mork’s attempts to understand human behaviour and American culture as Mindy helps him to adjust to life on Earth. It usually ends up frustrating Mindy, as Mork can only do things according to Orkan customs. For example, lying to someone or not informing them it will rain is considered a practical joke (called “splinking”) on Ork.
At the end of each episode, Mork reports back to Orson on what he has learned about Earth. These end-of-show summaries allow Mork to humorously comment on social norms.
Clips
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Cast
Robin Williams – Mork
Pam Dawber – Mindy
Ralph Jones – Voice of Orson
Details
Channel: ABC (USA), ITV (UK)
Created By: Garry Marshall, Dale McRaven and Joe Glauberg
Original Transmission Dates: September 14th, 1978 – May 27th 1982 (USA)