Major Dad Season 1 Episode 1

Major Dad Season 1 Episode 1 Pilot

  • TVPG
  • September 17, 1989
  • 1440 min
  • 8.2  (101)

Major Dad is a show that follows the life of a newly-married woman named Polly Cooper, and her three daughters, Elizabeth, Robin, and Casey. The show's first episode, titled "Pilot," starts with the girls' father, a Marine Corps pilot, passing away, and them moving with their mother to a military base in Virginia. Polly has just married her boyfriend, Lieutenant Colonel John D. MacGillis, who is commonly referred to as "Major Dad," and who is the commanding officer of the base housing Polly and her daughters.

The first episode focuses on the girls' struggle to adapt to their new lifestyle on the military base, where rules and orders are strictly enforced. Initially, they are unimpressed with Major Dad and are quick to disobey his commands. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Major Dad is an excellent father figure, and the girls start to respect him for his military and leadership skills.

At first, Major Dad is unsure of how to deal with the girls, especially Elizabeth, who is the eldest. However, with the help of his assistant Gunnery Sergeant Ernest "Ernie" Bilko, Major Dad starts to bond with the girls, and they slowly start to warm up to him. The girls are understandably upset about everything that has happened in their lives, and Polly is still dealing with the loss of her husband. But Major Dad's leadership skills and kindness help them to adjust and to start to see their new life in a positive light.

The conflict in the first episode arises when Major Dad has to leave town for a few days to attend a military conference. Polly is left alone to take care of the girls, and when they break some rules, she has to punish them. However, the girls are upset with Polly for being too strict, and they decide to run away. Major Dad catches wind of their plan and returns home early to find them. He is able to convince the girls to come back home, and with some wise words, he helps them to understand the importance of rules and orders, and how they help to keep everyone safe.

Overall, the first episode of Major Dad is heartwarming and relatable, with strong performances from the cast. Gerald McRaney, who plays Major Dad, is especially good in his role, portraying a kind and compassionate leader who is willing to go out of his way to help those around him. The chemistry between him and the girls is also fantastic, and it's easy to see how they develop a strong bond throughout the season.

The show itself is a great mix of drama, comedy, and military-based action. While the show centers around Polly and her daughters, there is also a lot of focus on the military community that surrounds them. The show's first episode sets up the themes that will be explored throughout the season - loss, family, military life, and the importance of following rules and orders. It's a great start to a show that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, and its 9-season run only goes to show how popular and beloved it was with audiences.

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Description
  • First Aired
    September 17, 1989
  • Content Rating
    TVPG
  • Runtime
    1440 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.2  (101)