by Roger Reini (rreini@wwnet.com)

There's nothing new in this special, other than an extended opening sequence (using the first and second verses of "They Don't Know", instead of just the first verse) and a selection of bloopers and outtakes (set to the theme for the first season). But it's a good summary of the season. And, since it is a special rather than part of the series, it makes Tracey eligible for an acting Emmy.

Long sketches: Rayleen's childhood, where she grew up with the dingoes; Trevor's childhood in England; Linda and her encounter with the cable guy; Fern and Harry and the ostrich farm; Ruby meeting her great-granddaughter; Sydney singing in court; Mrs. Noh indulging in a tap dance fantasy; and a segment from the 1976 episode featuring Linda and Chic on the dance floor.

Short bits: HRH meets Tracey (and both survive the encounter); Mrs. Noh cooks her eels for lunch; Ruby talking about motherhood; Chic and his arms dealing on the side; Trevor meeting Nelson Mandela; Fern's observations on race relations; Fern and Jobie talking about sex; Birdie and her "We Hate Hillary" club; Sydney's comments about her recent lovers; Kay reveals her taste in films; and Janie talks about her psychic abilities.

There's not a bad sketch in the bunch. Personally, I would have made some different choices, such as Ruby's encounter with the aliens and Kay's relationship with the detective who's been following her.

Since there's nothing really new in the special, I'm not going to give it a rating.

This review is Copyright 1997 R. W. Reini(rreini@wwnet.com)