9.022 minSeason 6 • Episode 20
LatestThe Solomons are struggling to take in the news - they have been ordered back home due to Dick's transgression with Liam. Dick's first instinct is to ask Mary to come, so he takes her to the planetarium before breaking the news to her that they are leaving, and asking her if she will join them. Meanwhile, since admitting his fear to Sally, Don has decided to quit the police force and open a muffin store, but Sally is disgusted by this career choice and decides to whip Don into shape - and turn him into a hardy police officer. At home, Harry and Tommy are attempting to organize a farewell party for the aliens, but have no money, so they decide to max out their credit cards and not worry about paying the bill, since they'll be halfway across the galaxy - they even hire Elvis Costello to sing Fly Me to the Moon.
The high commander of an alien expedition lands on Earth -- what he considers to be the least-important planet -- in human form as Dick Solomon. Along for the ride are his alien compatriots Harry, Sally and Tommy -- who is the eldest of the group but is now angrily trapped in a teen's body.
Acting
John Lithgow's commitment to unhinged physical comedy is unmatched.
Writing
Alien logic applied to mundane human rituals never gets old.
Costume
Dick's aggressively normal dad wardrobe is iconic character work.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Joseph Gordon-Levitt was 14 playing the ancient alien Tommy; he filmed while attending regular high school between takes.
The Turners created this after SNL, using the same 'alien observer' premise to satirize 90s family sitcoms and Clinton-era American norms.
US
