"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" is the pilot episode for one of the great and sadly neglected television shows of its era, "Brooklyn Bridge". And, like most episodes, it's well worth watching and at times very sweet.
The episode centers on both the Silver boys, Alan and Nathaniel. Alan is a young teenager and, not surprisingly, he's interested in a girl...a Catholic girl. But he also must contend with his friends. It seems they have a club and they want to throw out the dorky member of the club...and Alan doesn't know what to do. He wants to be loyal to his friends...but he also doesn't want to upset his other friends. As for Nathaniel, he's mostly concerned about meeting Gil Hodges--which eventually leads to an incredibly sweet scene with his grandgather and Mr. Hodges.
Overall, a great episode for many reasons. First, unlike many series, it seems as if the show is beginning mid-season--without the usual growing pains. Second, the show has its funny moments but like the other episodes, the integrity of the characters and their basic humanity is more important than laughs. Well worth seeing and, fortunately, many of the episodes (including this one) are on YouTube. Sadly, there is no other way to see the show...I've been waiting and waiting for DVDs or BluRays for years.
The episode centers on both the Silver boys, Alan and Nathaniel. Alan is a young teenager and, not surprisingly, he's interested in a girl...a Catholic girl. But he also must contend with his friends. It seems they have a club and they want to throw out the dorky member of the club...and Alan doesn't know what to do. He wants to be loyal to his friends...but he also doesn't want to upset his other friends. As for Nathaniel, he's mostly concerned about meeting Gil Hodges--which eventually leads to an incredibly sweet scene with his grandgather and Mr. Hodges.
Overall, a great episode for many reasons. First, unlike many series, it seems as if the show is beginning mid-season--without the usual growing pains. Second, the show has its funny moments but like the other episodes, the integrity of the characters and their basic humanity is more important than laughs. Well worth seeing and, fortunately, many of the episodes (including this one) are on YouTube. Sadly, there is no other way to see the show...I've been waiting and waiting for DVDs or BluRays for years.