Baby Boom1988

Using film instead of videotape gives Baby Boom an elegant, cinematic texture that visually separates it from most TV comedies. But it's the smart, amusing script by the co-executive producers, Shyer's direction (the pilot is so fast-paced that you get the feeling he used a bullwhip) and Jackson's appealing mix of ambition and vulnerability as J.C. Wiattthat give this early sampling of Baby Boom its main charm.

The TV version is as cute as a game of peekaboo but not as funny. Indeed it could be argued there's not a single laugh in the pilot, except perhaps when J.C. accidentally kisses her Teutonic nanny goodbye when aiming for the toddler. The Teutonic nanny makes an arguably amusing face.