Watch Mom P.I.

"Mom P.I." is a captivating television series that aired from 1990 to 1992, and was produced by FilmRise. It is a unique blend of mystery, drama, comedy, and family relationships, making it a show that captures the audience's attention from multiple angles. The plot revolves around the life of a mother who suddenly finds herself entangled in the thrilling world of private investigations, infusing an everyday domestic setting with sudden riveting intrigue and unpredictability.

The protagonist of the story is Sally Sullivan, a relatable, hard-working mother who resides in Vancouver, Canada. Sally is introduced as an everyday woman - amiable, doting, and engaged in the typical chores and tasks associated with being a stay-at-home mother of two. However, her life takes an unforeseen turn when she takes up the job of a secretary at a private investigation agency. The agency is run by a quirky yet well-meaning private investigator, Bernie Fox, who quickly becomes her mentor.

The series showcases how Sally, initially underestimated and overlooked due to her lack of experience, begins to leverage her innate skills of perception, intuition, and understanding of human nature to solve mysteries. Her transformation from an ordinary suburban mother to a shrewd, sharp-witted private investigator forms the crux of the series.

Despite the high risks and the dangers associated with her new vocation, what keeps the interaction light-hearted and amusing is her unyielding spirit and her ability to juggle her multifaceted life. The narrative deftly navigates between Sally's dual life - on one hand, solving high-stakes cases, while on the other, managing her duties as a mother of two kids.

Sally’s unconventional approach to solving mysteries often involves incorporating her life skills and experiences as a mother, thereby adding humorous and entertaining elements to an otherwise tense atmosphere – you may see her using her baking prowess to subtly interrogate a suspect, or utilizing school pick-up chats for gathering clues.

Another unique aspect of the show is the heartwarming backstory of Bernie Fox. A washed-up detective, Bernie was a once respected investigator who's now struggling to keep his business going. Together, Sally and Bernie form an unlikely team, however, they complement each other well – Bernie, with his old-school methods and experience, and Sally, with her fresh perspective and unconventional tactics.

A standout feature of "Mom P.I." is the way it explores the gender roles of the time. It offers a reflection on women's status in a mainly male-dominated field like private investigation, and how they can bring unique, unparalleled insights despite the challenges they face. Sally's character acts as an emblem of an empowered woman in the era, balancing her domestic duties while making a mark in a largely male sphere, dispelling the traditional belief that one can only excel at either professional success or family life, but not both.

Characterization is a strong point in the series. Sally and Bernie's characters are well-developed, with depth and layers unveiled as the show progresses. The dynamics of Sally's relationship with her family, particularly her children, are convincingly portrayed, soldifying the show’s premise as a mix of both domestic comedic drama and eerie detective mystery.

"Mom P.I." does not merely offer thrilling, excellent detective stories; it incorporates elements of comedy, family drama, and showcases the duality of a woman juggling two extremely different facets of her life. It's filled with mystery and suspense, yet has enough warmth and humor to keep you rooted in its characters. Drawn from the unexpected life of a mother who segues from her routine domestic life into the uncertain, exhilarating world of crime-solving investigations, "Mom P.I." portrays the strength, grit, and wit of a woman in a way that is both entertaining and inspiring. Watch this series for a blend of comedy, mystery, and a journey into the life of a remarkable, loveable character, Sally Sullivan.

Mom P.I. is a series that ran for 2 seasons (39 episodes) between November 1, 1990 and on FilmRise