Ep 7. Atomic Shakespeare

Put on your finest Shakespearean attire and grab a quill, because Moonlighting is taking us to a new level of meta with their third season, seventh episode: Atomic Shakespeare.

The plot begins with our beloved detectives, Maddie and David, looking to pass the time in between cases. They come across a flyer for a Shakespeare festival happening in town and decide to catch a show. However, when they arrive at the open-air theatre, they find that all the actors have come down with food poisoning. In a desperate attempt to save the festival, the director, pressured by an angry mob, asks Maddie and David to take on the lead roles in The Taming of the Shrew. Despite their initial reluctance, the duo agrees to take on the challenge, and before they know it, they are pulled into the madcap world of one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays.

But this is not an ordinary adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. Oh no. This is Atomic Shakespeare - a wild, modern, and zany spin on the Bard's classic. The episode takes us on a journey through different eras, styles, and genres as Maddie and David navigate their way through the play's challenging dialogue, all while trying to uncover a larger mystery surrounding the festival's sabotage.

What makes this episode so unique is its use of meta-theatricality. As Maddie and David perform their lines, the action suddenly jumps to different interpretations of the play, including a 1930s screwball comedy, a film noir thriller, and even a Star Trek-inspired science fiction adventure. Each new interpretation brings a fresh comedic tone, visuals, and references that will make any Shakespeare lover or pop culture aficionado giddy with delight.

One of the standout moments in the episode is the performance of the play's infamous "wooing scene" or "Kiss Me, Kate" number. As Maddie and David struggle to connect with each other on stage, the camera cuts between different versions of the scene, including a grease-inspired musical and a horror movie homage. The result is a hilarious montage that encapsulates the absurdity and charm of the episode.

But what sets Atomic Shakespeare apart from other episodes of Moonlighting is its sharp wit and clever writing. The script, written by the show's creators, Glenn Gordon Caron and Roger Director, is a masterclass of metafiction, weaving together references to Hollywood, pop culture, and the show's own history. The episode also features memorable guest performances, including Shakespearean actor Harry Shearer as the frustrated director and Brian Thompson as the villainous stagehand.

However, what makes the episode truly unforgettable is the chemistry between its lead actors, Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis. As they struggle with the difficult lines and exaggerated acting, they bring their own unique energy and charisma to the roles. Their playful banter and natural chemistry make the episode feel less like a self-indulgent experiment and more like a delightful romp.

In the end, Atomic Shakespeare is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Moonlighting. While many shows would have played it safe and stuck to formulaic storytelling, Moonlighting had the audacity to play with the conventions of television and theatre, creating a one-of-a-kind episode that still resonates with audiences today. Whether you're a fan of Shakespeare, classic Hollywood movies, or simply enjoy a good laugh, Atomic Shakespeare is not to be missed.