Moonlighting (TV Series) Atomic Shakespeare (1986) User Reviews

A Very Funny Take on The Taming of the Shrew

[RRRhonda9 · 8/10 · 28 November 2006]

I loved the "Moonlighting" series 20 years ago, and although I now know that Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd did NOT have the personal chemistry that they had on screen, I still value the series. It was quite ahead of its time--and I think that helps to make the series timeless! This particular episode, "Atomic Shakespeare" is an abbreviated "Taming of the Shrew" with Willis as Petruchio and Shepherd as Katharine.

This casting is, of course, ideal; the minor players (series regulars) also do a great job.

The late Sterling Holloway (recognized by my AP English students as the voice of 'Winnie the Pooh') narrates the love(?) story/comedy like no one else could.

I highly recommend the entire "Moonlighting" series, but particularly this episode from the third season, "Atomic Shakespeare."

Out of the 3rd Season of Moonlighting

[shido-san · 8/10 · 17 July 2009]

Very tongue-in-cheek, breaking the 3rd wall, adaptation of Shakespeare. Or, should I say, "wigglestick," as it is a Shakespeare with license. A joy to watch. Based on Taming of the Shrew with Bruce Willis' character, David Addison, playing Pertrucio and Cybill Shepherd's character, Maddie Hays, playing "The Shrew" Katerina. This episode highlights the love affair between Moonlighting and its international audience in its day. Definitely a must-see for old Willis fans. This is why Die Hard came to be made. Co-starring Allyse Beasley, and (Risky Business, Revenge of the Nerds, Spy Hard, Southland Tales, Smokin Aces) Curtis Armstrong.

The single best episode of Moonlighting

[maggiel1972 · 10/10 · 2 February 2024]

I've been rewatching the series since it started streaming on Hulu. On the whole, the series hasn't aged as well as I'd like - the mysteries are usually predictable, the David Addison character is often more annoying than endearing when viewed through a modern lens. But this show had moments that were truly groundbreaking and there are a few episodes and segments which make the full series well worth watching. This episode is genius, the brightest of bright moments and a credit to everyone involved. Cybil and Bruce, the writers, the production team - everything works together perfectly. It's a gift to be able to watch it again.