Jack & Bobby

Pilot

Season 1, Episode 1, Aired 9/12/04

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Episode Summary

Jack and Bobby McCallister are two bright young brothers growing up in Hart, Missouri, under the watchful eye of their eccentric single mother Grace, a college professor whose strong personality helps shape both of these young men's lives and secure one a place in the history books - as President of the United States.''Grace and Jack's temperamental mother/son relationship takes a dangerous toll on Bobby as he gets caught in their rival forces, prompting a major change in the McCallister household. The arrival of a new college president, Peter Benedict, and his daughter, Courtney, makes an impression on the McCallister boys.moreless

8.9

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Cast & Crew

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Christine Lahti

Grace McCallister
Edwin Hodge

Marcus Ride
John Slattery

Peter Benedict

Fan Episode Reviews (4)

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Good

6.5

"Fair"

By chinghk, Jan 07, 2011 Report Abuse

The lives of teenaged Jack and Bobby (Robert) McCallister as they went to high school and generally matured. Much conflict was generated between the boys and their mother, Grace, played by Christine Lahti, who was both smart and volatile, and always a dominating influence in their lives. The names of the main characters are unmistakable references to President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his brother, Senator Robert Francis Kennedy, who were commonly referred to as "Jack" and "Bobby," though it was stated in the show they were named after their father, Juan Roberto del Alba.
The main storyline was paralleled by a series of interviews with figures associated with the McCallister presidency, who spoke of events from Robert McCallister's later life. Typically, there was a thematic link between the main plot, set during Bobby's adolescence, and the reminiscences of his adult life and political career.moreless

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Good.

8.9

"Great"

By dmarex, Aug 31, 2006 Report Abuse

Usually, I don't watch shows like "The West Wing." I don't know why. I just can't get hooked up. And today I saw the pilot for "Jack & Bobby," and I really liked it.

The pilot tells the story of two brother, Bobby & Jack, who are having a complicated relationship with their mother. We meet these three characters and find out A LOT about them.

Interesting stories, introduction of complicated but normal characters and much more.

First of all, I though this was a middle-season episode, and when I discovered it was a pilot, I was stunned. What a great pilot. Many pilots are dissapointing, but this promised a really great series. It's just sad that the series lasted for one season only.moreless

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And I thought this would be another 'boring old stuff and no more creative series', which doesn't seem to be when I first watched it, well done, to these producers for their creative way of expressing themselves and a great ending song for their seriesinmoreless

10

"Perfect"

By chiayitay, Apr 15, 2006 Report Abuse

As I was saying at first, I was fooled or rather being tricked by the producers of this series. 'Jack and Bobby', by the name, I thought it would just be another boring old kind of series which is not interesting like 'The West Wing' anymore (actually there are no more series like that nowadays). But it turned up that it is very interesting. The pilot of this series started with a very eye-catching scene and touching indeed, the protagonist's brother (Jack) turned up as a very good runner but his little brother Bobby has asthma. That sounds very ridiculous to me but that are what the producers hope for.
Grace, their mum decided that she would get Bobby something he wanted for his birthday, which is a TV. That which is also Jack's dream since he was born he said, is very precious to him until he can run to the shop and asked the salesman to only recommend the TV to his mum. Well, the 'clever' Grace is not fooled, she noticed Jack's 'shadow' and at the end of the day, instead of buying a TV for Bobby, Grace bought a keyboard for him after telling him her tales when she wanted to learn piano. (It was a keyboard that can compose a symphony, how ridiculous!!)
As the series go on, I can only tell you guys some information I know. You should really watch this show as I really came to TV.com to search for this series (because i thought this series was based on a true story until I noticed the year..), this series was too real. It can teach you a lot, much more than the things or books you read. It teaches you how to be you and live happily in this world. If anyone ask me, that's my review to it, a 14-year-old girl's thoughts. Enjoy.
peace out!moreless

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Introduced the main charaters in the show, how the first lady met the president, and the president had a illness too.

9.9

"Superb"

By chiahooitay, Apr 10, 2006 Report Abuse

A very special series. At first, I truly think Bobby is the real US President. Then I went online to check the US President list. Only then I know they fool me! They acted everything like a documentary, as if Bobby is the real President.They interview the First Lady, the Chief of Staff and other staffs in the White House. They made everything looked like real! A show that watchworthy! I like West Wing, and I like this show too!moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- In the official credits actor David Paymer was not credited as a guest star even though he does appear in the episode as the character Adam Chasen. Edit
Notes
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- In what has now become a common practice, this pilot episode of "Jack & Bobby" was the first ever episode of ANY TV series to be shown online (AOL Broadband) prior to its original television broadcast. This is also the only episode of the series to be released on DVD: the magazine "Entertainment Weekly" included the episode with the issue that was sent to subscribers the week prior to the TV broadcast in a special promotion for the series. Edit
- This episode was named #10 on The Futon Critic's Top 50 Episodes of 2004. Edit
- This episode was originally shown in widescreen format. Subsequent episodes were not for Jack & Bobby. Edit
Quotes
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- Jack: My brother has no off switch. Edit
- Future Courtney: There were some dark hours during his presidency. And it was in those times he said the wrong brother became president. Edit
- Bobby: I could be in a band. Jack: Yeah, with who? Bobby: With Warren. Jack: You need more than two people in a band, dumbass. Edit
Allusions
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- Grace: You're more the sax type anyway.
  A reference to President Clinton's ability to play the saxaphone. Edit