Perfect Strangers
Because They're Cousins
TV Flash files “Because They're Cousins” as hour 85 of 150 in the TV Flash guide — Perfect Strangers (1986–1993) on ABC, season 5, episode 13, aired 1990-01-05, 30 min.
From the desk
How this hour is filed
This leaf is S05E13: listed hour 85 of 150 in the Perfect Strangers guide, hour 13 of 24 in season 5. It aired 1990-01-05 (30 min). The listed hour before it is “Everybody in the Pool” (S05E12). Next is “Disorderly Orderlies” (S05E14).
Catalog log
Broadcast listing — not a TV Flash recap.
Balki's identical cousin Bartok comes up with a get-rich scheme. Unlike Balki, who has had a difficult time adjusting to American ways, Bartok has adapted easily to the seedier side of our country. He is a slick, fast-talking con man who gets on Larry's nerves even more than naive Balki.
Viewer FAQ
Where does Because They're Cousins sit in the Perfect Strangers guide?
S05E13 is listed hour 85 of 150 — hour 13 of 24 in season 5, season 5 episode 13.
When did Perfect Strangers S05E13 air?
Because They're Cousins aired 1990-01-05 and is listed at 30 minutes.
Do I need Family Matters first?
Reverse that. Perfect Strangers is the TGIF engine that spun off Family Matters. Balki and Larry are the cousins; the Winslows are the later building.
In the series
Why this series still plays
Balki Bartokomous arrives from Mypos, does the Dance of Joy, and ABC's TGIF finds its fish-out-of-water engine. Bronson Pinchot's accent is the instrument; Mark Linn-Baker is the straight man who never quite recovers. Chicago cousin-comedy that spun off Family Matters and taught a generation not to be ridiculous.
The Dance of Joy is the silhouette. ABC, 1986–1993: Balki Bartokomous arrives from Mypos, Midwestern Larry shares the apartment, and TGIF finds its fish-out-of-water engine. Perfect Strangers is Dale McRaven's Chicago cousin-comedy — Bronson Pinchot's accent as the instrument, Mark Linn-Baker the straight man who never quite recovers. *Physical trademark as choreography, mimic fodder as a look, a greeting that photographs as religion.* Style is the plot. If you only listen to the cousin premise, you are watching…
Filed against
- Bronson Pinchot as Balki Bartokomous
Bronson Pinchot's Balki Bartokomous arrived from Mypos, did the Dance of Joy, and gave ABC's TGIF its fish-out-of-water engine on Perfect Strangers. The accent was the instrument; Mark Linn-Baker was the straight man who never quite…
- Mark Linn-Baker as Larry Appleton
Mark Linn-Baker never quite recovered as Larry Appleton on Perfect Strangers — Balki Bartokomous from Mypos, the Dance of Joy, ABC’s TGIF fish-out-of-water engine. Bronson Pinchot’s accent is the instrument; Linn-Baker is the Chicago…