TURNER AND HOOCH: Episode 1.1: Forever and a Dog

“Forever and a Dog,” the first episode of TURNER AND HOOCH on Disney+, follows Scott Turner, a police detective in San Francisco who inherits a huge dog from his late father and must learn to be a good owner while juggling his other responsibilities. Based on a 1989 Tom Hanks comedy, TURNER AND HOOCH: “Forever and a Dog” is funny, exciting and extremely heartwarming, with a soldi moral worldview about upholding the law and taking care of others, but there’s some action violence and a brief comical comment about a pagan god.

The program opens with Scott preparing for work. His apartment is impeccably tidy, complete with a self-sufficient vacuum and labeled pantry. It’s clear that order and control are the name of Scott’s game.

Jessica, Scott’s law enforcement partner, comes to pick him up. Later that morning, they take down a criminal and then get tasked from their supervisor to monitor a high-profile bank robber who needs protection the day before his trial. However, things take a major about-face when Scott’s sister and her son drop off Scott’s late father’s dog, Hooch.

Hooch is a big dog with an even bigger slobber, and Scott is less than pleased with Hooch’s arrival. It seems like Hooch will do nothing but put a dent into his professional life, since it’s clear Hooch can’t be left at Scott’s house without supervision. However, things start to look up for Hooch and Scott’s friendship when a trainer says that dogs have intuitive abilities that humans don’t. Could Hooch prove useful in the field?

The events in Episode One come to a head when Scott and Jessica take Hooch to a stakeout. Will this problematic pooch be up to the challenge of helping Scott?

TURNER AND HOOCH: Forever and a Dog is a funny, exciting and extremely heartwarming episode for family audiences. Fans of the 1989 Tom Hanks movie with the same title might enjoy this new take on that funny flick. The script for “Forever and a Dog” has equal parts comedy and more somber moments that pair well together. Writers of the series also do a stand-up job in setting up the remainder of the season at the tail end of the episode, which might entice viewers to keep watching.

“Forever and a Dog” has a solid moral worldview about taking care of others, even when it’s inconvenient and upholding the law. There’s a clear divide between the good guys and the bad guys. Also, there are undertones promoting family and friendship. The episode contains some action violence and a joke about a pagan god. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children for TURNER AND HOOCH’S “Forever and a Dog” episode.