Arrested Development - Season Two (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)Normally I hate it when people (including myself) write reviews for DVDs that haven't even come out yet. But I'm so excited for the 2nd season of Arrested Development to come out on DVD that I'm going to write one anyway! (Don't worry, I'll come back and update the review once I actually get the DVD.)
This is, in my opinion, the funniest show on television. My favorite thing about this show is how it is a "comedy for smart people." If you like dumb and "easy" humor, then there is probably still some stuff in here that you'll enjoy... BUT if you like clever/witty humor, you'll LOVE this show. The more you watch it, the more jokes you'll understand and the more funny the jokes will be. There are even jokes foreshadowing other jokes several episodes down the road (e.g. Buster's "I never thought I'd miss a hand so much" when looking at his old hand chair in "Amigos"). There's no way you could ever catch everything on your first viewing, and that's why the DVDs are so great.
While the 1st season is incredible, I'd have to say that the 2nd season might be even better. The jokes just keep building (so it's even funnier if you've seen the 1st season). The running storyline of Tobias as an "on call" understudy of the blue man group is great... even at the end of the season (well after that story has ended) you can still see blue smudges on everything in the house. The whole thing about Buster losing his hand is hilarious and contributes greatly to my favorite episode of the season, "Motherboy XXX" (which has one of the funniest endings I've ever seen). I could go on and on: the Veals, Gene Parmesan, Mrs. Featherbottom, GOB's wife, Maeby's job, "Scandalmakers"... it just never stops!
FOX cut back this season's original order of 22 episodes to only 18 (allegedly so they could introduce "American Dad"... but there are even jokes about the cut, like when the Bluth Company's order for homes is cut from 22 to 18). While it's disappointing to think we could have had four more episodes, I'm more than willing to trade those four episodes for a whole 3rd season. This is the funniest show on TV!


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In this 5 time Emmy®-winning comedy's hilarious second season, Michael Bluth, once again determined to be free of his dysfunctional family, packs up the car and his son George-Michael and heads for Arizona. But he's soon pulled over by the police who tell him that his father, George Sr., has broken out of prison. Due to the company's shady business deal with Iraq, Michael could face prison time, so he returns home to clear his name even as George Sr. secretly flees to Mexico, Tobias decides to be an understudy for the Blue Man Group, and Lucille begins a torrid affair with her husband's twin brother, Oscar. Arrested Development Season 3 will begin airing this fall on FOX.

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Mr. Belvedere: Seasons One & Two Review

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(More customer reviews)Shout! has done another excellent job with their release of Mr Belvedere seasons one & two. The episodes are all the original network episodes, not syndicated cuts. The original opening credits have been restored, inculding the original pilot opening. No music is replaced. The video is for the most part fine. Occasionally there is a blurry spot but the show is over 20 years old. The audio sounds fine also, but occasionally the sound is slightly lower in some spots.
Now for the show itself. I watched this show when it originally aired and haven't seen it much in syndication since. My memory of the show is mostly from it's original network run. I loved the show then but wasn't mature enough to fully appreciate it's humor. After watching this set I enjoyed the show even more than I remembered. As an adult I can catch the adult jokes that I missed when I was a kid. This show is as entertaining to adults as it is to a younger audience. It holds up well. I watched episode after episode not wanting to come to the end and enjoying every second of it.
The set does have special features. There are interviews with the surviving cast members (minus Tracy Wells). They talk about how much fun they had on the show, including the pranks they played on each other. They talk of their fond memories and how they are still rmeembered to this day for their Mr Belvedere roles. Hopefully future sets will have an interview with Tracy Wells. The other special feature is the SNL Mr Belvedere fan club skit. That has nothing to do with the show, but it is hysterically funny. Tom Hanks is in it. The set also features two clips Family Guy in which Stewie sings the Mr Belvedere theme song. This is also mentioned in the interviews.
If anyone is on the fence about buying this set and worrying that they won't enjoy it as much as they remember, worry no more. The show is better than remembered. A few plots may be dated but as a whole the show stands up very well. You won't be disappointed.

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When Pittsburgh sports columnist George Owens (Bob Uecker) and wife Marsha (Ilene Graff), a new law school student, find themselves with little time to spend with their three rambunctious kids, Marsha places an ad for some household help. Enter Mr. Belvedere (Christopher Hewett), a quick-witted, refined, portly English housekeeper. Despite the objections of George, Mr. Belvedere is hired and quickly sets about whipping the Owens family into shape.Mr. Belvedere premiered in 1985 and enjoyed a six season run, but has endured ever since as a symbol of its time. The story of one family trying to have it all, with some unlikely help, the show was not afraid to deal with real issues and still make us laugh. Affectionately remembered, Mr. Belvedere lives on as a cult favorite and an icon of 80s suburbia.Bonus Features: * New Interviews With the Cast* Saturday Night Live Mr. Belvedere Fan Club Sketch

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Northern Exposure - The Complete Fourth Season (1990) Review

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(More customer reviews)Season Four of Northern Exposure introduces us to the strange "Bubble Man", depicts Chris flinging a coffin, and leaves us with a pregnant and musical Shelly. There's lots more to enjoy in this mid-series season!
Here is a brief decription of each episode (from http://home.comcast.net/%7Emcnotes/WhatEp.html )4.1 Northwest Passages
To celebrate her thirtieth birthday, Maggie spends the weekend camping alone to reflect on her life and cleanse her soul. Marilyn asks Chris to help her learn how to drive. Maurice rambles endlessly into a recorder about his past in an attempt to write his memoirs.
4.2 Midnight Sun
Joel is "light loony" and, with his enormous amount of excess energy, coaches the Cicely Quarks in their annual basketball game against Sleetmute. An old friend (Gillis Toomy) drops in to visit Ruth-Anne and outfits the town from his collection of fashionable ensembles.
4.3 Nothing's Perfect
Chris kills a dog with his truck and quickly falls in love with its owner (Amy, the Pi Lady). Maurice buys an extremely expensive Augsburg clock and with its delivery comes a highly trained specialist to install it.
4.4 Heroes
Chris must decide what to do with his deceased friend's remains (Tooley). A heavy-metal rock star (Guest star Adam Ant) mistakenly arrives in Cicely instead of Sicily.
4.5 Blowing Bubbles
A mysterious new resident (Mike Monroe) quarantines himself in Cicely, arousing Maggie's interest and Joel's disbelief. Ruth-Anne must also cope with a new addition to the community - her materialistic son, Matthew, who gives up his career as an investment banker in Atlanta in search of a simpler life.
4.6 On Your Own
The Flying Man returns to Cicely to woo Marilyn; Ed finds a ring that once belonged to Federico Fellini; Maurice has Mike rewrite his will to include his recently discovered Korean son, Duk Won.
4.7 The Bad Seed
Everyone is shocked when Holling's unknown illegitimate daughter arrives in town - especially Holling who believed he was sterile. Maggie assists Marilyn in her search for her dream house. Ed is excited about his annual visit from Princess, a crane he took under his wing when she was abandoned as a baby.
4.8 Thanksgiving
Cicely readies itself for the annual Day of the Dead parade and Thanksgiving Day feast; Joel discovers he owes the state of Alaska a fifth year of service.
4.9 Do The Right Thing
An ex-member of the KGB visits Cicely to sell Maurice his official Russian dossier; a health inspector surveys The Brick for the first time in more then thirty years; Maggie makes a vow to herself to live each day as if it was her last.
4.10 Crime and Punishment
Chris' past finally catches up with him and he is apprehended and tried for breaking parole in the state of West Virginia many years earlier.
4.11 Survival of the Species
Ed becomes environmentally conscious; Maggie discovers ancient Indian relics in her backyard; Chris befriends a young delinquent and teaches him about life on the road.
4.12 Revelations
Chris takes his vacation at a monastery; Ruth-Anne pays Maurice the remaining amount owed on her store; Joel becomes incredibly antsy when he has no patients.
4.13 Duets
Ed's spiritual guide leads him to his natural father; Maggie and Mike share their first kiss; traveling piano tuner visits the Brick to adjust its ancient upright.
4.14 Grosse Pointe, 48230
Maggie bribes Joel into accompanying her to her grandmother's birthday party in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
4.15 Learning Curve
Much to Joel's distress, Marilyn goes on vacation by herself; Holling attempts to earn his high school diploma; the regional teacher spends two weeks in Cicely and almost becomes a role model for Maggie.
4.16 Ill Wind
Drastic tension between Maggie and Joel; Maurice is unhappy when Chris saves his life; Ed is intrigued by death.
4.17 Love's Labour Mislaid
Maggie forgets having sex with Joel; Ed faces an arranged marriage; a rare bird is seen (a Siberian Tit) and Holling and Ruth-Anne go out to see it.
4.18 Northern Lights
Maurice befriends Cicely's first homeless man; Joel goes on strike when his vacation is denied; Ruth-Anne, Chris, and Holling perform their various winter rituals.
4.19 Family Feud
When a totem pole is carved for the Whirlwind family, a family feud originating from an incident in 1934 is resurrected, dividing the Native Americans in Cicely.
4.20 Homesick
When Mike (guest star Anthony Edwards) gets test results showing he is completely healthy, he feels obligated to leave Cicely and Maggie behind to continue his environmental crusade.
4.21 The Big Feast
To celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Minnifield Communications, Maurice plans an extremely elaborate party; Adam and Eve (guest stars Adam Arkin and Valerie Mahaffey) return to Cicely with their new baby.
4.22 Kaddish for Uncle Manny
When Joel's uncle dies, he discovers that the important bonds in times of trouble are not necessarily from a common religion, but rather a sense of community. 4.23 Mud and Blood
At the coming of spring, Maggie and Holling find affirmation of life in Shelly's pregnancy.
4.24 Sleeping With the Enemy
Duk Won seeks approval of his bethrothed; Ed makes a movie in Tlinget; Holling wants more sex.
4.25 Old Tree
When an old tree considered to be a Cicely historical landmark appears to by dying, Joel dons a tree doctor's hat and gives his prognosis. Joel hurts himself everytime Maggie is nice to him. Shelly starts singing instead of talking.


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Reunite with the eccentric and endearing folks of Cicely, Alaska, as Northern Exposure The Complete Fourth Season arrives on DVD! Nominated for an amazing 16 Emmy awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, this must-see season has Joel (Rob Morrow), Maggie (Janine Turner), "Chris-in-the-Morning" (John Corbett) and the rest of the town's residents in their most hilarious and heartwarming antics yet - from the arrival of a rock star to a totem pole war to the annual Mosquito Festival! And now, fans can see one of the most popular seasons ever in a newly digitally remastered format for unbelievable picture quality. Follow the moose north for critically acclaimed comedy and own all 25 groundbreaking fourth season episodes today!

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Deadwood: The Complete First Season (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)The best kept secret on television is Deadwood, a semi-true story of the lawless town in South Dakota that popped up during the gold rush days of the 1800's. The real Deadwood boasted legendary residents like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock. Both figure prominently as characters in the TV series but are far from the only great characters on display.
Perhaps you've heard of the series, but never gave it a look. Or perhaps you were warned by others that the language was so profane as to render it unwatchable. True, the series isn't for anyone under the age of 18, but it must be understood that this semi-historical piece was written to represent the actual dialect and social tenor of the region at that time. Deadwood was a rough place without real law, and gold was on everyone's mind. All the elements for great drama were there. Greed, corruption, deceipt, innocence, morality (or a lack thereof), hope, hate, fear, addiction, murder, jealousy and love. Deadwood truly represents a kind of sociological study of human evolution within a laissez faire society.
It was clear from episode 1 that the new Deadwood series on HBO was something special. By episode 4, I was certain that Emmy nominations/awards were imminent. The show was largely ignored by the Emmys, likely sufferering from a combination of "newcomer syndrome" and overshadowing by The Sopranos. But make no mistake, it was more than worthy with the actors comprising a splendid balance of the familiar and the unfamiliar. Regardless of fame however, there isn't an off performance to be found in the season. Nor is there a grossly derivitive one. The characters are all satisfyingly deep, nuanced and often downright quirky.
The writing, as is the case with most HBO original series, was entirley engaging with a character and rhythm all its own. It is to be savored as a fine wine or concerto. Unlike many adult drama series on the "other networks", Deadwood never loses its momentum. There is no need to manipulate the audience with cheap antics to get them to care week to week. The story, actors and writing take care of that. Each episode flows to the next with amazing fluidity while always maintaining an anticipatory mood.
There is really no need to get into plot points as it would require a review the size of the Deadwood script and would involve spoiling much of the drama that one should experience as purely as possible. Suffice it to say if you enjoy adult themed series such as The Sopranos, you will love Deadwood. Even if you don't like westerns, it won't matter. The acting, writing, and plot are just that good. Give it a chance. You won't be sorry.

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(HBO Dramatic Series) 1876. In the Black Hills of South Dakota lies Deadwood, a lawless town inhabited by a mob of restless misfits ranging from an ex-lawman to a scheming saloon owner to the legendary Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The richest gold strike in American history provides the backdrop for HBO's next great drama.DVD Features:Audio CommentaryFeaturetteOther

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Fourth Season (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)In Season Three of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Joss Whedon and the show's writers proved that the series could survive Buffy killing Angel. For Season Four the task was to prove that "BtVS" could survive losing Angel, Cordelia, and Wesley, who were spun off into their own film noir vampire detective series. The surprising success of their effort is displayed in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete Fourth Season," a season that is more impressive with each viewing.
When last we left our heroes most of them had just survived graduating from high school. Now Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar), Willow (Alyson Hannigan), and Oz (Seth Green) are off to UC-Sunnydale while Xander (Nicholas Brendon) tries to survive in the real world and Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) twiddles his thumbs in his apartment. Instead of the "high school is hell" idea, the underlying symbolism of the season is now the brave new world of college. Buffy has moved out of the house to live in the college dorm (surprising), but with somebody other than Willow (more surprising), and is trying to move beyond Angel (sad, but not surprising). After a dalliance with Parker Abrams (Adam Kaufman), the personification of that horrible "transition" person your friends always warned you about after your first big breakup, Buffy hooks up with clean-cut Iowa farm boy Riley Finn (Marc Blucas), charming psychology graduate assistant by day, Initiative super-soldier by night.
By now we are familiar with the double-story arc structure of a "BtVS" season. For Season Four the first half story arc has to do with the mystery of the Initiative, while the second half is the confrontation with Adam. More importantly, there are several monumental character changes inspired by the desire to keep a couple of actors and the decision of another cast member to leave. Wanting to keep James Marsters around, the idea of putting that bloody chip in Spike's head, neutering the vampire when it comes to putting the bite on human beings, was a masterstroke (and, dare I say, surprising). Suddenly, Spike is a de facto Scooby. Meanwhile, with Emma Caulfield sticking around as Anya, she becomes the show's comic relief in place of her boyfriend Xander. Then, when Seth Green left the show to concentrate on films, what we thought was an offhanded comment in "Doppelgangland" suddenly comes to fruition for Willow when she meets Wicca wannabee Tara (Amber Benson). All of these changes end up having much more significant impacts on the show than the addition of Riley Finn as Buffy's new love interest.
Season Four begins with a lot of interpersonal issues, from trouble with dorm mates ("Living Conditions") to getting dumped ("The Harsh Light of Day," "Wild at Heart"), before getting caught up in the mystery of all those soldier types running around the campus in the dark ("The Initiative"). Buffy and Riley finally discover the truth about each other in the landmark episode "Hush," the only episode ever to earn Joss Whedon a well deserved Emmy nomination for Best Writing of a Drama (insert outrage over snubs of "The Body" and "Once More With Feeling" here, please). The second half of the season finds Riley learning to work with Buffy ("Doomed") and Buffy enjoying working with the Initiative ("A New Man") before Professor Maggie Walsh (Lindsay Crouse) tries to kill her ("The I in Team") and her stitched together uber-demon Adam (George Hetzberg) breaks free and sets up the final confrontation ("Primeval").
Ultimately, the strength of a season is judged by the episodes that are essentially off the main story arcs. For Season Four this means a Halloween episode with one of the best punch lines ever ("Fear, Itself"), the great Buffy and Faith mind-switch ("This Year's Girl" and "Who Are You?"), the discovery that the coolest and most important in the world is Jonathan Levenson ("Superstar"), and the hilarious insanity of Willow's wish list ("Something Blue"). Of course on that last episode once again the joke is on us as the alternative reality give us a preview of what is to come down the road. One of the most unique aspects of this season was that the climatic battle with the year's big bad happens in the penultimate episode and the season finale, "Restless," serves as an actual epilogue as Buffy and friends encounter the First Slayer (Sharon Ferguson), and sets the stage for significant develops to come.
The fact that Season Two ended with the greatest episode ever of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" in "Becoming, Part II," when Buffy has to kill Angel to save the world, obscures the fact that on balance Season Three and Season Four were both stronger seasons overall. The operatic finales might not reach the same heights, but the lows are higher and the on average score is higher. The worst episode of Season Four is probably the season premier, "The Freshman," which suffers because like all first episodes in a season of "BtVS" the goal is to have Buffy rededicate herself to being the Slayer so that new viewers can feel like they understand the gig. If anything, Season Four reaffirms that the strength of this show is character development and not just vampire slaying.
Final Comment: It is nice to see that the extras for Season Four contain twice as many commentary tracks as we have been privy to for each of the previous three collections. In a perfect world it would be great if all of the episodes had commentary, provided by shifting tag-team combinations of writers and actors, in the tradition of the very early episodes of "Farscape" on DVD, but I have long had the feeling that the cast of "BtVS" is rather intimidated by the encyclopedic knowledge of the show enjoyed by its fan base.

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Buffy begins college feeling completely overwhelmed. But once the monsters show up, it's just like old times. Then she strats dating Riley, a handsome commando battling the same monsters. He's part of a secret organization called The Initiative and Buffy is all too happy to join the team. But she soon suspects The Initiative may be more dangerous than the monsters they are supposed to be battling . . .

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Charmed - The Complete Second Season (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)Season 2 picks up right where Season 1 left off.
Prue (Shannen Doherty) starts out still grief stricken over Andy's death, which puts the sisters in a very dangerous situation. She starts a relationship with her new boss, guest starring Lochlyn Munro (Freddy vs. Jason), but eventually ends the relationship when she comes to the realization that working in the "museum/appraisal" industry just isn't where her heart lies - thus enter Photography Prue. Her powers also grow in the episode "Ms Hellfire" into a cloning-type of power called "Astral Projection". The episode also shows the return of Barbas, the demon of fear, with the handsome Antonio Sabato Jr. guest starring. (He also guest stars in the episode "Give Me a Sign).
Piper (Holly Marie Combs) starts the season still wanting to open her own club. Eventually successful, her club, P3, features many popular artists including Dishwalla ("The Devils Music), the Cranberries ("She a Man Baby, a Man!"), Janice Robinson ("Animal Pragmatism"), the Goo Goo Dolls ("Ex Libris"), and Paula Cole ("Apocalypse Not"). Piper also falls for their new neighbor Dan Gordon (Greg Vaughan), but to keep things interesting, Leo (Brian Kraus) comes back into her life, still in love. When Piper becomes sick from Mother Nature in one of the best episodes of the season ("Awakened"), Leo misuses his healing power and is stripped of his whitelighter duties and made mortal, thus allowing Piper to have a "legal" relationship with him. But she is torn between him and Dan and the love triangle makes for an excellent storyline.
Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) goes back to college and just spends the season playing the youngest sister. The season has two time traveling episode that Phoebe plays major role in. In "Morality Bites", the sisters are sent 10 years into the future where one sister is a successful business woman, one is divorced with a daughter, and the other is on death row for murder. This episode is a personal favorite. In "Pardon my Past", we learn of the past lives of the girls, with Phoebe being evil (This is just a hint of what is to come in Season 4). Although she has a few love interests in some episodes (such as the hilarious episode "Chick Flick"), she doesn't have a lasting relationship (In preparation of Seasons 3 and 4 where we meet the infamous Cole).
Overall, this season is great. With only a few dull episodes ("The Devil's Music", "She's a Man, Baby, a Man!", and "That Old Black Magic") that are nonetheless entertaining, this season will welcome old and new fans with open arms. The acting of the girls improves even more, including Holly Marie Combs (check out "Awakened", "Astral Monkeys", and "Morality Bites")Dorian Gregory also returns as Darryl, who eventually learns of the sister's secret, and remains their connection to the law.
Season 2 is just a great introduction to the phenomenal Seasons 3 and 4...brace yourselves, folks, it's gonna get good!
Here is an episode guide of Season 2:
Witch Trial
Morality Bites
The Painted World
The Devil's Music
She's a Man, Baby, a Man!
That Old Black Magic
They're Everywhere
P3 H20
Ms Hellfire
Heartbreak City
Reckless Abandon
Awakened
Animal Pragmatism
Pardon My Past
Give Me a Sign
Murphy's Luck
How to Make a Quilt out of Americans
Chick Flick
Ex Libris
Astral Monkey
Apocalypse, Not
Be Careful What you Witch For
*Also...According to Amazon, this will be released on Tuesday September 6, 2005. The new episodes for the 8TH Season premier on Sunday, September 25, 2005 on WB (US)...Tune in!!
**Season 3 will be released Tuesday, November 15, 2005 with Season 4 close on it's heal.


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In CHARMED, the three Halliwell sisters have accepted their destiny of protecting the innocent and vanquishing evil doers, even though that is generally not on the agenda of every twenty-something on the fast track to discovering what life's all about.Prue (Doherty), the oldest, is driven to succeed and dislikes the free-spirited antics of the youngest sister Phoebe (Milano).Piper (Combs), the earthy middle sister, mediates between her siblings.Prue has the power to move objects, Piper to freeze time and Phoebe to see the future.The sisters must band together to protect themselves, and the world, from the dark, demonic forces that seek to destroy them.

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Family Guy, Vol. 3 (Season 4, Part 1) (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Family Guy Vol. 3 is the funniest Family Guy set out. It includes my favorite episode Petarded. This set will contain 3 discs (like Vol. 2 did), all 13 episodes of season 4, and extras. Here is the list of the episodes in Vol. 3:
Disc 1
1.North by North Quahog
2.Fast Times at Buddy Cianic Jr. High
3.Blind Ambition
4.Don't Make Me Over
Disc 2
1.The Cleveland-Loretta Quagmire
2.Petarded
3.Brian The Bachelor
4.8 Simple Rules for Buying My Daughter
Disc 3
1.Breaking Out is Hard To Do
2.Model Misbehavior
3.Perfect Castaways
4.Peter's Got Woods
5.Jungle Love
6.Extras
Extras Include:
1.Commentary Tracks
2. Behind The Scenes With Stewie
3.Resurrection of Family Guy
4.Deleted Scenes
5.Animatics
6.Family Guy "Live In Las Vegas" Music Video
This set is a must-have for any Family Guy fan.


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Fans will have to wait no longer for the next Volume of Family Guy on DVD! The hilarious first part of Emmy nominated Season 4 will have you laughing like you've never laughed before. Edgier and more irreverant than ever, you'll forget you've ever heard the term "Politically Correct!" The must-have DVD of the season -- any self-respecting guy will own Family Guy Volume 3 on November 29th.

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Carnivale: The Complete First Season (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Carnivàle" is part of small but growing number of quality television shows that are committed to the sort of lengthy and complex story arc that was once the province of the mini-series. But shows like "Wiseguy" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" in the past and current offerings such as "24" and "Lost" have paved the way for television shows that emphasize the big picture rather than the more traditional episodic approach. As such, "Carnivàle" is most similar to "Lost," in that we are pretty sure we know what will happen at the end of the journey, but we have no idea how many seasons down the road that end game will be played out. Does creator Daniel Knauf ("Wolf Lake") have an ambitious five-year plan similar to what J. Michael Straczynski had in mind from the start for "Babylon 5"? We will have to wait and see.
With a show like "Carnivàle" it is easy (and fun) to play with various antecedents that explain the series in simple but readily understood terms. From the start I was thinking of the show as a cross between John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," Tod Browning's "Freaks," and Stephen King's "The Stand," all of which I consider to be classics in their respective genres. But there are other options as well (with Michael J. Anderson in the cast "Twin Peaks" becomes an obvious choice), which simply speaks to the potential of "Carnivàle" to resonate with its viewers.
The premise of the show is provided as the opening narration: "Before the beginning, after the great war between Heaven and Hell, God created the Earth and gave dominion over it to the crafty ape he called man. And to each generation was born a creature of light and a creature of darkness. And great armies clashed by night in the ancient war between good and evil. There was magic then, nobility, and unimaginable cruelty. And so it was until the day that a false sun exploded over Trinity, and man forever traded away wonder for reason." The words are spoken by Samson (Anderson), who runs the traveling circus called Carnivàle, but answers to the unseen "Management" figure (voiced by an uncredited Linda Hunt).
While traveling across the Oklahoma Dust Bowl in 1934, the Carnivàle comes across Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl), who has escaped from prison and returned home in time to watch his mother (Lucinda Jenney) die and bury here before the tractors level their shack. Management wants Ben to join the caravan and given his predicament with the law, he agrees. As the Carnivàle travels down to Texas we learn that Ben is plagued by strange visions of the trenches in the Great War and that he has the power to heal. Meanwhile, in the California town of Mintern a minister named Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown) believes that God is telling him what to minister to the growing number of Okies and other migrant workers streaming west, fleeing the Dust Bowl. Those who oppose Brother Justin's plans find themselves punished for standing in the way.
Ben Hawkins and Brother Justin are the creatures of light and darkness foretold, and while their visions contain glimpses of each other, they are not going to meet during this first season of "Carnivàle." Their meeting is inevitable and clearly will constitute the apocalyptic conclusion of this series, but at this point they are still coming to terms with their places in this strange universe. Each man is trying to find out about their mysterious past, where they came from, and what they can do with their powers. Eventually they will have to decide what they should do with those powers and at the end of the first season they face what will certainly be the first of several escelating crucibles.
While the focus is primarily on Ben Hawkins getting used to his power and Brother Justin doing his work with his older sister, Iris (Amy Madigan), there is also life in the travelling circus during the Great Depression. Ben is of interest to Lodz (Patrick Bachauh), a mentalist who takes an active interest in the young man's powers and who is involved with Lila (Debra Christofferson), the bearded lady. Meanwhile, Ben has taken an interest in Ruthie (Adrienne Barbeau), the snake charmer who is also the mother of the strong man, Gabriel (Brian Turk). The person interested in Ben romantically appears to be Sophie (Clea DuVall), the tarot card reader who is also the medium for her comatose mother, Apollonia (Diane Salinger), who is pyschic. Jonesy (Tim Dekay), the manger of the rousties, is in love with Sophie, but he gets involved with the Dreifuss family that runs the Cootch Show, Stumpy (Toby Huss), the father who is the emcee, mother Rita Sue (Cynthia Ettinger), and daughters Dora Mae (Amanda Aday) and Libby (Carla Gallo).
One of the strengths of "Carnivàle" is that what is going on in that travelling circus is fairly interesting even without throwing young Ben Hawkins into the mix. There is something intrinsically fascinating about how carny folk milk the marks for money, and there is a sense of personal pride in their professionalism that gives them a certain level of dignity. In the short term, I do not know if I like the idea that not all of them are going to be alive next season. Then, of course, there is the whole look of the show. Suffice it to say "Carnivàle" won Emmys for Outstanding Art Direction and Cinematography for a One-Camera Series, along with those for Costumes, Hairstyling, and Main Title Design (you could do a pretty good master's thesis just decoding that last one).
The DVD series for the first season comes with three audio commentaries, a really short featurette on the making of the series, and a giant group discussion with the cast. The commentary for "Milfay," the pilot episode, is the most important one, and twice as good as the other two put together. It has Knauf, director Rodrigo Garcia, and executive producer Howard Klein on it, with the creator/writer and director doing most of the talking, who focus on how they cast the show and how the first episode evolved. We also get the "Previously On" and "Next On" bits that HBO created for each episode.
I recognize that "Carnivàle" is going to be a very maddening show to those who want things to move along at a brisk pace, and there will be those who will abandon the show long before it gets to the promised land (when the circus gets to California, probably in a couple of seasons). But for those of us who remember how "Twin Peaks" fell apart when the hook of "Who killed Laura Palmer?" became the line and (literal) sinker, or who felt "The X-Files" was adding to its mythology without getting any closer to a big finish, the idea that "Carnivàle" has been created with a definitive end point in mind provide some measure of comfort. This first season provides an initial level of confidence and the potential for more, but in the end how good this series is with come down to the quality of the final "blow off." Given that the origin of "carnival" goes back to the Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia where there was a temporary subversion of civil order and that the term now refers to the holiday period of the two weeks before Lent, it could be something pretty good. Besides, it is not on television: it is on HBO.

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1934. The Dustbowl. The last great age of magic. In a time of titanic sandstorms, vile plagues, drought and pistilence - signs of God's fury and harbingers of the Apocalypse - the final conflict between good and evil is about to begin. The battle will take place in the Heartland of an empire called America. And when it is over, man will forever trade away wonder for reason. See the conflict of good vs. evil played out against a pair of vivid and unusual backdrops: a traveling carnival working the American Dustbowl circuit, and an evangelical ministry in California. DVD Features:Audio Commentary:3 Audio Commentaries with Creator Daniel Knauf, Executive Producer Howard Klein and Directors Rodrigo Garcia and Jeremy PodeswaFeaturette:"Making of Carnivale" Featurette detailing how set and costume designers collaborated to achieve the look of the Dustbowl in the 1930s

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The Best of Designing Women (1986) Review

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(More customer reviews)Copied/pasted from a website:
Requests continue to pour in for full seasons of Designing Women to be released on DVD, and we wanted to keep you updated on the reasons for the delay and the current news regarding an upcoming release.
As many of you have probably seen, TV-on-DVD is currently flooding the marketplace, and as a result, the holders of the publishing rights to the music are asking a price that the DVD studio is simply unwilling to pay because it will drive up the cost of the release past the project's budget limits. Although diehard fans would pay higher prices, the loss of the casual fan will result in fewer sales which will not cover the ludicrous licensing increases. In the case of Designing Women, the situation is heightened by the fact that there were many popular songs used in the episodes that create additional licensing costs.
Sony has made it clear that it knows Designing Women is important to the fans, and they are continuing to push for a release of the series. This website has even been contacted to help with artwork, but until an agreement can be reached regarding the music licensing, no official release date will be announced.


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Join Julia and Suzanne Sugarbaker along with Mary Jo and Charlene in five of the most popular episodes!Fans have requested these episodes the most: the pilot episode that began it all, "Killing All the Right People" and "Reservations for Eight" from the second season, "Big Hass and Little Falsie" from the third season, and "They Shoot Fat Women Don't They?" from the fourth season. Starring Delta Burke, Dixie Carter, Annie Potts, Jean Smart and Meshach Taylor.

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Deadwood: The Complete Series Review

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(More customer reviews)Of all the TV series I have watched beginning to end, Deadwood is the one I keep coming back to. Even though I've seen every episode countless times, I still pick up something new with each viewing. It still makes me laugh. It still makes me think. It still gives me chills, and it still makes me cry. It is a brilliant man, executive producer and head writer David Milch, at the peak of his powers as a storyteller. Watching Deadwood is like reading a 1200 page novel from 150 years ago. Broad themes in a small setting, complex and conflicted characters, and detailed scenery make for a completely immersive experience.
The plot of the series revolves around where order and community come from. Deadwood was settled outside of U.S. territory in the 1870's after a gold rush, thus leaving it in complete anarchy. Each of the three seasons is well-structured in terms of conflict. The first season deals with how the inhabitants of the town arrange themselves in this lawless town. The second season has the varying factions band together to thwart an invasive government. The third season pits the now-legitimate town against the hyper-capitalism of mining magnate George Hearst. Within that structure is several smaller stories that both manage to stand alone and meld with the larger themes.
The real strength of Deadwood is the characters. Milch has created perfectly fleshed-out portrayals of historical figures and some made-up ones, too. Saloon owner Al Swearengen is a ruthless operator who cannot help but long for an easier, more peaceful way. Sheriff Seth Bullock demands justice from those around him, but constantly surrenders to his temper and his libido. Calamity Jane is a many layered character, tough and kind, offensive and caring, vulnerable and impenetrable all at the same time. These are only a sampling of the many deep and conflicted characters in the show. By the third season, there were nearly 30 cast regulars, all of which were people you genuinely cared about.
The only thing that could keep people away from Deadwood is the language. Milch is a lover of dialogue, and he writes in complicated verse. More than one viewing is required to even catch the most basic plots and motivations. What can be equally off-putting is the vulgarity. Those with sensitve ears can expect to be bombarded with f-bombs on a semi-sentence basis. If you're having a hard time getting through the first couple episodes, check out the extras on the first season. Milch explains why he wrote the way he did in a way that made perfect sense to me, both from a creative and an historical sense. In those extras, he will divulge a lot of spoilers, but it's far better to experience the series than be turned off by its profanity.
The Complete DVD set, in addition to the many commentaries and extras included in the original single season releases, contains new material that makes the upgrade worth it. Milch explains where he would've taken Deadwood had he been allowed to continue it in the most valuable addition. A lengthy roundtable discussion with the actors is very entertaining. Also included is actor Titus Welliver giving a handful of convincing impressions of actors auditioning for the part of Swearengen. The size of this set also equals one single season release, so if your shelf space is limited, the complete series set gets another plus.
In closing, Deadwood affected me more than any TV show I've ever watched. I jumped out of my chair to cheer on Dan while he fought Hearst's man Captain Turner in a brutal fight to the death. I quote Calamity Jane's beautiful description of a revealing dream. I cried when Jewel asks Doc to "give her a whirl." I could feel the joy in the town after Tom Nuttal's big ride. For anyone who wants the most out of their TV shows, Deadwood is truly perfect.

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In an age of plunder and greed, the richest gold strike in American History draws a throng of restless misfits to an outlaw settlement where everything--and everyone--has a price.Welcome to Deadwood...a hell of a place to make your fortune.

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Nowhere Man - The Complete Series (1995) Review

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(More customer reviews)In the fall of 1995 one of the most original progams of that season made it's debut: Nowhere Man. Played by the under-rated Bruce Greenwood who brought just the right amount of suspicion and paranoia to the table, the show quite effectively, and chillingly, shows what could happen if someone had their identity completely erased, in this case after Greenwood's character (photographer Thomas J. Veil) takes a snapshot of what appears to be a hanging in Central America. His life quite literally unravels like a roll of film when the people who want the negatives erases his identity and forces him to go on the run. Everyone, including his wife, no longer recognizes or will have anything to do with him. He is, quite literally, a man without an identity or a past, who must sort out what has happened while avoid being captured. One of the themes of Nowhere Man was that you never knew who was friend or foe, which gave the show it's paranoid edge.
Unfortunately after only one season, and just when it appeared that we were getting to the bottom of who was behind Thomas Veil's erasure and how it was done, the show was cancelled, leaving many a fan, myself included, hanging in the air. It's great that this show is finally being released on DVD, it would have been greater still if they had done so 10 years ago.

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Unknown forces conspire to erase the identity of photographer Thomas Veil (Bruce Greenwood, I, Robot), and without warning, every aspect of his life is erased during the course of one evening. His wife acts as if he's a stranger, his credit cards are suddenly invalid, his keys no longer fit the door to his home and in one way or another, his family and friends are silenced.Completely alone, Veil sets out on a desperate cross-country quest for an answer while eluding his powerful and unknown enemy.His only clue to the possible motivation behind the harrowing ordeal is the disappearance of one of his photographs, "Hidden Agenda," which depicts the execution of natives in a war-torn Third World country. SPECIAL FEATURES: - Audio and video commentaries (Larry Hertzog, Bruce Greenwood, Peter Dunne, Steve Rodman, Art Monterastelli and Ian Toynton) - Interviews (Larry Hertzog, Art Monterastelli, Guy Magar, Steve Rodman, Bruce Greenwood, Michael Levine, Megan Gallagher)- Deleted and extended scenes - Promotional spots - Outtakes - Featurette -- "Networking" (UPN executive Mike Sullivan and series creator Larry Hertzog reminisce) - Featurette -- "Fact or Fiction?" (an anonymous ex-CIA operative reveals real world government conspiracies, mind control techniques and how fragile our identity really is)

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Third Season (Slim Set) (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)Season three: How can the cast of Buffy even hope to top the glorious second season? Well, for starters the very first episode is great. In "ANNE", still hurting from the events that occurred at the end of season 2, Buffy tries to forget her past and lives in another town working a waitress job until a girl recognizes her and asks for her help. Buffy realizes who and what she is and returns to Sunnydale, where the Scoobies have been filling in for the Slayer's absence. Then there is the addition of a new Slayer, Faith (Eliza Dukshu...remember her in True Lies? All grown up!!) who appears in Sunnydale as a powerful ally for the Buffy and the scoobies. This is short-lived though, as she soon becomes one of their greatest threats. The foreshadowing of plotlines in the second season become apparent as this season's villain is introduced...none other than the mayor of Sunnydale, who is attempting to ascend into a true/pure demon.
This season boasts many of the show's strongest episodes such as "The Wish", where Cordelia unknowingly makes a wish to a vengeance demon (Anyanka, who becomes the Anya we all love to laugh at later) and wishes that Buffy never came to Sunnydale. This episode is grand, as we see an alternate reality where Buffy left California and never stopped the Master from rising and as a result, he succeeded in opening the Hellmouth. Truly one of the better episodes. We also are given a taste of foreshadowing in later episodes...Buffy's sister Dawn (to come in season 5) is mentioned in a glimmer of dialogue that will remain meaningless until two years later (can you find the episode? Hint...listen to both Faith and Buffy talk in the later epsiodes). Faith is terrific as Buffy's nemesis, a Slayer just like her.Oh, did I mention Angel returns from a hell dimension as well?
The scoobies get their own star time as well. In "THE ZEPPO", Xander proves that he is more than just the weak part of the group, adept at getting them donuts and not much else. In "THE WISH" and "DOPPLEGANGLAND", we get to see a Vamp Willow...very interesting and two of the season's best episodes. This season also brings us more of the Watcher's Council, the mysterious group that Giles works for including Wesley, who later leaves to aid Angel and Cordelia in Los Angeles in the spin-off show Angel. And finally, we get to see the Scoobies graduate in a very typical Sunnydale fashion...with a huge battle. It was hard to top season two, but this season is more of Joss Whedon's masterpiece of television; let people and critics shun it...we all know great TV when we see it.

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All 22 classic episodes are available for the first time in this exclusive 6-disc collectorÂ's edition. From Â"Faith, Hope & Trick,Â" Â"Band CandyÂ" and Â"Bad GirlsÂ" to Â"Consequences,Â" Â"EnemiesÂ" and Â"Graduation Day, Part Two,Â" these Season Three episodes are a must for every true Buffy fan.

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The Fugitive - Season Two, Vol. 1 Review

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(More customer reviews)[Addendum added below]
Back in June of 2008, when this set was first issued, CBS/Paramount had replaced all of the original underscore with newly commissioned music. It ripped the heart and soul out of the show and its fans. But CBS/Paramount wisely listened to its fans, through letters to the company, from online reviews at places like this, and Internet chat forums where the subject was discussed at great length.
In February of 2009, CBS/Paramount announced and instituted a program whereby purchasers of this set could send in their proofs of purchase and receive a revised set with nearly all of the original music restored. Early returns are in among fans, and overwhelmingly this set is now back to where it should be, given the limitations of some "minor" music replacements.
Music replacement is a reality in this litigious society, so if it has to be done, then CBS/Paramount has done its homework and given us an acceptable Season Two Volume One set for THE FUGITIVE. The vast majority of Peter Rugolo's magnificent music cues are back, as are most of the CBS library cues that originated with shows like THE TWILIGHT ZONE and GUNSMOKE. There are minor instances of some apparently troublesome cues now replaced with fairly innocuous newer cues. The important thing is that the soul of the show (the music) has largely been returned.
As Amazon doesn't allow revised ratings in edited reviews, unfortunately, the star rating system for this release will tend to skew lower than it should. I'm unable to change my initial one-star review to anything higher, but if I could, I'd raise it to four-and-a-half.
The video, as is customary from CBS/Paramount is exceptional, and the series has never looked so good. The black-and-white imagery is sharp and clear, with great shadow detail. The original mono sound quality is also good with clear, understandable dialog, and now with the corrected music, is no longer much of an issue.
While there are no extras with these FUGITIVE sets thus far, it's not a critical factor. This series doesn't NEED extras - the show itself is good enough to sustain anyone's interest and holds up well to repeated viewings.
For reference, it took about two weeks from mailing in the proofs of purchase to my receiving the corrected set. By the way, you get a full and complete second set - complete with artwork, improved keep case, and printed inserts, which are now readable on the inside without removing discs!
CBS/Paramount has taken our issue to heart and made good on their promise to put classic TV on a pedestal. Support their efforts with your purchases of this exceptional series on DVD.
[Addendum, several years later. I'm learning that new orders of THE FUGITIVE, Season 2, Volume 1, are still being shipped with the totally replaced music. If indeed THAT is the case, then this set should be avoided at all costs. CBS/Paramount did the right thing in re-issuing the set with largely corrected music, but, if this is true, have dropped the ball again by foisting the replaced-scores-by-Heyes upon an unsuspecting public. Unfortunately I know of no way to tell in advance whether you'd get a set with bad music or good music, but buyer beware. The exchange program is long gone, as far as I know.]

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Dr. Richard Kimble is accused to be the murder of his wife. The night before his execution, he escapes. The only chance to prove his innocence is to find the man who killed hi wife. Kimble, persecuted by the Lt. Gerard, risks his life several times when he shows his identity to help other people out of trouble.

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The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.: The Complete Series (1993) Review

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(More customer reviews)Few DVD releases will generate the excitement among fans that this boxed set will, and for good reason: The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr., is arguably one of the best TV shows of ANY genre to have been produced in the past 20 years. (As its tag line promised, "Smile. You're about to meet your new hero.")
Not only does this box set include pristine transfers of the entire series (comprised of 27 episodes which aired on Fox from Aug. 27, 1993-May 20, 1994), it also boasts an in-depth feature interview with star and cultural icon Bruce (Army of Darkness) Campbell, who supported this DVD release in every way.
In addition, the studio has announced these great "extras" include Brisco's Book of Coming Things; A Brisco County Writer's Room, a write-em cowboy reunion; History of Brisco County Documentary; A Reading from the Book of Bruce; and Tools of the Trade, an interactive gadets gallery.
Kudos to Fox Studios for getting it right! (Note: while the individual episodes have been available for sometime on VHS, this is the first time the series has been released on DVD, and the first time the show has been released in a single boxed set in any format.)
While the series is clearly a western, it truly defies classification because it incorporates many different and unexpected elements including science fiction, time travel, ghosts, the supernatural, comedy, amazing gadgetry and core morality issues that make it a truly unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
In the pilot, the saga begins simply enough when, "one of the greatest lawmen the West has ever known," U.S. Marshal Brisco County, Sr., (played by R. Lee Ermey) is on a train with other lawmen transporting outlaw John Bly and his evil Gang of 12, whom he had captured, to face justice. But, the tables are abruptly turned when the prisoners are freed and the Marshal is killed by Bly.
The Marshal's son, Brisco County, Jr., a Harvard graduate who earned a law degree, is hired as an unlikely bounty hunter by the members of San Francisco's Westerfield Club to track the outlaws down. Brisco straps on his father's gunbelt with its famed ivory-handled six-shooter, which he handles better than a western trick star, and never looks back.
Brisco, ably assisted by Comet the Wonder Horse (who has more intelligence than most people), meets a variety of friends and foes as he pursues his goal and also stumbles onto an incredible legend: the tale of a supernatural golden glowing orb that bestows unimaginable powers on the person who possesses it. Brisco soon realizes that Bly will stop at nothing to obtain the orb and wield it for his own diabolical purpose.
Campbell, who is perfectly cast, brought a warm, human depth to the character along with an inside wink to the audience underscoring life's absurdities. He also gave deadpan deliveries of puns laced with sexual and non-sexual overtones.
The primary cast includes Julius J. Carry III as James "Lord Bowler" Lonefeather, a rival bounty hunter packing a sawed-off shotgun strapped to his back who eventually became Brisco's best friend and "side-kick"; Christian Clemnson as Socrates Poole, the straight-laced Westerfield Club attorney befriended by Brisco and Bowler; Kelly Rutherford as Dixie Cousins, dance hall singer and Brisco's love interest; John Pyper-Ferguson as bungling outlaw Pete Hutter, in love with his six-shooter; John (Addams Family) Astin as brilliant, eccentric inventor Professor Albert Wickwire; and Billy Drago as the infamous Bly. There are also great and unexpected guest stars throughout including Terry Bradshaw, Sheena Easton, and Timothy Leary.
In addition to the two-hour pilot, episodes are: The Orb Scholar; No Man's Land; Brisco in Jalisco; Socrates' Sister; Riverboat; Pirates; Senior Spirit; Brisco for the Defense; Showdown; Deep in the Heart of Dixie; Crystal Hawkes; Steel Horses; Mail Order Brides; A.K.A. Kansas; Bounty Hunter's Convention; Fountain of Youth; Hard Rock; Brooklyn Dodgers; 'Bye Bly; Ned Zed; Stagecoach; Wild Card; And Baby Makes Three; Bad Luck Betty; High Treason Part I; and High Treason Part II.
Ironically, while the series was short lived its memorable theme song, composed by Randy Edelman, has been heard on NBC broadcasts of the World Series and the Olympic Games

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The world's favorite western/sci-fi/comedy/action cult hit rides again! Here on 8 discs is the complete series about Brisco (Bruce Campbell), a tough-as-rawhide cowpoke, debonair ladies' man and Harvard-educated smarty-britches who roams from Frisco to Jalisco in pursuit of outlaws who killed his father...and in search of a mysterious orb possessing out-of-this world powers. Hot lead and cool anachronisms await Brisco as he and his sidekicks - including Comet, the intellectual equine who doesn't know he's a horse - fight for justice in the way, way, way-out West. Put your boots in your stirrups, your tongue in your cheek and join the fun. Let's play cowboys and aliens. DVD Features:Audio CommentaryDocumentaryFeaturetteOtherDocumentaries:The History of Brisco County: A behind-the-scenes documentary with cast and creator.Featurette:1.) "Tools of the Trade" - mini featurettes on special aspects of the show narrated by Bruce Campbell. 2.) "A Brisco County Writer's Room" - Roundtable discussion with the writers & producers fo Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.Other:1.) "A Reading From The Book of Bruce" 2.) "Brisco's Book of Coming Things" - interactive menu launching mini-featurettes about the signature references to futuristic elements of the show, narrated by Bruce Campbell.

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Profit - The Complete Series (1996) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'll never forget watching the first episode of this series during its initial run on FOX. I think I knew, even as the episode unspooled, that Jim Profit and his co-workers wouldn't be long for this world. The end came too soon, and was a loss for anyone who looks for intriguing, intelligent, thought-provoking and conversation-stirring entertainment. As is all-too often the case, a network refused to stand behind a show and give it the necessary time to find an audience. Truth be told, I think Profit would be a much better fit on today's television landscape, where many cable outlets are able to survive - and thrive - with smaller audiences, such as those for programs like The 4400, Rescue Me and Nip/Tuck.
Profit is a show you won't soon forget, with imagry that will burn itself into your mind. It is also a show that won't leave viewers with mixed emotions... they will either love or hate it, as was the case during its original run. Those who fall in warped, twisted love with the series will find themselves wanting to defend their show voraciously. Those who loath it will argue just as loudly.
But honestly... when was the last time a network television show inspired such intense feelings - good or bad - in an audience? Those looking to see just how good television can be when it thinks outside the box - ironic, considering a classic scene in the series involves the lead character sitting inside one - will not want to pass up the opportunity to add this DVD to their collection.

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Jim Profit works for a multinational company, andisn't above using any means necessary to get ahead,and that includes bribery, blackmail, intimidation,extortion, and even murder. Now everyone at thecompany, including the president, Charles Gracen areoblivious to his dark side, as a matter of fact,Gracen thinks of him as a golden boy. But JoanneMeltzer, the company's security chief looks into hiseyes, she sees something sinister. And when her boss,Jack Walters is looking into some irregularities atthe company, he asks Joanne to look into andinitially, the person she cornered said it was Profitwho was behind it, but when Profit learned of this, heconvinced this person to change the story she toldJoanne. But Joanne knows that Profit is evil and soshe tries to get the goods on him, at the same time,Profit tries to find a way to neutralize her andanyone else who might believe her.

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Veronica Mars: The Complete Third Season (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Today the CW officially cancelled the best show on television (understandably, some would say, due to abysmally low ratings). There lingers a chance that the series might be revitalized in a different form, but the hammer has officially fallen. Veronica Mars is unceremoniously over.
Season 3 was the first (and last) season of the show to air on the fledgling CW network. It took a different approach to storytelling than seasons 1 and 2, featuring two separate mystery arcs and a number of one-episode mysteries, rather the season-long affairs for which the show had become known and loved. Despite the change, season 3 works as excellent, intriguing television. The writing is witty and the acting in sharp, as before.
The creator of the show, Rob Thomas, once heard the series described as "Chinatown meets Heathers." That's a perfect description. I would say it also owes heavily to Twin Peaks. Chinatown happens to be my all-time favorite movie. I'm a noir junky, and V-Mars serves it up in lusty, lipsticked, smoke-tinted glory with every episode. Many people are turned off by the concept of a high school/college girl solving mysteries. And they should be. As a premise, this show would easily fail in the hands of most producers. But Thomas and co-writers have created something magical and perfect here. The heroine Veronica is sarcastic, at times mean, overly hard-boiled, and full of acerbic wit. There's nothing candy-coated about Veronica. First time viewers often disregard the show as "another teen drama," and for this reason more than any other it failed to attract a sustaining audience. I urge you to give it a chance. Especially if you have a sarcastic mind, if you've lost faith in the basically good nature of humanity, if noir interests you, or if you just like an intelligent mystery or exceptionally well-acted drama, this may be what you're looking for. It was for me.
Admittedly, I watch very little television, but to put things in perspective this is a short list of the TV shows I've watched and loved over the years: Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, Freaks and Geeks, Deadwood, and Wonderfalls. I would place Veronica Mars at the top of this delightful heap. (Actually, looking at that list, every show was cancelled before its time save BSG which is still on the air. Maybe that says something. Maybe not.) Recently, my wife and I started re-watching season 1 and 2 of Veronica Mars with a friend. His comment after one episode was this, "This show shouldn't be on television. It's too... challenging, too beautiful." I couldn't have said it any better. Unfortunately, our friend was right in the end. V-Mars was too challenging, too beautiful. And now it's gone.

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Hearst College, jewel of the Pacific. A citadel of higher education set amid rolling lawns and swaying palms. But since Hearst is in Neptune, California - and since Veronica Mars is among its incoming freshmen - you know it's also a noir netherworld of lies, betrayal, secrets and (of course) murder. Veronica, Logan and more of your VM favorites join cool new characters for a Season 3 of seething mystery and sardonic wit. College is indeed a learning experience as Veronica aces a crim class led by a hunky prof, solves the case of on-campus rapes that began in Season Two, and gives a grad seminar in sleuthing when two faculty members take sudden, eternal early retirements. Frosh year is gonna be freaky!DVD Features:Deleted ScenesFeaturetteGag ReelOther

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Angel: Seasons 1-5 (Collectors Set) (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)To begin I must confess, the only time I have watched Angel..was after it arrived at my door this week in a cute little package. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge "Buffy" fan and own the Chosen Collection (Seasons 1-7). But because I have only recently started watching Angel, this review is for the boxset itself.
Since, I have the Chosen collection, I cannot help but compare the two. Angel the series comes in a (obviously) box, with 5 separate DVD holders that layer to make the face of our lovely brooding Vamp-hero-person guy. The sturdiness of the DVD holders caught my eye right off, they are much better than those in the Chosen collection (which were basically bonded with a weak adhesive) The box kinda folds apart, when you lift the lid, a panel falls down so you can see all the DVD season holders, the panel that falls down has a color pic of the Angel Cast. (this is similar to the Chosen collection)
The set includes a color-print booklet that outlines each episode with a short description. Each page highlights 3-4 episodes (the same number of eps. on the corresponding disc) and on the opposite page is a breakdown of the chapters in each show.
The most exciting feature (for me) is the letter from Joss Whedon to the "Angel Fan". A full letter comes folded in a blue envelope in which Joss Whedon discusses Angel, they whys and hows, and highlights some of his favorite moments. In comparison to the letter in the Chosen collection, Angel takes the cake.
The set is a bit pricey, but if you don't already have the individual seasons and like me, have been thinking and thinking that you MUST watch Angel in order to feel like a true Buffy-verse fan, then go ahead, indulge yourself! ;)
Though I am technically a new fan (not even through the 1st season yet!), for this past show, it has already made me laugh and cry. Some old and new faces to fall in love with.
So sit back, and let the dark mysterious stranger that is our beloved Angel entertain you, I don't think he will disappoint, he hasn't me yet!


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ANGEL SEASON 1 (6 DISCS)
ANGEL SEASON 2 (6 DISCS)
ANGEL SEASON 3 (6 DISCS)
ANGEL SEASON 4 (6 DISCS)
ANGEL SEASON 5 (6 DISCS)

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