Diana’s DVDs: Feb. 9, 2010
PICKS OF THE WEEK
J.A.G.: The Final Season
Who does it star? David James Elliott (as Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr.), Catherine Bell (as Sarah “Mac” Mackenzie), Patrick Labyorteaux (as Budrick “Bud” Roberts Jr.), Scott Lawrence (as Peter Ulysses “Sturgis” Turner), Zoe McLellan (as Jennifer “Jen” Coates) and David Andrews (as Maj. Gen. Gordon “Biff” Cresswell).
What’s the premise? Dubbed “Top Gun meets A Few Good Men,” this adventure-drama follows an elite wing of officers trained as lawyers who investigate those accused of crimes in the military.
When can I see it? On DVD! Or, if you subscribe to paid channels USA Network, HDNet and Sleuth, you can catch repeats there.
Where does it air? JAG aired on NBC (from 1995 to 96) and CBS (1997 to 2005) during its 10-season run.
Why is it worth my time? JAG was one series I never got into during its time on-air, but always wished I had. I enjoy everything about legal dramas, from the initial case findings, to the research investigations, to the final courtroom showdowns — and law lovers like me should find this one-hour adventure from Donald P. Bellisario to be a satisfying watch.
You may want to start at the beginning, though (the complete series box set is also available). Season 10 was JAG’s last, although a decade on television is nothing to laugh at. Kudos to CBS for having the insight to pick up NBC’s leftovers (the Peacock unceremoniously cancelled the series after a poor first season — yup, it’s been making terrible decisions for ages), as JAG proved to be highly profitable in its later years.
In fact, the show was so successful, Bellisario launched the spinoff NCIS in 2003 — a cop-drama that’s enjoyed seven seasons on the Eye to date, and has spawned yet another spinoff (although from a different creator), NCIS: Los Angeles. And although each series can be independently watched from the others, it may serve you well to go back to their inceptions, and get to know the characters and stories that shaped most of CBS’s current Tuesday night lineup — and that would be JAG.
With a strong core cast, intriguing guest spots and a slew of awards (and even more nominations) under its perfectly pressed, uniformed belts, JAG is well worth your tube time.
In Season 10 … the relationship between Harm and Mac heats up; Bud adjusts to life as a father of four; Sturgis is named temporary Judge Advocate General; Jen announces the arrival of the team’s new boss.
Guest stars: Steven Culp, Jason Beghe, Hallee Hirsh, William Katt, William Sadler, Dean Stockwell, Ray Wise, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Stana Katic, William Russ, Bruce Davison, Jennifer Savidge, A Martinez and Joe Regalbuto.
Bonus features: Featurette titled “The Final Goodbye.”
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Number of discs: 5
Number of episodes: 22
Running time: 969 mins |
Gary Unmarried: The Complete First Season
Who does it star? Jay Mohr (as Gary Brooks), Paula Marshall (as Allison Brooks), Ryan Malgarini (as Tom Brooks), Kathryn Newton (as Louise Brooks) Rob Riggle (as Mitch Brooks), Jaime King (as Vanessa Flood), Ed Begley Jr. (as Dr. Walter Krandall) and Al Madrigal (as Dennis Lopez).
What’s the premise? A recently divorced couple share custody of their kids while exploring new relationships.
When can I see it? Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Where does it air? CBS.
Why is it worth my time? Created by Ed Yeager (Ruby & the Rockits, Still Standing), Gary Unmarried made its debut in September 2008 and had critics floored when it was renewed in 2009 — to say it doesn’t score in the ratings is a bit of an understatement (the series never seems to stray close to Canada’s Top 30 most-watched programs).
However, if you like your comedies full of easy laughs and cheap jokes, consider this half-hour sitcom from CBS your pot of gold. While I can’t comment on the show’s current run, Season 1 offers up some lighthearted one-liners, effortless banter between leads Mohr and Marshall, and the talents of sweet-faced kid stars Malgarini and Newton (although personally, I preferred Laura Marano as Louise in the pilot), but astute comic lovers are sure to find the storylines far too conventional for their tastes.
Diehard fans should take heed and pick up this set ASAP. Although paired with five-season staple The New Adventures of Old Christine for a mid-week comedy block, Gary’s TV future is still unstable — it just might not be around come next fall. Besides, this collection of eppys boasts the exec-producing forces of Yeager and Ric Swartzlander, a duo that unfortunately didn’t stick around for the series’ sophomore year (both men left the show over creative differences).
Well, unfortunately for viewers — good call for them.
In Season 1 … Gary fumbles around a new relationship with his gorgeous new girlfriend (King), while ex-wife Allison announces she’s engaged to their former marriage counselor (Begley Jr.).
Guest stars: Jane Curtin, Senyo Amoaku, Martin Mull, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Max Gail, Charles Henry Wyson and David Denman.
Bonus features: Bloopers and featurettes titled “The Chemistry of Comedy” (an all-access tour of Gary Unmarried), “Planet Begley” (Ed Begley Jr. brings his eco-friendly expertise to the set) and “Tuesday on the Set with Jay” (spend a day on the set of Gary Unmarried with Mohr).
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Number of discs: 3
Number of episodes: 20
Running time: 430 mins |
READER MAIL
Hi Diana, do you know when Season 4 of Dexter will be available on DVD? Thank you. – Nancy
I can’t wait to catch up with Dexter, too (I’m just dying to see Golden Globe-winning John Lithgow in action as the series’ new baddie), but it seems we’ll have to wait a little longer before Season 4 hits stores. Paramount Home Entertainment has yet to set a release date, but if past years are any indication, expect it sometime in August — just before Season 5 debuts this fall.
OTHER TV AVAILABLE THIS WEEK
Questions or comments? diana@tvguide.ca
Diana's DVDs every Tuesday
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To escape from the daily chaos of life, Diana enjoys curling up on the couch to watch a good movie, and is guilty of partaking in the current TV-on-DVD trend. From documentaries and dramas to comedies and animated flicks, no genre is off-limits.
Before her current editorial gig, Diana worked in TVGuide.ca’s listings department, so she’s a pro at getting the most up-to-date info to keep fellow movie buffs in the know with the latest TV and film releases. Now a content specialist, Diana graduated from the Broadcast Journalism program at Seneca College in Toronto. |
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