Grey's Anatomy The Complete Seventh Season soon on DVD

     Coming to DVD Tuesday, September 13th is Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season. This season begins by focusing on how people deal with trauma, since season six ends with a two-hour hospital shootout, resulting in several dead bodies. Each of the main characters goes about their recovery in a different way. Derek (Patrick Dempsey) feels invulnerable. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) must find a way to tell Derek that she loses their baby. And Cristina (Sandra Oh) escapes into marriage with Owen (Kevin McKidd), even though she can't even bear to be in the operating room anymore.

     It's a season of evaluations of what the main characters want out of life. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) dumps her beau, only to soon be romanced by Nurse Eli (Daniel Sunjata). Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) and Callie (Sara Ramirez) have lots to discuss if they want a future together, as Callie soon becomes pregnant with Mark's (Eric Dane) baby. Meredith and Derek also consider parenthood. Mark would like Lexie (Chyler Leigh) back, but the younger Grey's eye is soon caught by Avery (Jesse Williams). Alex (Justin Chambers) also falls for someone new in Lucy (Rachael Taylor), but his personality presents a barrier to the new relationship. Teddy (Kim Raver) impulsively marries a man named Henry (Scott Foley, Scrubs, Felicity) just to provide him with health insurance. But Henry likes Teddy quite a bit more than just as his doctor. April (Sarah Drew) would like to lose her virginity, if the right man comes along.

     Then things get really serious. A beloved patient (singer Mandy Moore) returns, having survived serious drama, only to die now. It's a devastating turn of events for her husband (Ryan Devlin, Cougar Town, Brothers & Sisters) and Dr. Bailey. Meredith must make a decision that could kill her entire career, or ruin someone close to her's life. Callie is in a very, very bad car accident. Richard (James Pickens Jr.) must face the fact that his wife, Adele (Loretta Devine), likely has early signs of dementia or Alzheimer's. These events are just skimming the surface of the stories packed into the twenty-two episodes in the set.

     Grey's Anatomy mixes humor and gripping drama together into a fine batch of wonderful episodes, never more adeptly than in last season. Seven seasons in, one of television's most popular dramas is stronger than ever, and not just because of the reset the shooting gives them. The characters are incredibly well defined by this point, and the writers rise to the challenge of writing them material that really explores the boundaries of their personalities, sometimes testing their character to its limit. It is impossible to name an all-star cast member for the year, as each soars in season seven. It's really a tour de force, and may arguably be the best season of the show yet.

     A definite highlight of season seven is "Song Beneath the Song," a musical episode concerning Callie's vehicular accident. The cast perform many of the songs made famous by Grey's over the years. It's a smart move, sticking with tunes already associated with the medical drama, rather than searching for new ones that may or may not work. The episode is presented in two formats on the DVD: the original, broadcast version, and an extended copy that adds four minutes to the length. The additions aren't obvious upon a brief skimming.

     There is a slight inconsistency between the DVD menus and the box set packaging regarding "Song Beneath the Song." For some reason, on the DVD, the two versions are counted as separate episodes, totaling twenty-three numbered installments instead of twenty-two. This means for every episode after "Song Beneath the Song," the episode numbers do not match what it says on the box, which does not have the extended version on its list. It's a minor error, that effects the playing of the videos not at all. I'm inclined to think the packaging is the better version.

     The best special feature on Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season is "The Music Event: Behind the Scenes." It's a comprehensive fifteen minute featurette, following the pitching process of the event episode, straight through the table read and production. The actors and producers weigh in with their opinions, and special effects are even briefly touched on, regarding having two Callies appear at the same time. It is a must watch for any fan of the series.

     Unfortunately, it appears most of the bonus feature efforts are put into that excellent bit, as the other fillers are disappointing. There are sixteen deleted scenes from eleven episodes, totaling less than fourteen minutes in length. A few are halfway decent moments, but most deserve their cutting room floor fate. The two minute, forty-five second blooper reel, filled with flukes and giggles, is no better. Neither really add anything to the Grey's experience.

     Finally, all six webisodes from Seattle Grace: Message of Hope are included, as well as a four minute making of special on the shorts. They follow Richard as he attempts to boost the hospital's public image with the help of a consultant (René Ashton). Directed by Kevin McKidd and David Greenspan, this second batch of online extras are far better than last year's weak effort. For one, it's a more compelling story that actually enriches the world of the central hospital. For another, this year's saga has main characters Richard, Owen, Avery, and April, instead of just relying on the guest stars. While not particularly fantastic, it is worth a watch, and should only take you about twenty minutes.


     Pick up a copy of Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season, on DVD next Tuesday, September 13th.

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Article first published as DVD Review: Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season on Blogcritics.

Cougar Town The Complete Second Season on DVD

     For those who haven't watched ABC's Cougar Town, or only caught the first few episodes of the first season, then you have no idea what you're missing. What started as a series about a 40-something year old woman named Jules (Courteney Cox) seeking to date much younger men, morphed into an adult buddy sitcom in the middle of the first year, and solidified into what the show ends up being by the first season finale. Basically, it's about a group of adults who dearly love each other drink wine, hang out, play Penny Can, and get into some goofy situations.

     Cougar Town The Complete Second Season hits store shelves this Tuesday, August 30th, and it much better exemplifies the series than season one does. Included in this three-disc set are all 22 funny, remarkably consistent season two episodes. In the second year, Jules and Grayson (Josh Hopkins) begin to get serious about their relationship, Travis (Dan Byrd) goes to college, and Bobby (Brian Van Holt) attempts to make something of himself. Laurie (Busy Philipps) searches for love, which Andy (Ian Gomez) and Ellie (Christa Miller) already have. Tom (Bob Clendenin) tries to worm his way into the Cul-De-Sac Crew, as they call themselves, and Barb's (Carolyn Hennesy) occasional appearances are the only real reminder of the failed start to an otherwise wonderful show.

     Oh, and the title, of course. The title card changes every week in season two to poke fun at Cougar Town, which series creators Bill Lawrence (Miller's husband) and Kevin Biegel freely admit is the one of, if not the, worst show title on television. They are considering changing it, but no official news on that front has been announced as of yet. However, if Cougar Town had not been named that, we would never have gotten such hilarious title cards, so there is a silver lining in it all. If a name change is imminent, might I suggest The Series Formerly Known as Cougar Town?

     Season two is bolstered by new guest stars and recurring characters. Smith (Ryan Devlin, Brothers & Sisters) returns to spark Laurie's feelings once more. Travis's attentions are torn between high school girlfriend Kylie (Spencer Locke, the Resident Evil movies), who'd like an open relationship, and new grad student love interest Kirsten (Collette Wolfe, Hot Tub Time Machine). Kevin (Lamarcus Tinker, Friday Night Lights) is Travis's roommate, though Glee has snapped him up this summer, so it's uncertain how much of season three he might be in. Wayne (CT producer Michael McDonald, MADtv) opens a new wine bar. On a more personal level, Gomez's real life wife, Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), drops by as Andy's flirty cousin. Ken Jenkins, who starred in Lawrence's Scrubs, is Jules's father, Chick. And Sam Lloyd reprises his Scrubs character of Ted in the two-part, Hawaii-set, season finale. It's a very talented group.

     As far as DVD extras go, there are a half dozen deleted scenes totaling less than three minutes, a two minute blooper reel, and an eight and a half minute featurette listed as (still called) Cougar Town: Season 2, which does a fine job establishing the new tone of the series. One would only need to watch that bonus feature to get what Cougar Town is all about now. Andy's Dreams is a six webisode series, mostly involving movie parodies, and they are included on the DVD, as well as an introduction and behind the scenes look at the web series. It's about one episode-length all together, and provides a fun, alternate look inside Andy's head.

     What is missing from the special features are any commentaries at all, and the Actors Vs. Writers Vulture.com web series that was online during the long winter hiatus last year. The Vulture videos were fantastic, and it is really too bad they are not included, as they really helped fill the gap for fans missing their beloved show.

     In any case, Cougar Town: The Complete Second Season is well worth the purchase. Be sure to buy it when it comes out on Tuesday, August 30th.

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Article first published as DVD Review: Cougar Town The Complete Second Season on Blogcritics.

Brothers & Sisters Two Hour Return Mostly Weak, Signs of Life

     Last night, ABC's Brothers & Sisters returned for a two hour special broadcast. Like much of this uneven season, there were good scenes and bad scenes, with the second hour definitely being much stronger than the first. Still, both were better than a lot of other episodes, and hopefully they continue to improve. Especially if this is their last season, which is a possibility, as the show has not been renewed for next year yet.

 

      First, the weak points, since most of them happened first. Just as Olivia (Isabella Rae Thomas) is getting settled into her new home, her biological brother Brian (Douglas Spain, Band of Brothers) shows up and wants custody of her. She hasn't seen him in years and barely remembers him, but he is determined to have her in his home. This elicits a groan, and a thought of, is this really necessary? Scotty (Luke Macfarlane) and Kevin (Matthew Rhys) have been struggling to get a child for what seems like a very long time at this point, and now she'll be taken away? After all, the court will likely rule for the blood relative over the adopted parents, right? It is easy to assume this is the end of the Olivia story.

 

     Happily, because we don't need more Scotty and Kevin pining over a child drama, it is not. Unhappily, this is accomplished by introduing Brian as a homophobic bigot.

     The second this fact came to light, soon after we meet him, all tension goes away. Brothers & Sisters has been honored by gay rights organizations for good reason, and they cannot possibly slap their fans in the face by allowing a sweet little girl, who has had such a rough life, to end up in this idiot's home. Once Brian tells Olivia he wants her to have no further contact with Kevin and Scotty, even though the Walkers are willing to include him in their family, despite his obvious flaws, for Olivia's sake, Olivia's decision is an easy one. She tells the judge, and Kevin and Scott get to keep their child.

     Yes, this is a drama program, and so, by definition, there must be constant drama. But the show didn't have to resort to such ugly, corny, unrealistic measures to keep things interesting before. The best dramas don't let things seemed forced, as much of this season of Brothers & Sisters has. Making Olivia choose when things are almost finalized for her dads, and making the choice such an easy one, is an example of just how far the show has fallen.

     Almost equally ridiculous is Sarah's (Rachel Griffiths) attempts to get Seth (Ryan Devlin) back with Kitty (Calista Flockhart). Presumably, the characters on this show are smart. Sarah has run a business, and Kitty has been a pundit and a writer. They also have had to show great social skills in their jobs, so it's more than just book smarts. Yet, neither seems to realize that Kitty should just come clean to Ryan, apologize, and see if he's still interested in her. Instead, Sarah makes Kitty go to outrageous lengths to discredit Ryan's new girlfriend, Berklee (Stephanie Lemelin, Young Justice, The Whole Truth), which makes as much a fool out of Kitty as it does Berklee.

     An essential element of the show has always been that the Walkers get involved in each other's lives, so that is not the complaint. It just seems like the writers are more willing to make the adults in the family childish in ways they didn't used to be. It rings hollow, and makes them less likable and relatable. Instead of enjoying the story, it's rough to get through. To save this series, take the characters back to who they used to be.

     Berklee, herself, is ridiculous. The name, and its spelling, tell you everything you need to know about her. Considering that Seth was so recently with a woman like Kitty, it doesn't seem at all in line with who he is that he would even waste time with Berklee. She is completely wrong for him, and Seth should have lost patience with her pretty quickly. True, he comes around by the end of the episode, but there, again, isn't any tension that that's what will happen. It would have been better to put Seth with a girl that he actually would have dated, and then there would be some threat to Kitty.

     It's worth wondering if the second hour is much better because of the absence of Olivia's brother and Kitty, both weak primary stories in the first hour. Flockhart is on a reduced schedule this year, so she only does a certain number of episodes, and apparently the second part is one of her weeks to sit out. Olivia appears, but with no mention of her brother.

     What is really frustrating is seeing Patricia Wettig's name in the opening credits, and then not seeing her. It's not hard to be a fan of Holly Harper, and she left the series recently. When her name ran across the screen, I hoped she'd returned, at least temporarily, but sadly, she has not. Just cleanup not yet done on the credits.

     Now, the good story. It's really nice to see Nora (Sally Field) have a love interest again. She's had a number of great actors come in and out of her life, but none end up staying very long. Hopefully, that will not be the case with her latest, Brody (Beau Bridges). A high school sweetheart, he is the one that drifted away when her life went down another path. Brody really showed his feelings, sticking around to try to find ways to help Nora through the death of her mother.

     The whole plot involving Ida's (Marion Ross, not seen in this episode) death is handled very well. Each member of the family has different reactions owing to who they are and their relationship with the deceased. Appropriately, Nora and Saul (Ron Rifkin), Ida's children, are affectected more stongly than her grandchildren. Both have major issues with their critical mother, yet, losing a parent is never easy. Nora copes by throwing herself into planning an event, the way she always does. Saul pulls away, regretting never telling his mother he is gay.

     It seems like Saul has been held back by this secret for some time. Perhaps he cannot fully accept who he is until everyone in his life knows. While he never told Ida, a note she leaves him reveals she knew his secret, and accepted him. Soon after, Saul is able to more fully embrace his relationship with Jonathan (Richard Chamberlain), even talking about buying a house together. Saul's acknowledgement of who he is has been a gradual process, but it seems like now that he is fully out, even his dead mother knowing, he can move forward a bit faster.

     Justin (Dave Annable) is the lone grandchild that takes Ida's death hard, but that is because he is in a retrospective mood about his own life. About to turn thirty, divorced, Justin is seeking direction. While his career is going well, he feels lacking. As Ida never remarried, despite long out living her husband, Justin worries he won't be able to move on either. It's easy to overread into things in such a situation, and Justin does. Luckily, Justin has siblings to get him back on track. In this instance, their involvement is a good thing.

     The show also stars Gilles Marini as Luc, who is consistently the best written character currently on the show. He feels real, and doesn't manufacture drama where there shouldn't be any.

     Brothers & Sisters continues, through at least the rest of this year, and airs Sunday nights at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

 

 

Article first published as TV Review: Brothers & Sisters - "Olivia's Choice; Never Say Never" on Blogcritics.

 

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Brothers & Sisters Season 5 So Far

     This season of ABC's Brothers & Sisters began rough, with the loss of cast member Rob Lowe, and the reduction of some of the others' parts, including the departure of Emily VanCamp. I am most upset about VanCamp, as I took her breakup personally, and am most unhappy about it. Happily, Ryan (Luke Grimes) was finally booted as well, having been rarely seen last spring. I figured the necessary shakeup due to actors wanting to leave created the uneasiness I felt, and eventually things would settle down into the show I've loved for years.

     Sadly, that has not been the case. The last two episodes of the fall run in particular demonstrated just how downhill this series has rolled. In "Get a Room", all of the Walkers (who appeared in the episode) ended up in the same hotel and ran into each other in a comedy of errors. The show has done similar things before, but apparently they're running out of ideas on how to make this massive collision of their lives happen. I can tell you, sending them all coincidentally to the same hotel was not it. It lost all believability, even as I tried to tell myself, as they said in the episodes, "well, the rooms were half off".

     Even worse was the fall finale, "Cold Turkey". Nora (Sally Field) decided to go away for Christmas with her new boyfriend, Karl (John Terry, Lost). First of all, the Nora Walker we all know would never, and I mean never, abandon her family on Christmas. I don't care how they tried to explain it away, and gave her a huge guilt trip for going. She would not have left in the first place. Second of all, the dream sequence she had, where her kids had grown up evil and colluded with stepmother Holly (Patricia Wettig) to kill Nora was ridiculous. I don't care where Nora's brain was, it was way too bizarre. I sat very uncomfortably through the entire scene.

     Speaking of Holly, she has been MIA for most of the season. Yes, she suffered serious amnesia from the car wreck, forgetting a lot of her life. Her arc where Justin (Dave Annable) helped her was sweet. But I was very disappointed when Holly asked Justin to move on, and he did. Why is Holly even still in the cast? That dream scene was the most we'd seen of her in weeks. She's a wonderful character, developed so beautifully over four seasons, and now she's being completely wasted. Please, writers, get her back into the story fast.

     On the other hand, the one character having a good year is Saul (Ron Rifkin). Dealing with HIV is not 'good', of course, but Saul has already had more story this fall than all of last season. As a fan of Rifkin from his days on Alias I'm delighted to see the better treatment.

     I also have been fairly satisfied with Kevin (Matthew Rhys) and Scotty (Luke Macfarlane). Although I was heartbroken and sickened to see Scotty do the unthinkable and cheat on Kevin, that flashback actually justified it, showing the bad place the two had grown to, and what motivated him to do it. Scotty's intense regret helped, and they came out of it without going overboard. If the couple ever split up, proving definitively that no Walker can have a good relationship, I would likely be done with the show. Kudos for the one plot that is working among many.
 
     The relationship merry-go-round of the Walkers this season has been horrendous. Kitty (Calista Flockhart) is by far the worst offender, who, after just unplugging her husband, has bounced to a couple of different guys, none of which really clicked with her. Sure, the writers 'dealt' with her feelings on that issue, but they still went ahead with these dumb stories. Her latest is twenty-seven year old Seth (Ryan Devlin), who happens to be her boss's son. The whole thing is just wrong. The way-younger guy thing for a conservative republican mourning her husband? No, not in character at all. I love Devlin, but he needs to get off the sinking ship and back over to Cougar Town, where he was fantastic. And just where was Kitty's young son last week while she was in the hotel?
 

     Sarah (Rachel Griffiths) has fared little better. Sure, she's in a very stable relationship with Luc (Gilles Marini), whose addition to the cast I celebrated. But from the underwear modeling to the zany mishaps in the hotel, they have not been in a good place. And I don't mean their love hasn't been solid, it has, but crappy story telling has led them to some bizarre twists that were as unappealing as they were unnecessary.

     Honestly, if this is how it's going to be, the series needs to end. Not as many episodes were ordered this year, so plenty of people think it's a sign of the writing on the wall. I have adored this series since it's premiere, and never missed an episode, but the beloved characters are just being ruined at this point. I don't think I've ever seen a show I loved so much go to such a bad place. Please, please, just do a series finale this year and put the Walkers out of their misery. Unless they can fix the show, and then at least one more year is needed to wash the bad taste of fall '05 out of our mouths.

     It's been an entire week since Brothers & Sisters aired their last new episodes, but they will return to their Sunday night slot on January 2nd.

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Article first published as TV Review: Brothers & Sisters Season 5 So Far on Blogcritics.