The VICIOUS TV News Wrap for 01.03.06
Posted by Steve Vicious on 01.03.2006
My complete guide to TV on DVD for 2005, plus thoughts on Flavor Flav's new reality show, the Lifetime channel battles Dish Network, and "Daisy Does America" is good stuff.
The Intro:
Ah, what can I say? I no-showed the last two Tuesdays due to technical difficulties with my PC. The problem began on December 15th, a few days after I had just purchased a brand new DVD writer drive ($65) and a V.92 dial-up modem (yes, I'm STILL on dial-up), so everything was finally working fine Wednesday night and I went to sleep. I awoke the next day to check my E-Mail and my Microsoft Windows XP Professional service pack 2 Explorer.exe crashed. In other words -- my Windows' start menu and icons were not loading as they normally do. I wasn't worried at first, since the problem had been persistant for a few weeks, so I tried restarting my PC. Explorer.exe still wouldn't load up again. My next move was to try using Windows' Safe Mode. However, that didn't work because I was now getting a black screen (normally my Velvet Revolver wallpaper would be the only thing appearing), so I restarted my PC again. I then went to the Bios setup and decided to do go into fail-safe mode, which caused my second problem -- my PC's motherboard was fucked up thanks to the Bios setup!
I stayed up all night trying to figure out what to do and none of my ideas were working, so I decided to take my PC to a repair shop the very next day. I explained to the guy there the problem and he seemed to understand that it wasn't a big deal, so I was relieved and the fact that my data would stay in-tact was great news for me and my nearly completed 411 DVD reviews. I also have a lot of DVD rips on there that I'm trying to burn to free up space, so losing my data would have driven me insane. But I knew that it wouldn't happen, so it was okay. Anyway, my PC was worked on Monday (December 19th) and I received the phone call to pick it up. However, the guy fixed the motherboard problem, but forgot to fix the ACTUAL original problem of my Explorer.exe file crashing. Since he didn't fix it (cost $165 for the the motherboard and the labor), I went around Google.com (Thank god for them) and found out that a lot of people also suffer from what my PC has. Their answer, however, is a quick fix that still leaves everything fucked around and my desktop NEARLY went back to normal before freezing up AGAIN! So I took my PC back to their shop on Tuesday morning, but he had a huge attitude as he said, "That wasn't what you brought it in for." Ugh. He then complained about how awful looking my PC was from the inside because, as he put it -- "It looks like a rat's nest." And he also mentioned -- "My 5-year-old daughter could build something better than this." Ouch.
He was basically mocking the PC because, as he put it, it was made with cheap parts. He also mocked the original seller of my PC by telling me that, "There are people out there that can install Yahoo Instant Messenger and suddenly think they are a PC expert, so they open up shops and screw people like you with this awful thing [the PC]." That wasn't all, folks, as the guy also mocked "whoever" (that's me) installed my two HDDs from two different brands because that's bad. He also seemed to mock the fact that I have two differnent DVD drives in my PC, but it wasn't as bad as the HDD comment. Anyway, the guy told me that he would charge me $90 for his labor and $40 for my data back-up so he can fix the operating system himself. I was no longer interested, although he did realize that he made the mistake and offered to fix it for cheaper than what he was asking me for. But I decided to take the PC back to where it was origially bought and after talking a long time with them, my PC was to be fixed for the next day for $90. Basically, I have wasted around $255 to fix the damn thing. Luckily for me, my parents paid for the original motherboard repair and I payed for the operating system stuff.
My new motherboard is pretty cool, although I miss the option of having a little reset button at the bottom of the power button. But the manual for the motherboard says that the audio supports 5.1 Dolby Digital DVDs and it has 2.0 USB! So, my dream of being 411movies' "Iron Man" ended with a streak of 14 straight news reports. Not only that, I also missed three straight TV recaps of The OC (Dec. 15th), Family Guy (Dec. 18th) & American Dad. I was also forced into working on my OLD (bought it in November of 1999) and that piece of junk was just a nightmare to do anything with. I say that because it's a clean Windows XP Home Edition from 2002, so a lot of the features in XP pro service pack 2 are not included and that just annoyed the hell out of me. And the only program I have on there is America Online 8.0. Plus, all of my PC applications and tools that I normally use for anything 411 related are only on my new PC's secondary HDD. Doing such things as surfing the 'net is impossible right now due to my PC being attacked by spyware everywhere and it has really slowed my dial-up connection more than usual. So lets pray for my PC to be back with me this week, because three weeks without it will drive me crazier. Well, it's good to be back in action, not in 100% form, but I promise to make it up by spamming 411 with my DVD reviews for the next couple of weeks!
Random TV Thoughts:
- For some odd reason, the E! network somehow named December "TV month.". Well, I have been enjoying the E! True Hollywood Story on TV shows like "Home Improvement," "Dawson's Creek" and others, although they still haven't shown the one I'm dying to see -- The E! True Hollywood Story: "Good Times". But hearing Seinfeld STRUGGLING on NBC with 12 million viewers during its early run is shocking considering 12 million viewers today would be considered a huge hit, especially for a certain network that loves to cancel TV show before their time is over.
- FOX's House is coming to the USA Network on January 6th. I'm not sure if its the type of deal where USA airs the latest new episodes after they originally aired on FOX ala NBC/USA with Law & Order: SVU or if it's the first season.
- VH1 launched another Celebreality themed Sunday night lineup on Sunday, with all-new shows. My favorite is without question The Flavor of Love, which sees Flavor Flav. trying to find the woman of his dreams. Personally, I would pick the 34DD chick and be done with everyone else. But that's just me. I found the show to be very entertaining, especially when he gave them all nicknames on account of the fact that he's horrible at remembering names. One thing that I did notice was that the girls that ended up getting cut were more upset over other women being picked instead of them. Well, there females.
- I caught a two hour special of 411's Tim O'Sullivan's favorite TV show The Office on BBC America a few days ago and I was amazed at how dry the humor is. That's not a bad thing, because I'm a HUGE fan of dry humor stuff and found the series to be very good. I'm still a bigger fan of the US version, but I might check out the original sometime soon on DVD.
- I'm amazed at the level of quality in TBS' new TV series Daisy Does America, which is co-produced by Courteney Cox Arquette and her husband, former WCW World Heavyweight Champion, David Arquette. I like how Daisy "pretends" to be clueless, but I'm not 100% sure if that's an act. I wouldn't be surprised if it was.
- I found it hilarious that a small channel like Lifetime (you know, the chick channel) is in a dispute with Dish Network over their contract expiring and demanding a 70% increase on their original deal. Independent Women=ugh.
TV on DVD: The Buyer's Guide for X-Mas 2005 (I know it's late)
- Seinfeld: Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 (Seasons 1-6)
What more can be said about one the greatest sitcoms ever that hasn't already been said before? The two real sellers for this DVD set is that the cast recorded a lot of commentary tracks for each volume and that the set contains the original network aired episodes. I would personally choose Season 4 (Volume 3) as my favorite of the set. I have also seen volumes 4 & 5 at Target for around $30 each.
- Scrubs: The Complete 1st Season
I was never a fan of Scrubs during its first season, so I pretty much skipped it when it originally aired. So I was excited about the first season arriving on DVD in May 2005, but I was left a bit disappointed by the overall product. The show was good, but not as great as season two or three. The DVD production values are okay, but I'm not a fan of the video quality of the first season because it looked too grainy for my tastes, especially for Scrubs being an NBC show.
- Scrubs: The Complete 2nd Season
The second season of my third favorite show (it used to be number 1 back in 2003) is the season that captured my attention as a viewer and as a loyal fan of John Dorian and company. Season Two is so full of little moments that make you replay them over and over again until you move on to something else in other episodes. Most of the episodes are also very well written and that's always a good thing. Plus, there are several guest cameos from such people as Heather Locklear, Tom Cavanah, John Ritter, Dick Van Dyke, Ryan Reynolds and many more!
- Batman: The Animated Series- Volumes 1, 2, 3 & 4
Definitely pick up volumes 1 & 3 because they contain some of the best episodes of the entire series. I was disappointed with the quality of volume 2, but it wasn't horrible. Volume 4, on the other hand, has some Superman-like episodes that do not appeal to me as a hardcore Batman fan, but I'm sure children will eat it up (they love "The Batman," right?). But Volume 4 does have a few gems in there and bios on the villains of TAS, so that's a plus. Each set costs around $34.99, but you can pick them up cheaper at Amazon.com.
- Superman: The Animated Series- Volumes 1 & 2
[Volumes 1 & 2]
Volume 2 is MUCH better than the first volume, so pick that up if you can only buy one. It's obvious to me by Bruce Timm & co.'s commentary that they prefered doing the Superman series more than Batman. Well, a show that gives you several awards for one that lacks substance. Touch choice (I'm still bitter over the change in animation style). Anyway, each set costs around $19.99 (see your local Target).
- Super Friends: Volumes 1 & 2
The old-school DC comics fan will enjoy the first two volumes of Super Friends. I enjoyed volume one, but volume two was a pain in the ass to get through. WONDER TWINS' POWER ACTIVATE!!! The thing I hated most about Volume Two was how predictable each episode was -- the Super Friends get in trouble, Wonderless Twins try to save but get captured, get saved, and the boy WT ends up doing something silly with the monkey at the end of each f**king episode! Well, it's two different series and volume two doesn't even have DC comic baddies, unless you count Mr. Mxyzptlk.
- Ren & Stimpy
[Seasons 1 & 2 Uncut]
I have only seen the Nick show, but I'm very curious to check these sets out in the very near future.
[Seasons 3 & some of 4]
Same as above, although I'm not sure why only part of season four was released in season three.
[Seasons 5 & more of 4]
See above.
- Spider-Man: The '67 Collection
This six-disc box set includes 52 classic episodes from the legendary 1967 cartoon. I have checked this set out, but I only had enough in the tank to check out the first three discs. I'm not a huge fan of old-school stuff like this Spider-Man and the SuperFriends, but these sets were released for those of you who watched the show back in YOUR day. I still prefer the mid-90s series more and rank that up their as my second favorite comic book hero animated series.
- Spider-Man: The Venom Saga
Since we may never receive the season sets I have so desired, we do get selected episodes on DVD. The Venom Saga sees Peter Parker struggles with both Venom and Carnage. Plus, you also get cameos from Iron Man and War Machine. The DVD itself looks better than I expected and there's some nice extras in there. Search for my review in my archives.
- Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers- Volume One
This show still airs on Toon Disney, but that's at 4:30AM (1:30AM Pacific). It's a pretty old series and I heard that they will be releasing volume two soon. Fans of DuckTales, Darkwing Duck, and TailSpin will enjoy it. Kids these days might prefer stuff like SpongeBob, so it's a major risk if your kids will like it.
- DuckTales: Volume One
I used to watch this show all the time back in the day, but I'm not sure if the series still holds up well. Search the 411mania data base for a review of this.
- Futurama: Volumes 1, 2, 3 & 4
I was always a fan of The Simpsons, but not so much of Futurama. That was until I catched a few episodes on Adult Swim. I was then instantly hooked by the wacky misadventures of Fry and co. I've seen all of the volumes and they are each very good. I bought volume one last Christmas from Amazon for $14.99, so that was a steal. If you like the Simpsons or Family Guy, then you will enjoy this show too!
- Nip/Tuck: Seasons 1-2
I have never seen an episode of the series, so I'm not sure what to say about it. But, from my impressions off of FX's commercials, the show is filled with sex and stuff like that. On second thought, I might just check out the series afterall.
- Smallville: Seasons 1-4
Back in 2001, I was super excited over Smallville's debut on the WB network and felt that the first season was excellent. However, looking back at the episodes in sydication, I have to ask myself -- What was I thinking? The first season seems so dumb now, but at least it's cheap. I saw season one on sale at Best Buy for $16.99, along with Nip/Tuck: Season One. I think Season Three of Smallville is the best, so definitely check that out.
- Gilmore Girls: Seasons 1-5
Yes, I love the Gilmore Girls. Can you blame me? With a hot looking MILF like Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham), I could not resist. Seasons 1-3 are excellent and seasons 4-5 are just hit or miss. Season 5 is just awful, in my opinion, because everything changed. Change is not good. Anyway, my biggest gripes with the Gilmores on DVD is the lame DVD production values that Warner Bros. just gives us. No commentary for a few seasons, although I hear that season 5 did have a commentary track. I guess you can blame it on the cast being busy with other projects or the show being in production. The sets are pretty pricey at $44.99, so beware of that.
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit- The First Year: 1999-2000
The first year is an excellent start for one of my favorite shows, but it's really more amazing of the cases they had at that time. However, the DVD production values are really weak here and the DVD extras are limited. You might as well record season one from the USA Network.
[Season 2: 2000-2001]
I haven't checked out season two on DVD yet, but I have seen some episodes on the USA Network. I might check this one out soon. They still have yet to release seasons 3-4.
[Season 5: 2003-2004]
The series started to lose steam during this season, especially in 2004. There are a few good episodes in there, but not enough to warrant a buy, in my opinion.
- The Shield: Seasons 1-4
Now this is a show I'm really looking forward to watching soon. The show is always excellent and everyone should check it out once, especially with season five looming soon. I'm a fan of seeing the previous seasons before watching the newest season because you don't want to be lost while watching, right? Of course.
- Rescue Me: The Complete 1st Season
I absolutely loved season one and have reviewed it on this site a few months ago (use 411's excellent new search engine). I really loved the episode where one of the firefighters receives a blowjob from a transvestite. Hilarious. I checked out season one right before season two of the show aired on FX over the summer and was amazed at how good of an actor Denis Leary has become. Afterall, the guy was a stand-up comedian. Pick it up for around $40 and you receive excellent DVD production values and a few commentary tracks to go along with it.
- The Job: The Complete Series
Fans of Denis Leary will also love ABC's short-lived series and there's a good reason why -- it's hilarious. I didn't know what to expect when coming into this show, but I found it to be one of the most well written shows I have ever come across. The awesome cast is also a big plus in my book and most of them have roles on Leary's FX show "Rescue Me." Other than a few complaints over the video quality, this show is a definite buy in my book.
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Seasons 1, 2 & 3
[Season 1]
Season one has some awesome DVD extras and excellent production values in the video and sound department. The episodes are also excellent to watch and the show appeals to everyone of any age.
[Season 2]
Season two was just as great, although lacking the awesome DVD extras of season one. My favorite episode of the series is on here too ("Dumped").
[Season 3]
I haven't checked out season three yet, but I'm sure the quality of the episodes and that the DVD production values are up to the standards of the first two seasons.
- Arrested Development: Seasons 1 & 2
[Season 1]
I wasn't a huge fan of AD until I watched the episode where Michael develops feelings for his brother Gob's girlfriend (aka Marta #1). I was instantly hooked soon after by the Bluths' dysfunctional family antics. Some of you don't like this show, which is a shame. Some say that AD is a "smart" show, but I disagree. I think AD is mostly a show about the little things. Things that happen in each episode come back into play sooner or later and you just have to look out for them. The video quality is awesome, although you do get the tiny little flaw of the TV rating in season one. There are also some good extras, but nothing major. Check out season one first before tackling season two.
[Season 2]
Now, Season two did the unthinkable, which was that it actually managed to top the first season and probably blew everything out of the water on any show that I have ever seen in my entire life! Just awesome. It's an excellent show that has destroyed every other sitcom in my eyes.
- The OC: Seasons 1 & 2
Season one was good, but season two left a lot to be desired. Both seasons seem to have one awful storyline that you just can't wait until it's over. For example, season one had the dreaded "Oliver" storyline where he became obsessed with Mischa Barton's Marissa Cooper character and pulled out a gun. Season two had more crap to deal with, but they were on a smaller scale compared to Oliver (that dragged on FOREVER). This set is very expensive and I have seen it retail for as much as $65 (FUCK YOU, SUNCOAST!!!).
- Desperate Housewives: Season One
I managed to check out half of the first season, but that was to see what the big deal was with this show. I'm almost 100% sure that this show was designed to help women escape their boring lives for an hour, so there.
- Lost: Season One
This is one show that people either love it or hate it. A lot of people love it though, so I'm interested in checking out season one and then season two in the summer. Fans will buy it, but I think everyone else should try before you buy first.
- Family Guy: Volumes 1, 2 & 3
Although the first two volumes are WAY supior to volume three, I still own all three. Volume Three's biggest flaw is that it only has 13 episodes and is only the first half of season four. I hate Fox for releasing the sets like that, but it's understandable from a business perspective (the series is "hot" for a Fox show, so charge $30-35 for it). You can find reviews here at 411 for all three volumes. Just search for Family Guy using our BRAND NEW SEARCH ENGINE!!!
- Family Guy Presents: Stewie Griffin- The Untold Story
Again, this DVD release pissed me off because it's only 3 episodes of the Family Guy series tied into an hour to make a movie. The biggest flaw with the movie is that it sometimes drags on a little too long without any continuation and it really left me wondering what the whole thing was about. The final third of the film was great stuff, though. It's pretty pricey (I've seen it for $19.99), so I suggest buying it off Amazon.com.
- Roseanne: Seasons 1 & 2
[The UNcomplete 1st Season]
It's hard to recommend the first season at all, so I won't. The reasons are obvious (not the Complete 1st Season).
On the other hand, Season Two is excellent and is the original uncut original network aired episodes, which is great for hardcore fans of the show. The extras are a little weak, but everything else is done very well.
- The Simpsons: Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7
I just purchased season six (the dreaded Homer head does indeed suck) and by the time you read this I will have season seven in my hands ($30 at your local Wal-Mart). It's amazing how much character depth the Simpsons had before they turned into TOOLS. I'm currently busy with other stuff, so I haven't cracked open season six. Season Three is my personal favorite, but I'm hoping seasons six or seven can change that.
- Cowboy Bebop: Remix 1, 2 & 3
[Remix 1]
Remix 1 has an excellent selection of DVD extras and the $18 price tag at most stores is excellent. I definitely suggest that fans and owners of the original set check out the first remix, but it's nothing I would plunk down the money for (I already own the first original session).
[Remix 2]
Remix 2 disappointed me with it's lack of extras, although it did have a nice commentary track. It's a pretty basic DVD and the fact that they did not include the extras from the original 2nd session. Just awful.
[Remix 3]
I haven't checked out Remix 3 yet, but I'm hoping for more than a commentary track for this set. I mean, how can you re-release an entire 26-episode series with next to no extras. The new 5.1 audio is nice for the Remix series, but COME ON!
- Gungrave: Volumes 1- 7
[The Complete Box Set]
If you liked Cowboy Bebop or Trigun, then you will definitely love Gungrave. Gungrave, from what I hear, comes from the Trigun universe, although I'm not 100% sure about that. I do now that the character designer for Trigun also designed the Gungrave series. The first half of the series is okay, but the second half is VERY good. However, the entire set is very expensive, but you might want to try one of those online bootleg anime sellers. Also, check out my full reviews of volumes 1-7 via the search engine.
- Trigun: Volumes 1-8
[The Complete Box Set]
Trigun is another series I didn't get into until the second half of the series. It has comedy, drama, and lots of cool action sequences from the crew. Best Buy sells the complete series for around $175, but you can find it online for $30. I have also reviewed the complete series at 411. Search it or visit my profile's archives.
- Chappelle's Show: Seasons 1 & 2
[Season 1]
Season One has some excellent stuff, especially Dave being a KKK leader and Paul Mooney's skits. I can see how this show became so popular that Comedy Central threw $50 million at Dave Chappelle. The extras are also a great bonus and that speaks volumes, especially for a Comedy Central series.
[Season 2]
The first season hooked me as a fan and I thought it was untoppable, but season two managed to do that and then some. Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Story about Prince and Rick "Super Freak" James were excellent. I also loved Dave's "son" thinking Nick Cannon as being some might god. Plus, you get a third disc full of extras and audio commentary from Chappelle and his writing partner.
- Oz: Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
[Seasons 1-5]
HBO's Oz was one of the first shows to capture me as a viewer. The storylines and characters just hooked me, but I never caught anything past the awesome second season. I have seen every season released and I am eagerly awaiting the sixth season in 2006. Just an awesome and violent show.
- Freaks & Geeks: The Complete Series
I watched a few episodes of this show when it originally aired on NBC back in 2000, but I never payed much attention to it. But now, I can give it all the respect it so richly deserves, plus there is just an insane amount of DVD extras included in the set. The price tag is a little steep ($50 is the cheapest price I have seen at stores), but it's definitely worth the cash. View review in archives.
- Life As We Know It: The Complete Series
When I first watched this show, I was left somewhat disappointed by it because I felt it focused too much on sex. However, after checking out the series on DVD, I must say that the show was a worthy successor to Freaks & Geeks and was one of those shows that could have enjoyed moderate success but was buried on the dreaded Thursday night lineup for ABC. The show was competing against its target audience (the viewers were busy watching "The OC"). There are some nice extras and a lot of commentary tracks to keep you interested for a long time. You can get this set for around $30 at most retail stores. Review coming soon!
- The Tick: The Complete Series
While not as true to the comic as I would have liked, Patrick Warburton as the clueless super hero works great. I have yet to check this out on DVD, but I will definitely do so since the price tag is just about right for my tastes ($20).
- Wonderfalls: The Complete Series
Do you think "Arrested Development" got screwed by Fox with a crappy timeslot? Well, that's nothing compared to Wonderfalls. This show was put on FRIDAY nights, although it didn't have stiff compition, that's still the worst spot to be in if your a TV show. Wonderfalls revolves a young (and VERY beautiful woman) who lives a boring life, but it has a twist -- she can speak to wax figurines from her work place. I'm not sure if I can compare this show to anything else on TV, so I won't try. Basically, if you have a weird sense of humor like me, then you might want to check this show out. It's price is nice ($20-30), but I don't remember what the extras offered. Review coming soon.
- Home Movies: Seasons 1-3
[Season 1]
I think season one was okayish, but nothing special. But somehow I am so charmed by this show starring a young boy and his two friends who spend their free time making movies. This series also has a backstory to the history of the show as UPN cancelled the series after less than a handful of episodes and Cartoon Network added the show to their Adult Swim lineup where it flurished. If you like any animated shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy or Futurama, you might like this show. View archives for review.
[Season 2]
The second season sees a shift from the swiggle vision animation style to a much more cleaner looking show. That's probably the biggest drawback to the show, as some people think it looks cheap. Sure, it doesn't look pretty, but you cannot deny the excellent humor that the series has. View archives for review.
[Season 3]
The third season is perphaps the best season of the show, although I haven't checked out much of the seasons after this. Anyway, season has more depth to its storylines and characters, plus the humor was off the wall throughout each episode. Just excellent and if you're unsure of whether you would like this series or not, check out this season to see what I'm talking about. Review coming soon.
- Jackass: The Box Set
Catched a few episodes on MTV2 and the film, and even I cannot deny the crazy things theses "Jackasses" do is not funny. I wonder if laughing at people hitting each other with balls on their crouches might be a bit insensitive on my part. Oh, who am I kidding? I LOVE IT!
- Viva La Bam: Seasons 1-3
[Seasons 2 & 3]
Season One had commentary on every episode and that was excellent because even those were hilarious to listen to. Seasons 2 & 3 had no commentary, but it still provided me with lots of hilarious things to watch. "The Fat Boy Face-off" with Phil versus Don Vito was great to watch, especially the destruction of Vito's car. Fans of WildBoyz and Jackass will no doubt love this show too.
- King of the Hill: Seasons 1-5
[Seasons 1-3]
Hank Hill and his family, plus wacky neighbors, return to DVD and its great. I'm still surprised that someone who created Beavis & Butt-head could also create Hank Hill. Mike Judge is one talented man. As for the DVD sets, they are on par with everything FOX has put on DVD and that's a positive remark.
- Good Times: Seasons 1-5
[Season 1]
Long story short -- the first couple of seasons (the ones that still had John Amos as the father) were excellent. After Florida lost James to that auto accident, the show just fell apart, in my opinion. It became even worse when Estelle Role left the show due to problems with the way the show was heading (too much J.J. for her tastes). I would definitely check out the first couple of seasons and then beware of the latter part of the series. Although I'm sure Janet Jackson fans will riot over the fact that I have no love for her Penny character.
- Cheers: Seasons 1-7
[Seasons 1-4]
Another gem of a show, I actually prefer the Diane Chambers episodes WAY more than the Kristie Alley as Rebecca Howe stuff. Fans seem to think the opposite, though, and I think that opinion comes out as bitterness over Shelly Long leaving the show to pursue a film career. Still, the series has always been excellent and still holds up very well to this day.
- M*A*S*H: Seasons 1-9
[The just recently released Season 9]
Another classic show, but this one I don't like so much. I've seen a few episodes of the show and didn't think much of it since I was still a little kid and all. I might check out the first season to see if this show is as great as people make it out to be.
- Sanford & Son: Seasons 1-6
[Seasons 1-6]
This is my dad's favorite show of all-time and with good reason. I caught the first episode of this show this past Sunday and thought it was great. I'm definitely going to check this series out on DVD and you should too.
- The CSI series (Las Vegas, New York & Miami)
[CSI]
I have never watched an episode of CSI or the Miami version, so I'm not sure what to say.
[CSI: Miami]
See above.
[CSI: NY]
I tried to get into NY, but I felt that the characters lacked the emotional depth that would allow me to care about them like Benson & Stabler over on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. I still love Melina, though.
- Veronica Mars: Season 1
I managed to catch one episode of season one last year and I enjoyed it. But I didn't stick with the show or anything due to its timeslot, but I would be more than happy to check it out on DVD soon. Plus, how many UPN shows have ever been released on DVD? Kristen Bell is hot, so you teenage boys will love her. I think she's 25-years-old. Too young for my tastes.
- Everybody Loves Raymond: Seasons 1-5
[Seasons 1-4]
I REALLY love Patricia Heaton, and she looks like an everyday woman for the first couple of seasons. She would, of course, turn into a hot looking MILF towards the end of the series' run. Anyway, I haven't checked out the show on DVD, but I don't think I would due to the fact that I have seen so many of them on TV that it kind of loses its purpose. A definite buy for fans of the show.
- Everwood: The Complete 1st Season
I still think season two is the best of the series, but only the first season is out on DVD (due to poor DVD sales you can find it for $20 or under). Season One was up and down with me, but that was a long time ago. I do own this set and I haven't cracked it open because it's a 6-DISC SET!
- Aeon Flux: The Complete Animated Collection
I was never a fan of this series when it aired on MTV and I'm still not very interested in checking it out on DVD because of the recently crappy film. I think the creator of this series also created Reign: The Conquer, which aired on Cartoon Network's anime block a few years ago. Same character designs, but I liked Reign more.
- Beavis & Butt-head: Volume One
Back in my early teens, I was a HUGE fan of this show and loved it to death. However, I have heard a lot of complaints about Volume One because people want season sets instead. I can understand that, but Beavis & Butt-head was loaded with excellent stuff that hasn't aged very well now when it airs on MTV2 at 2AM. Don't get me wrong, some episodes are still as hilarious as the first time I viewed them, but some of the stuff really bores you. Maybe it's the music videos airing between the episodes (or in them), but I would recommend buying this set for the cheapest price you can find it at.
- South Park: Seasons 1-6
How can you not love the boys from South Park? Definitely pick up season six because it's the best, although it's pretty thin when it comes to the extras. My favorite character, Butters, steals the entire season with his super villain act and his obsession with a porno tape. Hey, wait a minute! That sounds just like...me?
- Star Trek: The Next Generation- Seasons 1-7
Yes, I am a Trekkie, but only of TNG. I'm still partial to the seasons where the crew had collars on their uniforms, but that's just me. Each set is pretty expensive and lite with its features.
- Star Trek (Original Series): Seasons 1-3
I was never a fan of the original, but I have seen a few episodes out of sheer nothing else to watch. However, these sets are VERY expensive and they are clearly targeting the hardcore trekkies out there.
- Friends: Seasons 1-10
[The One with All Ten Seasons]
I'm not a huge fan of Friends, but I still watch it when they are airing the earlier seasons. This is a definite for fans of the show.
- The Office (US Version): Season One
I didn't think too much of the first season of the US version of UK's "The Office," but the second season has been on a tear. I think the first season was held down more by the UK verson more than anything else. Now it can step away and build its own legacy in the television world.
- 24: Seasons 1-4
[Seasons 1-4]
I'm definitely excited over season five, but I have yet to check out the show at all. FOX is sure promoting the hell out of 24 and they have done a mighty fine job at that.
- House: Season One
[Season 1]
Never seen it, but I have heard some very positive things about the show. I might catch it on the USA Network soon.
- Highway to Heaven: Seasons 1-2
[Season 1]
I'm a huge fan of Michael Landon and this show was one of my favorites when I catched it on syndication. I'm hoping for some good extras, but I doubt it since the price tag is around $30 at Wal-Mart.
- Firefly: The Complete Series
When the fanbase complains so much about a show being cancelled, it must be good, right? I will find out soon when I check this series out and "Serenity."
- Curb Your Enthusiasm: Seasons 1-4
[Seasons 1 & 2]
The co-creator of "Seinfeld" shows us that he can also have an excellent show, although it's not as popular as his previous show was, it's still a mighty fine series. I really love the episode where Larry develops a crush for Ted Danson's wife, Mary Steenburgen.
- The X-Files: Seasons 1-9
[Seasons 1-9]
Another one of my favorite shows (hell, I used to stay up until 5AM watching the syndicated version) is on DVD! This is the complete series, but there's one problem -- the complete nine seasons cost around $500! Ouch. It's still a fun show to watch and it can be scary at times. Anyway, the alien lover in you will love it.
TV Nielsen Ratings:
Most shows are off with repeats since it's the holidays and all.
TV on DVD for January 3rd, 2006:
- All in the Family: The Complete 5th Season (Pick of the Week)
- 1st & Ten: Season One
- Alien Nation: The Comlpete Series
- Gunsmoke: Volume 1
- Gunsmoke: Volume 2
- Have Gun Will Travel: Season 3
- Hunter: Season 3
- Silk Stalkings: Season 4
The VICIOUS TV Babe of the Week:
No babe this week because I basically don't have access to my blog's FTP server since the tools and everything else (the pics) are on my other PC's HDD.
On the next VICIOUS TV News Wrap (XVI): January 10, 2006
- I spent my time away watching marathons of "My Super Sweet Sixteen" on MTV, so I might rant about my experience watching that show. I "LOVED" it.
- I have been really into burning DVDs as of late (even though I still don't have my PC back!), so I might write up a feature on what tools, paper, printers and stuff like that on how to make your own DVDs. Remember, it's not stealing if you already own it. Tune in for that and much more next Tuesday (January 10th, 2006).
