Diana’s DVDs: Sept. 22, 2009
While the fall TV season has officially been underway for a couple of weeks now, there are still lots of box set goodies trickling into stores. Remember, lots of shows don’t return or debut until October, so keep your eyes and ears open to television’s other treasures.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Being Erica: Season 1
Who does it star? Erin Karpluk (as Erica Strange), Michael Riley (as Dr. Tom), John Boylan (as Gary Strange), Kathleen Laskey (as Barbara Strange), Joanna Douglas (as Samantha Strange-McIntosh), Devon Bostick (as Leo Strange), Adam MacDonald (as Josh McIntosh), Tyron Leitso (as Ethan Wakefield), Sarah Gadon (as Katie Atkins), Vinessa Antoine (as Judith Winters), Paula Brancati (as Jenny), Reagan Pasternak (as Julianne Giacomelli) and Morgan Kelly (as Brent).
What’s the premise? A woman goes back in time to fix her mistakes and regrets with the help of her therapist.
When can I see it? Season 2 premières Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. ET.
Where does it air? CBC and SOAPnet.
Why is it worth my time? We’ve all had cringe-worthy moments, times we look back upon with shamefaced regret. Whether we embarrassed ourselves, lost our temper, ridiculed others or made bad life choices, these mistakes often haunt us long after they’ve been made. Haven’t you ever wished you could go back in time to right your wrongs, perhaps even alter the course your life has taken?
Unfortunately, we’re all stuck making the best of our bad situations — that is, with the exception of 32-year-old Erica Strange. In this Canadian dramedy, Strange delves into her past with the help of her mysterious therapist, Dr. Tom, to fix her wrongdoings in the hopes of turning her jobless, boyfriendless existence into one of fulfilled happiness.
Boasting clean writing, tangible characters and the sassy spunk of Alberta native Erin Karpluk, this CBC gem delightfully blends time travel, humour and truly touching stories into each hour-long revelation.
In Season 1 … Erica discovers the source of her long-standing feud with her former best friend; Erica returns to her greatest regret, the death of her brother, Leo; Erica finally stands up for herself against a daunting university professor; Erica tries to prove she’s got what it takes to be a godmother; and Erica revisits a perfect day. (Check out TVGuide.ca's feature story on what's ahead for Season 2.)
Guest stars: Aubrey Graham (as Ken) and Jonas Chernick (as IF).
Bonus features: Deleted scenes, Erica’s weblogs, show opening, b-reel, interviews with the cast, producers and creator, and commentary on episodes “Dr. Tom” and “Everything She Wants.”
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Number of discs: 3
Number of episodes: 13
Running time: 585 mins |
Castle: Season 1
Who does it star? Nathan Fillion (as Richard Castle), Stana Katic (as Det. Kate Beckett), Jon Huertas (as Javier Esposito), Seamus Dever (as Kevin Ryan), Tamala Jones (as Lanie Parish), Ruben Santiago-Hudson (as Roy Montgomery), Molly Quinn (as Alexis Castle) and Susan Sullivan (as Martha Rodgers).
What’s the premise? A famous mystery novelist is enlisted to help the NYPD solve a crime and winds up finding a muse for his next book series.
When can I see it? Mondays at 10 p.m. ET (Season 2 premièred Sept. 21).
Where does it air? A and ABC.
Why is it worth my time? If you’re a soap fan, you may remember Nathan Fillion from his time on One Life to Live as Joey Buchanan. Or perhaps his name rings a bell from the bevy of one-hit wonders he’s starred in, most notably Joss Whedon’s sci-fi thriller Firefly or the short-lived Fox drama Drive. In 2007, Fillion scored a role as gynecologist Dr. Adam Mayfair on the ever-popular Desperate Housewives, but it wasn’t until Castle came along that the handsome actor found what looks to be a lasting TV role.
As Richard Castle, Fillion shines as a fast-talking, smart-alecky novelist, while the gorgeous Stana Katic delights as no-nonsense cop Kate Beckett. Together, the two play off each other with plenty of sparring and sexual tension, a chemistry so natural it evokes thoughts of Bones’ Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and House’s Greg (Hugh Laurie) and Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein). With the help of a lead-in from ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (or Big Bang Theory on A), here’s hoping viewership will continue to rise for this warm and witty drama.
In Season 1 … Castle and Beckett try to solve the murder of a nanny found dead in a laundry dryer, a woman who drowned in motor oil in a motel bathtub and the death of a plastic surgeon; Castle is uncomfortable leaving his mother alone while he chaperone’s Alexis’ class on a field trip; a case brings up memories from Beckett’s past; Castle must deal with the possible homecoming of Alexis’ mother; and Castle vies for Beckett’s attention.
Guest stars: Michael Graziadei (as Brent Johnson) and Judy Reyes (as Theresa Candela).
Bonus features: Bloopers and outtakes, audio commentaries and featurettes titled “Whodunit: The Genesis of Castle,” “Write-Along with Nathan Fillion” and “Castle’s Godfather.”
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Number of discs: 3
Number of episodes: 10
Running time: 430 mins |
Ghost Whisperer: Season 4
Who does it star? Jennifer Love Hewitt (as Melinda Gordon), David Conrad (as Jim Clancy), Jay Mohr (as Rick Payne), Camryn Manheim (as Delia Banks), Christoph Sanders (as Ned Banks), and Jamie Kennedy (as Eli James).
What’s the premise? A young woman who can communicate with the dead helps them pass over to the other side.
When can I see it? Season 5 premières Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. ET.
Where does it air? CTV and CBS.
Why is it worth my time? Friday night timeslots are usually the kiss of death for most series, but Ghost Whisperer has always thrived in its 8 p.m. timeslot. This CBS thriller continuously reels in high ratings for the Eye network, even winning the coveted 18-49 age demographic, and has managed to build one serious cult following in its four (soon to be five) season run.
While I’m sure Jennifer Love’s enviable good looks have something to do with that, Ghost doesn’t slack in the storyline department either. This collection of episodes features Melinda going through some huge personal changes with the tear-jerking death of her hubby, Jim, and a baby on the way, all the while trying to help misplaced ghosts unload their former life’s baggage. Phew. I predict a long shelf life for this drama, especially since anything supernatural is super-hot these days.
In Season 4 … Melinda helps a ghost come to terms with her marriage, the secret behind a girl who’s been missing for 12 years and comes face-to-face with her biggest threat yet; Melinda discovers Eli has the same abilities as her; Melinda and Jim go on a cruise to celebrate their honeymoon; Melinda discovers she’s pregnant.
Guest stars: Wyatt Smith (as Josh Bancroft), Hilary Duff (as Morgan Jeffries), Jake Thomas (as Andrew Carlin) and Alexa Vega (as Serena).
Bonus features: Two interactive games, an interactive costume style guide, the third instalment of “The Other Side” web series, cast and crew interviews, a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s newest member, Jamie Kennedy, and a featurette titled “Scoring the Spirit World.”
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Number of discs: 6
Number of episodes: 23
Running time: 1,015 mins |
Ugly Betty: Season 3
Who does it star? America Ferrera (as Betty Suarez), Eric Mabius (as Daniel Meade), Vanessa Williams (as Wilhelmina Slater), Michael Urie (as Marc St. James), Becki Newton (as Amanda Sommers), Tony Plana (as Ignacio Suarez), Ana Ortiz (as Hilda Suarez), Mark Indelicato (as Justin Suarez), Ashley Jenson (as Christina McKinney) and Rebecca Romijn (as Alexis Meade).
What’s the premise? The adventures of an unglamorous girl working at a glamourous New York City fashion magazine.
When can I see it? Season 4 premières Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. ET (will move to 9 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 16).
Where does it air? Citytv and ABC.
Why is it worth my time? Betty’s the ultimate nerd — big, frizzy hair, a mouth full of metal, thick-rimmed glasses and a horrible sense of style. But, as TV nerds go, she’s also sweet, good-natured, intelligent, klutzy and kind. Basically, the underdog you just can’t help but root for.
Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner America Ferrera shepherds this hour-long dramedy with tenderness, tact and tremendously funny antics, while a strong supporting cast (kudos to Urie and Newton for their purrfect cattiness) makes Ugly Betty one of TV’s easiest watches. Sadly, last season didn’t fare so well in the ratings and the series has been whisked from its plum Thursday night timeslot to a dreaded Friday spot (shudder). So, loyal fans, if you’d like to see more Betty in years to come, make sure you show your support by tuning in this fall!
In Season 3 … Alexis and Wilhelmina promote Mode on Live with Regis & Kelly; Betty takes a vacation; Daniel faces a custody battle for Daniel Jr.; Ignacio learns something shocking about Hilda and Tony; Betty tries to make amends with Gio; Amanda becomes Betty’s roommate; Cliff proposes that he and Marc move in together; the Suarez family try to purchase their rental home; Justin waits to see if he got into performing arts school.
Guest stars: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa (as themselves), Lindsay Lohan (as Kimmie Keegan), Daniel Eric Gold (as Matt), Steve Schirripa (as Frankie Burrata), David Rasche (as Calvin Hartley), Ralph Macchio (as Archie) and Christopher Gorham (as Henry).
Bonus features: Bloopers, alternate takes, deleted scenes, webisodes, video commentary and a featurette titled “Going Home to New York City.”
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Number of discs: 6
Number of episodes: 24
Running time: 1,032 mins |
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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