Diana’s DVDs: Nov. 17, 2009
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Andy Barker, P.I.: The Complete Series
Who does it star? Andy Richter (as Andy Barker), Clea Lewis (as Jenny Barker), Tony Hale (as Simon), Marshall Manesh (as Wally) and Harve Presnell (as Lew Staziak).
What’s the premise? An accountant becomes a private investigator after he’s mistaken for his office’s former tenant, a now-retired P.I.
When can I see it? Reruns or on DVD!
Where does it air? Those lucky enough to access high-definition cable channels can find repeats on Universal HD.
Why is it worth my time? I’m a huge fan of Conan O’Brien, even though I (unfortunately) rarely catch his late-night talk show — a girl’s gotta get her beauty sleep! But before he took on hosting duties, O’Brien began his career as a TV writer for shows like HBO’s Not Necessarily the News, NBC’s Saturday Night Live and Fox’s The Simpsons.
Eventually, the funnyman branched out and created his own sitcoms, Andy Barker, P.I. being one of them. And while sadly he never appears on-camera himself, O’Brien’s wicked sense of humour is vividly evident in this half-hour stint.
Starring current Tonight Show announcer (and former Late Night sidekick) Andy Richter as an earnest, slightly bumbling accountant who accidentally becomes an earnest, slightly bumbling detective, Andy Barker, P.I. charms with its simple yet rich characters, quietly amusing parodies and delightful silliness — it’s a real shame this series was cancelled after just six episodes.
If you’re a fan of O’Brien or Richter (or both!), this short and sweet collection featuring plenty of fun bonus footage is well worth the watch.
In the complete series … mild-mannered Barker begins his double life as a P.I., investigating crimes involving the Russian mafia, an unfaithful tax client and a dishonest doctor; Wally is blackmailed by Transcor.
Guest stars: Notable names include Nicole Randall Johnson (MADtv), Vanessa Branch (Orbit Gum TV commercials), Gary Anthony Williams (Malcolm in the Middle), Amy Sedaris (Strangers with Candy) and Edward Asner (The Mary Tyler Moore Show).
Bonus features: Gag reel, cast and crew commentaries and two featurettes titled “Going Where the Numbers Take You” (an intimate look back at the series) and “Writers Class 101” (discussing what it takes to write a series like Andy Barker, P.I.).
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Number of discs: 2
Number of episodes: 6
Running time: 132 mins |
The Little Couple
Who does it star? Bill Klein and Jen Arnold.
What’s the premise? Reality series follows a couple living with dwarfism.
When can I see it? Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET (repeats air at various times throughout the week).
Where does it air? TLC.
Why is it worth my time? If you watch TLC, you know the network loves family-oriented reality TV (think Jon & Kate Plus 8, 18 Kids and Counting, Little People, Big World, Cake Boss, etc.). One of the network’s most recent additions follows a newlywed couple as they embark on their new life together — a boring concept, perhaps, if not for the fact that Bill Klein and Jen Arnold both have dwarfism.
Klein (who’s four feet tall) and Arnold (who’s three foot two) originally made their TLC debut in a one-hour special titled Little People: Just Married, which follows the duo before, during and after their wedding. Now, The Little Couple series picks up where the special left off, as businessman Klein makes the cross-country move from New York to Texas, where his bride has found a new job as a children’s hospital’s neonatologist.
With so many similar shows airing on this cable channel alone, never mind the rest of TV, you may be growing tired of this whole reality genre, but it’s really quite fascinating to watch Klein and Arnold navigate the usual challenges married couples face (such as buying a new home and preparing for a family) as two little people in an average-sized world. Case in point: If you like shopping smart as much as the next gal, watching Arnold drop almost $5,000 just to get two suits tailored to fit her body is quite a humbling, eye-opening experience.
For more current episodes, Season 2 of The Little Couple kicked off Oct. 27 (see time and date info above).
In Season 1 … Bill and Jen travel to New Orleans, Hawaii and Walt Disney World; Bill takes business trips to Baltimore and Las Vegas; the couple celebrate Jen’s birthday and their one-year anniversary, go house-hunting, discuss having children and work on their personal security after a break-in in their neighbourhood.
Guest stars: N/A.
Bonus features: N/A.
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Number of discs: 2
Number of episodes: 14
Running time: 308 mins |
OTHER TV AVAILABLE THIS WEEK
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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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