DVD Review: Smart, Funny Comedy of Showtime’s ‘Episodes’

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CHICAGO – Outside of a surprising Golden Globe win by its hysterically funny star, Matt LeBlanc, Showtime’s “Episodes” doesn’t seem to be getting too much attention from critics or viewers. It’s not one of the modern cable shows that everyone seems to be talking about like “Breaking Bad,” “Homeland,” “The Walking Dead,” “Justified,” etc. I’m not saying it’s in the caliber of those programs but it would be a shame if this program was ignored entirely. It’s damn funny.

HollywoodChicago.com DVD Rating: 3.5/5.0
DVD Rating: 3.5/5.0

LeBlanc plays a heightened and exaggerated version of himself, an egocentric, womanizing jerk who had fame as a TV star but has watched his status slip at Nobu. Despite the protestations of the writers/producers bringing it Stateside, LeBlanc is cast in an American remake of a British hit. The rest of “Episodes” is a behind-the-scenes satire of Hollywood TV production but it’s anchored by strong character-based performances from its two talented leads — Tamsin Greig & Stephen Mangan. The DVD release is woefully and pathetically light on special features and it’s a sin that Showtime/Paramount didn’t deem the show worthy of a Blu-ray release. Maybe if more people were talking about it…

Episodes
Episodes
Photo credit: Showtime

Synopsis:
Witty, wild and wonderful… Golden Globe winner Matt LeBlanc stars as himself, kind of… in the hilarious first and second seasons of the Showtime Primetime Emmy nominated hit, Episodes. When a British husband-and-wife writing team gets the opportunity to bring their successful TV series across the pond, they soon discover that making it big in America means changing nearly everything about the show. As their star actor, Matt, wreaks havoc on their script and their marriage, the duo tries to keep it all under control as they deal with awkward Hollywood funerals, falling ratings, celebrity stalkers and the even more intense drama that happens off-camera. Tune in for all the laughs in this titillating and timely send-up of Tinseltown.

Special Features:
o Biographies
o Photo Gallery

“Episodes: The Complete First & Second Seasons” was released on DVD on January 8, 2013.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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