DVD Review: First Seasons of ABC’s ‘GCB,’ ‘Missing,’ ‘Scandal’

CHICAGO – ABC/Disney has released three of their Spring 2012 mid-season shows on DVD in time for, well, to say goodbye to two of them and catch up on the third. The releases for “GCB” and “Missing” could have been labeled “Complete Series” as ABC pulled the plug on both shows but Shonda Rhimes’ “Scandal” is being given another chance to find a larger audience in the Fall. All three sets are well-loaded with special features.

To this critic, the show that ABC decided to give more time to grow — “Scandal” with Kerry Washington & Tony Goldwyn — is also the best DVD set to pick up. While “Missing” had some solid elements (including some well-choreographed action and a strong central performance from Ashley Judd), “GCB” was little more than a “Desperate Housewives” clone before the original had even left through the Exit door. It was too soon, especially with the success of the network’s more original soaps “Revenge” and “Once Upon a Time.” I had my issues with all three shows but fans will be happy to know they’re already on DVD, so shortly after they finished their first season runs.

Read the full “GCB” review [16]

Read the full “Missing” review [17]

Read the full “Scandal” review [18]

“GCB: The Complete First Season”

GCB: The Complete First Season was released on DVD on June 12, 2012
Photo credit: Disney

Synopsis:
From Darren Star, creator of Sex And The City and Robert Harling, writer of Steel Magnolias, comes a deliciously fun, wicked new drama that shows you can go home again… but only if you’re ready to face the sins of your past. Indulge yourself in the guilty pleasures of GCB: The Complete First Season.

Back in high school, original mean girl Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb) mercilessly tormented her less attractive classmates. Twenty years later, after her hubby is busted for a Ponzi scheme - and meets his maker in a particularly scandalous way - a disgraced Amanda is back in Dallas to start life anew under her mother’s (Annie Potts) palatial roof. But will the good women of her hometown welcome her with open arms or dole out some kick-ass karmic payback? Let’s just say, hell hath no fury like cosmetically enhanced, resident church diva and scripture scholar Carlene Cockburn (Kristen Chenoweth)!

Relive all 10 episodes of GCB, including “sin-tillating,” never-before-seen bonus features, in this divinely decadent boxed set.

Special Features:
o Bigger In Texas - Learn What It Takes To Transform The Actors Into Genuine-Looking and Sounding Citizen of the Lone Star State
o Living Large - Explore the Real-Life Inspirations for the Show’s Authentic Texas Look and Feel
o Preaching To The Choir - Producers and Cast Sing the Praises of the Music in the Show
o GCB: Most Likely To… - Discover Who Wins The One Most Likely To… In The GCB High School Year Book
o Audio Commentaries
o Bloopers
o Deleted and Extended Scenes

“Missing: The Complete First Season”

Missing: The Complete First Season was released on DVD on June 12, 2012
Photo credit: Disney

Synopsis:
How far would you go to save the one you love most? Emmy Award Nominee Ashley Judd (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special, Norma Jean & Marilyn, 1996) stars in Missing, ABC’s thrilling new series, bursting with international intrigue and a full season of brilliant twists and turns.

After Becca Winstone’s son disappears while overseas for a summer internship, she takes it upon herself to travel to Europe to track him down. It soon becomes clear that Becca is no ordinary woman, but a former CIA agent deactivated after the devastating death of her husband. If she wants to find her son alive, Becca will have to rely on old friends and reopen old wounds. Her resourcefulness, skill and determination will be put to the test — but a mother’s love knows no limits.

ABC’s inspiring, action-packed drama grabs you from the very first minute and never lets go. Relive Becca’s thrilling search through the breathtaking European countryside — complete with exclusive bonus features that take you even deeper into her journey.

Special Features:
o Missing: In Action - Executive Producer Gina Matthews, Creator/Executive Producer Gregory Poirier and Actor Ashley Judd Discuss How To Desire “To Make Television For The World” Culminated In A Thought-Provoking, Heartfelt Drama Disguised As An Action-Packed Spy Show
o On Location: Inside Istanbul - Travel To This Spectacular City With the Missing Cast and Crew, And Experience What It’s Like To Coordinate An Ambitious Shoot With An International Team at the Crossroads Of The World
o Deleted Scenes

“Scandal: The Complete First Season”

Scandal: The Complete First Season was released on DVD on June 12, 2012
Photo credit: Disney

Synopsis:
From the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice comes a captivating saga of illicit relationships, unchecked power and shocking political intrigue. Go behind the closed doors of Washington D.C.’s elite and watch as the plot unfolds in Scandal: The Complete First Season.

When trouble rears its ugly head — headline-making, life-ruining trouble — there’s only one person to call: the legendary Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington). With her steadfast rule of always trusting her gut, Olivia leads an expert team of crisis management consultants skilled at making even the most sordid, salacious scandals disappear. But as these self-proclaimed “gladiators in suits” begin to reveal the cracks in their armor, will the masters of damage control be able to control the damage in their own personal lives?

Relive every episode of this exciting political thriller, plus exclusive, never-before-seen bonus features, and get your fix of the ultimate “fixer.”

Special Features:
o Scandal: Setting The Pace - Executive Producers And Cast Discuss the Dynamic Interplay of Writer, Actor and Character, the Meaning of “Scandal Pace” - and Creator Shonda Rhimes’ Big Secret Plan About Pretty Much Everything
o Gladiators In Suits: Casting a Series - Roll the Audition Tapes and Discover How The Show’s Talented Actors Nailed Their Parts
o Scripting Scandal - The Show’s Writers Reveal What It Takes To Create This Fast-Paced, Gripping Series

[19]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [20] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [19]