CHICAGO – Excelsior! Comic book legend Stan Lee’s famous exclamation puts a fine point on the third and final play of Mark Pracht’s FOUR COLOR TRILOGY, “The House of Ideas,” presented by and staged at City Lit Theater in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. For tickets/details, click HOUSE OF IDEAS.
What to Watch: Sept. 17-23, 2013 – TV Edition
Grimm: Season Two
Photo credit: Universal
“Grimm: Season Two”
“Grimm” is often written off as little more than Friday night escapism but this is one of my favorites of the shows that have loyal audiences but get no press at all. You don’t see articles about “Grimm” and it’s certainly not one of the best shows on TV but it’s solid, entertaining fare that is much harder to pull off as successfully as this program does week in and week out. Following in the lineage of “The X-Files” more than “Once Upon a Time,” “Grimm” is a good time.
From my review: “And it’s strong fantasy storytelling. Both episodes fly by in terms of pacing and, most importantly, Giuntoli is the confident lead that he really wasn’t until a few months into the first season. This is fun, clever, well-made action drama. And it’s a perfect transition — a Hollywood blockbuster-esque show to end the dismal summer network TV season and serve as a bloody appetizer for the promising fall one.”
Special Features:
o Grimm Guide: Explore The Creatures Of Grimm With This Interactive Guide
o Extended Episodes
o Deleted Scenes
o Gag Reel
o Grimm: Myths, Monsters & Legends
o Grimm: Creatures And Chaos
o Bad Hair Day Webisodes
o Monroe’s Best Moments
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Amazon Instant, iTunes
Nashville: The Complete First Season
Photo credit: ABC Studios/Lionsgate
“Nashville: The Complete First Season”
Connie Britton rules but “Nashville” is just OK. While ABC’s “Scandal” was quietly building a massive following, their hope for soap opera glory in “Nashville” struggled to find an audience. For some, it even qualified as a bubble show in that it wouldn’t have been stunning if it hadn’t been renewed. I’m not surprised that ABC wants to get behind this show, one that fits perfectly in their rotation. Maybe it will grow into a better show in season two (a la “Scandal”). If it does, you’ll wish you had seen season one. Do your research now.
From my review: “Like a band who gets better to match their lead singer, I think every element of “Nashville” will rise to match the performance of Ms. Britton. It’s not a show for everyone. You need to have a passing interest in the music industry, be able to tolerate country tunes, and respond to soap opera plotting. But for what it is, “Nashville” works. It’s a tune that doesn’t break the mold but fits squarely in it. And sometimes those make for the most memorable hits.”
Special Features:
o Nashville Comes to Nashville
o On the Record: B-Side
o Stellas Go On “Tour”
o Bloopers
o Deleted Scenes
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Amazon Instant, iTunes
Arrow: The Complete First Season
Photo credit: Warner Bros.
“Arrow: The Complete First Season”
Ah, the CW. One hero exits stage left in “Smallville” and another enters stage right in the entertaining “Arrow,” a show that has a similar narrative energy and engaging lead. It should help the program find a growing audience for season two that the Blu-ray release is a beauty with WB-caliber HD transfers and a very solid collection of special features. Very few programs got the chance at a sophomore season this year as the 2012-13 freshman crop was a hideous one. I’m glad “Arrow” is getting a chance to grow.
From my review: “The plotting of “Arrow” is what makes it most effective. There’s an excellent balance of questions and answers in the premiere as we get to know these characters and watch the plot threads start to dangle.”
Special Features:
o Arrow Comes Alive!
o Arrow: Fight School/Stunt School
o Arrow: Cast and Creative Team At The 2013 Paleyfest
o Unaired Scenes
o Gag Reel
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, iTunes
The Mentalist: Season Five
Photo credit: Warner Bros.
“The Mentalist: Season Five”
I used to dig “The Mentalist” but the writers got too lazy around season three and even star Simon Baker seemed uninterested in his own character to the degree that he often lost his accent. It’s become a modest procedural, a show that never quite lived up to its potential. However, if you disagree and remain a bigger fan than me, you probably want to keep up with Patrick Jane & Red John. You can do so now on DVD.
Special Features:
o The Artistry Of Action: From Script To Screen
o Arresting Excitement: Keeping It Real With The CBI
Where to Watch: DVD, Vudu, iTunes
By BRIAN TALLERICO |