It’s always funny when it comes to movies or television shows. In my experience, what everyone likes is always different. The DVD Patrol has been getting ready for the new Fall TV Season and I thought it would be a great idea to assemble my TV crew and see what some of their favorite shows are. Some you can find, and some you can’t because of one thing or another. Their choices are surprising – see what you think. The Toddster might have a good one, too. Let’s see what we’ve got.
Jeff Genung
Falcon Crest (CBS)
An admitted 80s prime time soap fan, I was long ago sated by the DVD releases of Dallas and Dynasty. Those two powerhouses have been out on DVD for a long time; in the case of Dallas, I believe they’ve released every single season by now. But what about the third player in the prime time soap triumvirate, Falcon Crest? While Dynasty and Dallas were probably more popular and certainly garnered more attention, Falcon Crest was always my personal favorite, with a strong run from 1981-1990. Jane Wyman (Ronald Reagan was president at the time, and to have his ex-wife as the star of a TV show was certainly a novelty) stars as vintner Angela Channing, ruling her own wine-making dynasty with an iron fist (and a pretty snazzy wardrobe). She’s foiled of course by her salt-of-the-earth nephew, Chase Gioberti (Robert Foxworth) and his wife Maggie (Susan Sullivan), whose adventures as a stalwart reporter may have influenced yours truly a tad, in retrospect. Throw in once and future stars like Lorenzo Lamas, David Selby, Lana Turner, Gina Lollobrigida, Cliff Robertson and Cesar Romero, and you’ve got yourself a perfect vintage soap opera. Season One finally came out on DVD this year, and inspired by this column, I picked it up over the weekend. Have yourself a glass of vino or two and enjoy this wild romp in the vineyards, 80s-style.
Brian Golden
The Wonder Years (ABC)
When informed of this latest Toddster team-up, I had serious misgivings about finding an unreleased television series I’d truly like to see on DVD. For one, I really don’t watch all that much television and haven’t for years. However, a little research went a long way and I couldn’t believe it when I found out one of my favorite programs growing up, and a successful one I might add, has never graced the shelves in full-season DVD format.
ABC’s The Wonder Years, which ran from 1988 to 1993, was in many ways my introduction into the lifestyle, attitudes and experiences of a young teenager in the late 60s and early 70s. All it took for me was the introductory music of Joe Cocker belting out his legendary rendering of the Beatles’ classic “With a Little Help from my Friends” and I was hooked.
A poetic look at small-town America through the eyes of a young Kevin Arnold (portrayed by Fred Savage) at a time when the country’s political and social boundaries were being tested – the Vietnam War raged on and Flower Power was at its peak – the show featured a number of memorable actors and actresses whose performances brought the flavor of the times to the television screen.
Danica McKellar as Kevin’s on-again-off-again love interest Winnie, Josh Saviano as best friend Paul, the classic big brother, little brother relationship between Kevin and Wayne, Karen as the hippie sister who runs away and of course, Ben Stein as the monotone high school teacher, all came together to portray a unique and confusing period of time in American history.
Sadly, due to issues with the music rights for the iconic program, this classic series may never be available as a season by season DVD boxed set, something I find unfortunate and disappointing. Due to the fact that I was only slightly younger than Kevin, Winnie and Paul, this series had a profound influence on me growing up and I hope someday to see it once again in its entirety. A classic television comedy-drama.
Melissa Stagnaro
Father Ted (BBC)
One of my most prized possessions is my Father Ted box set. I feel happy just thinking about the BBC series, which features three dysfunctional Irish priests living out an exile of sorts on the fictitious Craggy Island.
Comedian Dermot Morgan plays Father Ted Crilly, a once well-respected clergyman relegated to the remote isle after its discovered he was skimming from the church coffers. As part of his penance, he is saddled with the care of both Father Dougal McGuire (Ardal O’Hanlon, who also played Thermoman in “My Hero”), an endearing sot who doesn’t quite get the whole religion thing, and the ancient, alcoholic Father Jack Hackett (Frank Kelly) - who really can’t be left alone for a minute. He must also suffer the ministrations of their tea-pushing, blind as a bat housekeeper, Mrs. Doyle, played by Pauline McLynn.
My love for the series can be traced back to my Northern Virginia days, when I first began palling around with Brian and Ed, who became two of my closest friends. I would describe their attachment to the show as an addiction - one which was fed by their friend Fletcher, who would tape the show off BBC for them.
I thought they were nice guys when I first met them. I just couldn’t figure out why they kept randomly shouting “DRRINK” and “GURRLS” in pseudo- Irish accents. But then I watched my first episode of Father Ted, and everything started falling into place.
