My Name Is Earl DVDs, Books and Videos

«The biggest (and last) season»

Season 4 was easily the largest collection of Earl escapades, clocking in at a whopping 27 episodes. The majority of the episodes are classic Earl; rude, crude, heartfelt and hilarious. It lacks some of the more dynamic elements that were found in the third season, but the quality of writing is still there...for the most part.

Unfortunately, Season 4 also contains by far the *worst* episodes of Earl. This is expounded upon by all the 'bad' episodes being consecutive. There are around 7-8 episodes in the first third of the season that are incredibly bland. The characters become caricatures, the gags fall flat, and the story lines are banal. It's surprising how after 3 seasons of consistent quality, there's a huge and noticeable drop with this chunk of clunkers.

Even with the grouping of sub-par episodes, there are still a plethora (count 19-20) fantastic episodes thanks to the longer season order. After the initial quality drop, there's a major return to form starting with 'Got the Babysitter Pregnant' that doesn't let up until the season ends. Standout episodes include (but aren't limited to)...

-The Magic Hour
-We've Got Spirit
-Got the Babysitter Pregnant
-Darnell Outed Parts 1 and 2
-Friends with Benefits
-Witch Lady
-Dodge's Dad

I'd like to point out that 'Witch Lady' is quite possibly one of my favorite episodes of MNIE, with Betty White pulling out all the stops in a hilarious role that skirts the line of being too over the top yet staying within the boundaries of the show. Norm MacDonald returns in the finale as Little Chubby, with one of the most irreverent and gut-busting half hours I've witnessed on regular network television.

Aside from the dreadful episodes near the season's beginning, there's another problem with season 4 that sadly was out of the writer's hands; the finale ends with a cliffhanger. Just when I thought NBC had been making decent decisions about what shows they were keeping around, they pulled the rug out from under MNIE. Granted, this was the weakest season, but even then the episodes in the second half easily made up for the stinkers.

Last but not least, the DVD set continues season 3's trend of minimal bonus features that just aren't that interesting. There's a gag reel and some deleted scenes, and once again zero commentaries. At the retail price, I expect a little more out of DVD releases, and this set doesn't measure up in that regard.

Earl doesn't necessarily end with a bang, but it went out the way it should have - as if it would keep going. No compromises, no gimmicks, just fun and funny. There's no question that season 4 should be added to your collection if you already have the other three seasons. If not, take some time to invest in one of the better television comedies to come out in the past decade.

[Friday, August 27, 2010]

«Best One Yet»

I really hated to see this very funny series go !! I think season four was one of the best ones out there !! Season 1 was a great starter, but the prison and coma segments in season 2 and 3 were not super entertaining. Season 4 went back to the roots of 1, but much more refined. You can finally find out why Crabman went into witness protection !! None of the folks I work with enjoyed the show, so I had no one to talk to about the shows. I just enjoyed them myself.

[Friday, July 09, 2010]

«What a gem of a show!»

As my wife put it one night while watching "My Name Is Earl", "This show is just wrong in so many ways." Yes!! It's "wrong" in all the right ways. It skewers sacred cows right and left and then bar-b-ques them. Not for the easily offended. But definitely for people who love to laugh, love sarcasm, but still like shows with a "point" to them. I missed it when it was on TV as I was always busy on Thursdays, but got Seasons 1 & 2 as a Christmas present from my son. I think it is sinful that it wasn't picked up for another season.

[Monday, May 24, 2010]

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