Release Info:
Original Air Dates: June 19 – August 22, 2008
Season Air Dates: 2008
DVD Box Set Release Date: May 12, 2009
Episodes: The War On Porn; New Age Medicine; NASA; Dolphins; Sleep, Inc.; Being Green; Sensitivity Training; Stranger Danger; World Peace; The Good Ol’ Days
Online Availability: Amazon for $24.99

Performing together since the 1970s, Penn & Teller became notorious in the mid-1980s for a series of televised specials in which they demystified “magic tricks” for the general public, revealing the secrets behind many of the more standard types of illusions. Constantly controversial, the duo have been headlining in Las Vegas for more than two decades with an act that combines magic, comedy, Penn’s shtick as a raconteur, and Teller’s miming and use of props as his silent but expressive partner. Known for debunking myths, disregarding taboos, barbecuing sacred cows and challenging cherished beliefs, the pair have been calling “Bullshit!” on Showtime since 2003.

As in previous seasons, each episode focuses on a single hot-button topic. An opening monologue sets up the opposing viewpoints, and Penn & Teller make their bias clear. Known as atheists, libertarians and all-around skeptics, the positions they take are rarely a surprise, although they often end up exposing extremists on both sides as worthy of their mocking.

Each issue is explored through brief segments featuring background information, footage of topical events, “experiments” set up to prove a point, and interviews with (often self-proclaimed) experts. Of course, the commentary is littered with profanity and the shots are populated with gratuitously naked (or at least topless) women. These two hallmarks of the show are presented, I suspect in equal part, for their shock-value appeal and their commentary on what Penn & Teller think of censorship.

For that reason, I was surprised to see that this DVD set is a censored version, marketed under “Penn & Teller: B.S.!” instead of the show’s original title, “Penn & Teller: Bullshit!” My first assumption was that this was simply to allow stores catering to the general public to display it on their shelves without risking alienating easily-offended customers. However, I soon discovered a second version, “Penn & Teller: Bullshit!: The Complete Season 6 (Uncensored). Since the episodes I watched on the DVDs did not seem significantly altered from the episodes I’d watched on Showtime during season six, my conclusion is that rather than this being a censored version of what was aired, the uncensored version simply shows a racier version than they were able to air, even on Showtime.

The Penn & Teller: B.S.!: The Complete Sixth Season Plot
There are ten episodes included in this set. Here is a list of the episodes with a brief description of each one.

“The War On Porn”: Is censoring porn a violation of free speech? Is there any evidence that viewing porn leads to sexual aggression and violence?

“New Age Medicine”: Is there anything behind alternative therapies, or are desperate and gullible people simply being bilked by 21st century snake oil salesmen? Do personal testimonies really mean anything, or is it just a placebo effect?

“NASA”: Should the government be funding the space race?

“Dolphins”: Are dolphins really as smart as or smarter than humans? Do they possess mystical powers?

“Sleep, Inc.”: Do products designed to aid in sleep actually offer a better quantity and/or quality of rest? An insomniac is followed around a sleep convention in Las Vegas, with commentary on how many of his lifestyle choices perpetuate his own sleep issues.

“Being Green”: Do programs such as “carbon credits” designed to reduce a person’s “carbon footprint” actually benefit the environment, or are they just schemes dreamed up by a greed-driven industry to capitalize on the guilt of those who would rather donate to a cause – any cause – than actually modify their lifestyles? Al Gore is criticized as a hypocrite.

“Sensitivity Training”: Do workshops lead to better understanding among diverse populations, or are they just one more form on political correctness? Do the people who run these workshops actually have valid credentials, or are they just making it all up as they go along?

“Stranger Danger”: Are kids actually in more danger now than in past generations, or has media hype created a widespread panic? Other maternal warnings, such as the “5 second rule” and “don’t swim for an hour after eating” are explored for comparison.

“World Peace”: Do protests and other efforts by peace and justice groups actually accomplish anything other than a feel-good haven for like-minded individuals? Teasers throughout the episode promise to reveal the one true solution toward world peace.

“The Good Ol’ Days”: Was the past actually better, or has it just been romanticized by those struck with nostalgia for their own youth or for a time they didn’t even live through?

Storyline/Plot: 3 out of 5 stars
Replayability: 3 out of 5 stars
Acting: 4 out of 5 stars
Directing: 4 out of 5 stars

Audio/Visual:
This DVD set is presented in Standard 1.33:1 Color video, and English 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo or 5.1 Surround, and in Spanish Mono. Closed Captioning is available.

While there was nothing remarkable about either the video or audio presentation, tight editing made good use of the images and sound bites available. Unlike other shows of this genre, despite brief and rapidly changing segments, the camera-work was not muddled with unnecessary and distracting visual effects designed to pander to the short attention span generation. Although background noise was “fuzzy” in some scenes, Penn’s commentary and the voices of those being interviewed were always loud and clear.

Visual: 4 out of 5 stars
Audio: 3 out of 5 stars

Bonus Features:
There were no bonus features, which was a disappointment. While a commentary track would be redundant since Penn offers commentary throughout the whole show as it is, I would have liked to have at least seen some outtakes, or longer versions of the interviews conducted for some of the episodes. I would have even been happy with a few magic tricks!

Bonus Features: 0 out of 5 stars

Bottom Line:
This wasn’t their strongest season, with some topics so thinly covered that they could have been combined (New Age Medicine and Sleep, Inc., for example), while other topics seem to be just a rehashing of past seasons under new titles (as every season seems to have at least one episode on the sex industry, one on alternative medicine, one on the environmental movement, etc.). I wouldn’t recommend em>Penn & Teller: B.S.!: The Complete Sixth Season to someone just wanting to pick up one season to see what the show’s all about. The lack of bonus features give little incentive to buy it if you’ve already seen the shows on Showtime, since the DVD set offers nothing new, and since this is the censored version, but it is a worthwhile addition to the home library of anyone already collecting the other seasons.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Technorati Tags: DVD, DVD Review, television show, TV on DVD, Penn, Teller, Penn Jillette, Penn & Teller, Penn and Teller, BS, Bullshit, Showtime

Release Info:
Theatrical Release:
DVD Release Date: May 5, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $38.99

I have been watching Dexter from the beginning. Showtime has some of the best shows on television these days and I watch the majority of them. Of all the shows they have that I watch, I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Dexter. He’s always been my favorite and probably always will be. There are a few things I don’t like about Dexter, but for the most part this show is one of the most innovative and entertaining shows that has hit the airwaves.

One of the things that set Dexter apart is the acting of Michael C. Hall. The character of Dexter Morgan is dynamic and spellbinding because Hall has been able to create a character that despite his flaws you want to like. Not only that, he’s a character you want to root for. Even though you know he is doing something that he shouldn’t be doing, a part of you (or at least me) wants him to succeed. If bad writing on the part of Morgan or bad acting were involved these things would not be issues. People would see him as a scumbag and they would move on. Luckily that is not the case. Instead, for many like myself, Dexter is an addiction and the audience cannot wait to see what he is going to do next.

The ensemble cast is really interesting, too. Even the characters that I don’t care for, like Deb, are multi-layered and dynamic. That being said, I will admit that my problem with Deb has nothing to do with Jennifer Carpenter, the actor behind the role. You see, Deb has this thing that is done with her mouth. I don’t know if it’s a nervous twitch or even how to describe it, but every time I watch the show and Deb is on she does the mouth thing (as I call it). It drives me crazy to the point where I can barely watch her while on screen anymore. I know, it’s neurotic and I try to ignore it, but it’s a small issue. Still, the character of Deb doesn’t annoy me as much as her mouth does.

The second season of Dexter has already been released on DVD. This release is just for the people that want that extra quality for the show. Still, if you have not seen this season you’re in store for some interesting storylines. Some garbage bags are found in the river and before you know it, the Miami PD and the FBI are on the hunt for the Bay Harbor Butcher. Dexter watches the case with apprehension, wondering when or if he will get caught, when the man who never loses is brought on the case.

While all this is going on, Dexter and Rita’s relationship is up in the air when her nosy, meddling mom comes for a visit. Dexter, who Rita assumes is a substance abuser, begins going to Narcotics Anonymous. While there he meets a girl, Lila, who just might be the first one to ever understand him. Of course, that isn’t necessarily a good thing in Dexter’s world. Deb finds a new relationship, Doakes closes in on Dexter, and plenty of excitement ensues. All in all, this is one hot season!

The Dexter: The Second Season Plot
The second season of Dexter begins about 38 days after the end of the first season. Deb has to deal with the fact that the supposed love of her life was a lying maniac. Likewise, Dexter has to deal with finding and losing a brother and learning more about his family, whether he wants to do that or not. Of course, with the Bay Harbor Butcher being hunted, this is the least of Dexter’s worries. This season offers plenty of relationship drama and lots of police action as the Butcher is hunted and Dexter tries desperately to make sure that it does not look like him.

“It’s Alive!”: It’s been a little over a month since the mystery of the Ice Truck Killer was solved. Doakes has taken to trailing Dexter constantly. This makes it nearly impossible for Dexter to kill anyone. Once he gets a hold of his newest victim, Little Chino, he finds that he is unable to kill him. Deb comes back to work, but finds that dealing with the public is going to be harder than she thought. Paul says Dexter framed him, but Rita does not want to believe him. Thirty bodies, cut up in trash bags are found at the bottom of the ocean.

“Waiting to Exhale”: Lundy is on the case to find the Bay Harbor Butcher. Meanwhile, both the Miami PD and Dexter are looking for Little Chino. Deb and Dexter struggle to come to terms with their relationship with Brian. Rita confronts Dexter because she believes that he was involved in Paul’s death.

“An Inconvenient Lie”: Rita threatens to leave Dexter unless he gets help for his “drug” addiction. As a result, Dexter goes to NA meetings. While at a meeting, Dexter meets Lila, an interesting woman that wants to help Dexter by being his sponsor. Lundy wants Deb to be on the task force and his interest in her pays off when she figures out the pattern of the murders.

“See-Through”: Dexter isn’t sure that Lila is the right fit for a sponsor due to her behavior. Rita agrees and thinks that he should find another sponsor. Rita’s mom thinks that Dexter is hiding something. Cody suffers from nightmares that are about the Bay Harbor Butcher. Vince learns that he can determine which marina that the Bay Harbor Butcher stores his boat and that has Dexter scrambling to get rid of some evidence.

“The Dark Defender”: Dexter learns that one of the men that murdered his mother is alive and living in Florida. Lila encourages him to go and find this man after he tells her about a dream he had where he was a comic book superhero, able to rescue his mom. Doakes and LaGuerta look back fondly on the days when they were partners. Rita’s mother warns Dexter to keep his distance from Rita and her kids.

“Dex, Lies, and Videotape”: When Dexter finds out that he was on tape cleaning his boat, he realizes that he needs to get rid of that tape. A copycat shows up that mimics the Bay Harbor Butcher and the Miami PD knows that if they do not find him quick the FBI will take over the case completely. Dexter begins to wonder why Harry really took him in as a child, especially since it was uncovered that Harry had a relationship with Dexter’s mom. Rita’s mom thinks that Dexter should invite Lila to dinner. Rita and Dexter break up when she learns that Lila will be going with Dexter on a trip.

“That Night, A Forest Grew”: Lundy’s task force goes on high alert when a written manifesto from the Bay Harbor Butcher is sent to a local paper. Doakes is hot on the trail of discovering the truth about Dexter, but Dexter counters by finding a way to get Doakes out of the police force. Lila and Dexter have a good time together, but it turns bad when she learns that he will be seeing Rita at a school event that Cody wants Dexter to attend. Deb and Gabriel break up because she has her eyes on Lundy.

“Morning Comes”: In hopes of keeping Dexter, Lila sets her loft on fire. She only causes more trouble though when she lies about the cause of the fire and Dexter realizes she is not telling the truth. Doakes is offered a job. Unfortunately, at this time he is so obsessed with Dexter that catching him is all he can think about. With this in mind, he breaks into his apartment. Lundy thinks the Butcher might be in law enforcement and works to revisit old cases. Rita tells Dexter that he is not welcome in her or her children’s life.

“Resistance is Futile”: Dexter struggles to find a place to dump his latest body because the investigation is making things impossible for him. Even though Dexter tells Rita that everything with Lila was a mistake, she seems hesitant about taking him back. Doakes uncovers Dexter’s blood slides. Meanwhile, Deb and Lundy debate whether or not their relationship should be taken public.

“There’s Something About Harry”: While Dexter has Doakes locked up and out of the way, he still is not sure what he should do with him. Doakes has a revelation and that leads Dexter on a trail to learn something shocking about Harry. The FBI continues to look for Doakes and though all signs point straight to him, LaGuera refuses to believe that he is the Butcher. Angel and Lila keep messing around though he has no idea what’s coming to him.

“Left Turn Ahead”: Dexter considers turning himself in for the Bay Harbor Butcher murders. When the FBI does not feel they are receiving results in the case, they replace Lundy with a new deputy director. Lila has Angel arrested for sexual assault. She will only agree to drop the charges if she can get Dexter back. After some searching Deb realizes that Lila is not in the U.S. legally.

“The British Invasion”: Lila finds Doakes all locked up, but doesn’t seem to interested in his problems even when he outs Dexter as the Bay Harbor Butcher. When the cabin explodes and it is discovered that Doakes was in the cabin, the evidence leads to him and the case is closed. Deb and Lundy realize that they need to re-evaluate their relationship. Meanwhile, Rita and Dexter renew their relationship, but it becomes clear that unless Dexter does something about Lila, Rita and her kids will never be safe.

Storyline/Plot: 5 out of 5 stars
Replayability: 5 out of 5 stars
Acting: 5 out of 5 stars
Directing: 5 out of 5 stars

Audio/Visual:
The 1080p and the 1.78:1 aspect ratio do not lie. This transfer is as beautiful as the first season when it comes to Blu-ray visual quality. Dexter really shines on a number of levels. The quality here is just gorgeous. The colors are bright, when it calls for them to be, and the dark levels are rich and strong. I did not notice any issues with compression errors, dirt, noise, or grain. Blu-ray really has the ability to shine with shows like Dexter. While the show isn’t as intensive as an action film, things like flying blood sure look pretty on screen. As this is a relatively new series this should not be an issue, but it does occasionally happen. The three discs that Dexter are the perfect addition to any fan’s library.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 sounds as good as the video looks. It’s hard to complain about a sound that makes sure to use multiple channels and creates a clear, dynamic sound from start to finish. As a fan of the , just hearing the strong sounding opening got me excited about the quality and the show. Dialogue is easy to hear at all times, special effects are crisp, and the music has the pop that you would expect from a Blu-ray transfer. Volume toggling and other issues are not a problem. In addition to the English audio there is a Spanish track in Dolby TrueHD 5.1. Subtitles are included in English.

Visual: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Audio: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Bonus Features:
There are some things in life I don’t think I will ever understand. One of those things is how a show can be as amazing and as popular as this one and receive such a shoddy bonus section. The BD Live area offers the most for viewers, but if you don’t want to (or can’t) download all of the content, then you are honestly left with a whole lot of nothing. Whatever happened to the simpler days before BD Live?

The one section that is not based on BD Live is called “Tools of the Trade.” In this section you get the chance to pick the tools that Dexter uses when he kills people. Once you’ve picked a tool you place it in the bag. If you are correct you get a small synopsis on the tool. It’s basic and it’s really not that exciting. Sadly, this is the only non-BD Live feature. It would have been nice to see some commentaries or other featurettes.

In the BD Live area there are a couple of episodes of the smash hit The United States of Tara. This is nice, but if you have Showtime then you probably have On Demand, which means you can watch the entire season right now. At best, this is a limited feature for people that do not have Showtime. A ton of podcasts are available, which are decent to listen to. Fans should enjoy them, though a word of warning, the download was somewhat slow, which definitely ups the annoyance factor. This is basically it. There are a few other things, but I eventually gave up on the download process so I can’t go into what was there. I can only guess it’s no better than what was already available.

Bonus Features: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Bottom Line:
You can’t go wrong with Dexter. This is hands down, one of the best shows on television today. The title character is witty, well acted, and incredibly dynamic. The fact that he is a serial killer is just the icing on the cake. This season offers some interesting storylines and a whole lot of fun. Once you start watching you will not be able to stop. I highly recommend picking this season up on either Blu-ray or DVD, if you do not have a Blu-ray player.

Overall Rating: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Technorati Tags: Blu-ray Review, TV on DVD, Dexter, Showtime, Drama, Thriller, Murder, Season Two, Michael C Hall, Dexter Morgan, Serial Killer

Actress Leisha Hailey has been signed on to star in a spinoff of The L Word. The spinoff is said to be Showtime’s answer to HBO’s Oz though it won’t be quite as harsh and will feature women in prison. This is definitely going to be different than The L Word. It’s iffy whether adorable Alice will be able to hack it in prison. Her only hope is going to be becoming someone big and scary’s bitch!

About the spinoff, B&C writes:

“Showtime President of Entertainment Bob Greenblatt spilled some details of the recently-piloted The L-Word spin-off: It will star The L Word’s Leisha Hayley and will be a “very different, substantially different show” from L-Word, he says.

Hayley’s character Alice Pieszecki goes to jail, where the new show would be set. While L-Word, which will conclude as a series after its yet-to-premiere sixth season, focuses primarily on a community of lesbians, the spin-off would involve a broad spectrum of characters, including some lesbians, Greenblatt says: “It’s a big group of characters and there’s a few lesbians in that group but it isn’t the exact makeup of what The L Word was.””

You can check out the entire article here.

Either way, with a cast that could possibly include Laurie Metcalf, this sounds like the type of show I’d like to watch!

Photo Credit: blackbiscuits

Technorati Tags: The L Word, Spoiler, Prison, Leisha Hailey, Who Killed Jenny, Laurie Metcalf

Movie Info:

Release Info:
Original Air Dates: March 30, 2008-June 1, 2008
TV Box Set Release Date: January 6, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $24.99

“I’m going to be depressed when she’s dead and gone.”

Those were my exact words prior to the second season of Showtime’s The Tudors. I absolutely love Natalie Dormer, who plays Anne Boleyn, on the show. She’s beautiful, sexy and is a great actress. Her chemistry with Jonathan Rhys Meyers explodes off the screen. Still, knowing my history, I knew that it was only a matter of time before Dormer’s character lost her head (literally), and we lost the most talented actress on the show. Sadly, that moment has come sooner rather than later.

The many tragic marriages of Henry VIII, King of England and member of the Tudor family, are as intriguing as the history of Henry himself. This is the man who took it upon himself to create his own religion, by splitting from the Catholic Church and forming the Church of England. This split rocked the world when it occurred and has helped to make Henry the most infamous, perhaps even hated, figure in the history of England’s royal crown.

While The Tudors does deviate quite a bit from history, there is enough truth to it to make the show historically based and extremely interesting. In order to truly appreciate The Tudors, you have to look past the historical aspect of this story. I find that people who are too anal about historical accuracy hate this show. Those who can separate the story from history tend to love it, myself included.

By the start of the second season, Henry has already settled his sights on the beautiful Anne Boleyn and the ten episodes that make up the season explore their relationship pretty much from start to finish. Another major issue that is pertinent to this season of the show is Henry’s relationship with the church. With Henry annulling his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, and secretly marrying Anne, he has no choice but to break away from the Roman Catholic Church, a move that has changed religion in England ever since. In short, things get mighty interesting throughout this Second Season.

The Tudors – The Complete Second Season Plot
The best thing about The Tudors is the acting. As I mentioned before, Natalie Dormer is luscious as Boleyn. The other wives of Henry haven’t stood a candle to her beauty or sensuality. Well…at least not the ones we’ve seen thus far. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is incredibly sexy and though he isn’t quite stout enough to be Henry in a physically believable sense, he makes the part his own in other ways. I’m just wondering if we’ll get to see him in a fat suit in future seasons.

The story for The Tudors is enthralling. Sure, the truth is stretched a bit, but you have to imagine that Henry was quite the sexpot he’s made out to be on the show. After all, who wouldn’t want to sleep with the king? The writing for this show is good and it manages to have a faithful audience, even though some have complained about the lack of accuracy on The Tudors.

The second season of The Tudors features ten episodes. Here is a list of the episodes included in this DVD box set, with a description for each of them.

Note: Episode descriptions contain SPOILERS. If you haven’t watched episodes this season, you need to stop reading this review (or simply skip this section and move down to the section labeled ‘Audio/Video’.

Episode #2.1 – King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) sets out to annul his marriage to his wife, Catherine (Maria Doyle Kennedy). To do so, he breaks away from the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, forming the Church of England. Of course, Henry appoints himself as head of the church. In the meantime, he tries to woo the beautiful Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer), who wants him to remove Catherine from the court. Pope Paul III (Peter O’Toole) insists that the answer is the assassination of Anne, instead. In the meantime, the cook of the Bishop of Rochester, John Fisher (Bosco Hogan), is bribed to poison him (unsuccessfully) and Thomas Cranmer (Hans Matheson) receives a promotion.

Episode #2.2 – The Catholic Church tries to regain control of England, though they refuse to meet Henry’s demands for an annulment. The King relishes his role as the new head of the Church of England. With Catherine out of favor with Henry, Anne insists he break all contact with his first wife. The religious Reformation of England is in full force. Anne is given a title just prior to her travels with Henry, to France, where he plans to announce his intentions to marry her.

Episode #2.3 – With the Catholic Church unwilling to budge on the issue of annulment, Henry gives up breaking final ties with them. He ends up marrying Anne in a private ceremony. Of course, by now Anne is pregnant. Thomas Cranmer is promoted to become the Archbishop of Canterbury. Catherine is stripped of her title and her daughter with Henry, Mary, is deemed illegitimate, all as Anne is being crowned. With the Pope furious at these turn of events, he threatens Henry with excommunication. With Anne giving birth to Henry’s daughter, Elizabeth, it isn’t long before he’s up to his old tricks, with the ladies in court.

Episode #2.4 – The new princess is deemed the legitimate heir to the throne thanks to a new “Act of Succession” that Henry has drawn up. Citizens of England are forced to give an oath, as not to question their loyalty to the King and his new Queen. Those who refuse are imprisoned. This includes Sir Thomas More (Jeremy Northam) and the Bishop John Fisher who end up in the Tower of London. Anne is pregnant again, Catherine is secluded, and Mary is the new nanny of Elizabeth. While pregnant, Anne decides that she will be the one to approve the women from the court with whom Henry can have affairs.

Episode #2.5 – Henry tries to make his new marriage legitimate. Thomas More and the newly appointed Cardinal Fisher make this difficult for him. Anne miscarries her child and begins to believe that Henry no longer loves her. She fears for Elizabeth, with Mary still in the picture; a valid threat to Elizabeth’s potential place on the throne. Anne and her sister, Mary, have a falling out when Mary marries beneath her station and is now pregnant. Continuing to refuse to take the oath in support of Henry Fisher and More are beheaded.

Episode #2.6 – Sir Thomas Cromwell (James Frain) gains more power, as the reformation continues. Anne is becoming paranoid, after the loss of her child. In the meantime, Henry is having trouble dealing with the execution of More. Henry’s affairs get more intense, and Anne is upset further when she cannot make an agreement with the French King over the betrothal of his son to Elizabeth, whom he deems illegitimate.

Episode #2.7 – Cromwell takes the Reformation in a more sinister, terror inducing direction. This doesn’t bode well for the Catholic Church or its followers in England. Anne’s paranoia continues as she frets continuously about the threat to the succession of Elizabeth by Mary. Catherine dies, which saddens Henry, but his good mood returns when he meets with Lady Jane Seymour (Anita Briem). Anne is pregnant again and she’s sure it is a boy.

Episode #2.8 – Jane becomes Anne’s lady-in-waiting, much to Anne’s chagrin. The Emperor Charles wants to renew a relationship with England, but only if Henry makes Mary his heir and successor to the throne. Henry is injured while jousting, though he is later caught in a compromising position with Jane Seymour by Anne. This results in another miscarriage. With Anne unable to conceive a son, Henry declares Anne a witch, and his marriage to her not legal.

Episode #2.9 – Anne is traumatized by the death of her son and the loss of her marriage. As the Boleyns lose favor in court, the Seymours move into their place. Anne goes up against the court who accuse her of being a witch and an adulteress. A variety of potential lovers to the queen are arrested, as is Anne. All of them are sentenced to death.

Episode #2.10 – Anne sits in prison awaiting the day of her death. Henry proposes to Jane, on the day of Anne’s execution. Elizabeth is deemed illegitimate and is no longer in line for a place on the throne. As the last moments of this second season come to a close, Anne Boleyn is beheaded.

Storyline/Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Replayability: 5 out of 5 stars
Acting: 5 out of 5 stars
Directing: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Audio/Visual:
As you might expect, Showtime went all out for the television version of The Tudors. While television quality isn’t always the best, this show always seems to look great. The 1.78:1 aspect ratio provides a stable stomping ground for a great picture. It’s softer in spots than it needs to be, but for the most part, season two of The Tudors looks fabulous. The colors are all amazing, flesh tones look natural, and everything works together to create a stellar picture. Fans should not be disappointed in the quality here.

The sound for The Tudors was offered in a 2.0 and a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. Naturally, the 5.1 track offers a stronger sense of dynamic storytelling. The 2.0 track runs slightly louder though so if you need the volume up higher that might be a better option for you. Still, after trying out both I found the volume to be acceptable in either case with good sound effects and easy to understand dialogue. A Spanish mono track is also available. Subtitles are not offered, but Closed Captioning is available for both English tracks.

Visual: 4 out of 5 stars
Audio: 4 out of 5 stars

Bonus Features:
The special features are the one spot where I was disappointed in the second season of The Tudors. As this is a new, current show there were so many things that they could have done in this section that the creators and producers of the show just chose not to do. Things like commentaries and behind the scenes features are absent, which is a letdown. The special features section is made up mainly of some previews, premiere episodes, and photo galleries.

Beyond the photo galleries and the textual cast bios, there are premiere episodes for the second season of This American Life and Californication. If you unlock the DVD-Rom content on your computer you can enjoy the premiere episode of the third season of Dexter and the first two episodes of United States of Tara.

The two featurettes are both on the smaller side. The first, “The Tower of London” allows you to see Natalie Dormer visiting the tower. It’s not horrible as far as featurettes go, though it would be a lot nicer had it been accompanied by more special features. The second feature, “Descendants of Henry” is just what it sounds like. Viewers are able to watch interviews with people that are descended from Henry VIII. It’s not the best feature, but it’s worth watching at least once. Hopefully in future seasons of The Tudors Showtime will decide to offer more in the way of special features.

Bonus Features: 3 out of 5 stars

Bottom Line:
If you’ve never seen The Tudors you can check out reruns on cable’s On Demand or watch them when they air on Showtime. If you’ve already seen the show, then you should know whether you’d like it our not. If you like it, you need to pick up The Tudors: The Complete Second Season. While this show won’t be for everyone, the great acting and storytelling make it worth at least checking out. For fans of the show or period style, fiction-based television The Tudors: The Complete Second Season comes highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 4.21 out of 5 stars

Technorati Tags: DVD, TV on DVD, The Tudors, Season Two, Showtime, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, DVD Review, drama, period piece

Dexter: The Complete First Season will be released on Blu Ray courtesy of CBS and Paramount Home Video on January 6, 2009. You can pre-order this on Amazon for $37.95.

Technorati Tags: Dexter, The Complete First Season, Showtime, CBS, Paramount Home Video, BluRay, TV on DVD, Dexter Morgan, Serial Killer, Miami PD, Upcoming Releases

Release Info:
Original Air Dates: October 1, 2006-Present
Season Air Dates: September 30, 2007-December 16, 2007
DVD Box Set Release Date: August 19, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $
Episodes: All episodes in Season Two

There are only a few television shows I refuse to miss for anything. One of those shows is Dexter. The show, which debuted on Showtime two years ago, is one of the best series I’ve ever watched. Dexter is one of Showtime’s most popular shows. That means I’m not alone in watching this somewhat obscure show. Considering that Dexter is a show about a serial killer, it is not surprising (though it might be a bit shocking) that it is such a popular show.

It’s always hit and miss with television shows (or movies) that are based on books. Dexter is most definitely a hit. Dexter Morgan is an appealing character because he’s made human. In fact, some may even view Dexter’s actions as virtuous. He’s a serial killer. He kills people. He does it for a reason. All of the people he kills are bad. They hurt other people, and yet, in some way, the human emotion allows us to both empathize with Dexter and still view his actions as wrong.

This just emphasizes the human obsession with serial killers. We, as humans, are taught that killing anyone, no matter the reason, is wrong. Of course, that hasn’t always been the way of the law. Not everyone believes that the justice system in America works. People who are guilty get off. People who aren’t are convicted. Back in the day, a guilty man (especially for something like murder) was killed without the chance of appeals or the option of life in prison. Our softness on prisoners has created more criminals. Dexter, a blood spatter expert with the Miami police, sees this and he is willing to take matters into his own hands. All of his victims are those who he knows are guilty of their crimes.

In some ways, it is easy to see why Dexter does what he does. Due to his past, he has impulses and the desire to kill. However, he was brought up thinking that killing innocent people is wrong. That is why he only kills those he knows deserve it. He has a meticulous regime he follows for every kill. It’s very systematic and he rarely, if ever, slips up. Dexter, at one point, saw himself as a dark hero, but now he just sees himself as Dexter, a man who needs to kill. There were implications that he plans to start doing things his own way, in Season Three. We’ll have to see how this plays out.

The Dexter – The Complete Second Season Plot
There are twelve episodes in the second season of Dexter. The second season picks up a little over a month after the last events of season one. Dexter tells the story of a man named Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall). Dexter is a blood spatter expert for the Miami PD, by day, and a serial killer by night. Dexter only kills those who deserve to die. This means he murders those who commit crimes and either aren’t captured by police or get off for the crimes they commit.

Dexter was adopted by a police officer named Harry Morgan (James Remar) and his wife. Both of them are now deceased, but Dexter does have a sister, their biological daughter, Debra (Jennifer Carpenter). Deb is also a member of the Miami PD. She’s on he way to becoming a police detective. The primary people Dexter interacts with are his girlfriend, Rita (Julie Benz), who he’s mostly with for appearance sake, and her two children Astor (Christina Robinson) and Cody (Preston Bailey), as well as the people at work.

Those who like Dexter include police detective Angel Batista (David Zayas), Lt. Maria Laguerta (Lauren Vélez), and forensic specialist Vince Masuka (C.S. Lee). The only one who realizes there is something else off about Dexter is Sgt. James Doakes (Erik King). He keeps a very close, obsessively close, eye on Dexter. This season, the Miami PD is also joined by Special Agent Frank Lundy (Keith Carradine), a legend at the FBI who greatly impresses Deb.

The twelve episodes of Season Two are split across four discs.

Note: Some of these episode synopsis’ may include spoilers from Season One and Two of Dexter.

Disc 1:

“It’s Alive!” – Over a month has passed since he killed the Ice Truck Killer and saved Deb’s life. It’s been very hard for her to get back into it at work and her superiors worry she’s trying to take things too fast when she returns to her job. James Doakes has spent every off work hour tailing Dexter. This has made it hard for him to kill anyone and he’s getting a major itch he needs to scratch.

When Dexter finally gets the chance to kill, something internally stops him from doing it. In the meantime, Rita is happy to be with Dexter and she’s sort of growing on him, too. The only thing standing in their way is her abusive ex, Paul. He is convinced Dexter knocked him out and drugged him so he’d be arrested. He tries to get Rita to help him prove Dexter is behind his incarceration, but Rita can’t believe its true.

The burial ground of a new serial killer (who is actually Dexter) is discovered.

“Waiting To Exhale” – Dexter foibles a kill for the first time when he is unable to dispose of a bad guy named Little Chino. A witness who had planned to testify against him is killed in retaliation. Dexter is finding it hard to kill, especially with Doakes riding his ass.

With a new serial killer on the loose (Dexter) a special task force is formed with those on the Miami PD and the FBI joining forces. Doakes is mad when he learns he’s not on the task force. He intensifies his scrutiny of Dexter, as a result.

Debra has a breakdown of sorts while on a case, but this ends up working out for the best, in the end. When Paul winds up dead, Rita is upset. She starts to question whether Dexter really is responsible for sending Paul to jail. Dexter lies when she demands an explanation and ends up in NA (Narcotics Anonymous), as a result.

“An Inconvenient Lie” – Dexter’s NA meetings actually give Doakes his answer (so he thinks) to Dexter’s issues. Dexter is nervous about attending NA, because its a place where you can expose yourself too much. If Dexter doesn’t go, Rita will break up with him. Dexter decides having a girlfriend is important, so he finds himself a sponsor, a very attractive, British woman named Lila (Jaime Murray).

Debra is placed on the joint task force. She’s still having problems relating to the Ice Truck Killer incident. Debra tries to prove herself, and by going the extra mile she discovers Dexter’s murder pattern. With everyone looking at Dexter skeptically (so he thinks) he decides he must kill a serial killer, whenever he can sneak away to do it.

Disc 2:

“See-Through” – Rita and Lila meet. Rita doesn’t like her, but Dexter reminds her that NA was her idea and he’s now committed to the program. Lila is interesting to Dexter and dangerous, and for the first time, he seems to be developing an attraction for a woman. When Rita’s mom, Gail (JoBeth Williams), comes to town, she sees through Dexter. She also tries to run and monopolize her daughter and grandchildren’s lives.

Dexter has bigger fish to fry. Special Agent Frank Lundy, a legend by FBI standards, comes to work the case. Dexter must find ways to throw him off his trail, because Lundy doesn’t lose!

“The Dark Defender” – Lila tells Dexter he can only recover if he faces his past. To do that, he finds out about the men who killed his mother, leaving Dexter and his brother for dead. One of them is alive and Dexter knows where he lives. Dexter decides to confront him, with the help of Lila.

Deb is finally dating again. She’s wary of Gabriel, so she starts snooping around. After accusing him of something, she realizes its really not what it seems. Gail tells Dexter to go away because he’s just like Paul. Rita overhears this and tells her mother off. Dexter can’t deal with this though, because they now know that the murderer uses a certain boat harbor and one of them being monitored is Dexters.

Dexter doesn’t know that the marinas are now being monitored. He decides to clean up, not realizing he’s being recorded.

“Dex, Lies And Videotape” – A copycat killer to the “Bay Harbor Butcher” is discovered. If they can’t stop this copycat, the FBI is going to take over the case with no PD staff on the task force. Dexter finds out from Deb that the marinas are being monitored so he tries to find a way to delete the tape.

Dexter learns a shocking secret about his biological mother’s relationship with Harry. He begins to question why Harry adopted him. Gail invites Lila to dinner and Rita finds out about their trip to confront the man who killed Dexter’s mother. She breaks up with him and Dexter turns to Lila for more than comfort.

“That Night, A Forest Grew” – Dexter sends a newspaper his “manifesto”. At 32 pages long, the police are certain they’ll find him thanks to the manifesto. Dexter and Doakes have a tete a tete, while Rita takes on Gail. Later, Dexter takes Lila out to celebrate the sale of one of her sculptures. Of course, when Dexter says he’s going to a school event of Cody’s Lila becomes jealous. Her true colors and motivations become apparent.

Disc 3:

“Morning Comes” – Lila moves in with Dexter and Deb is still staying with him, as she has since the Ice Truck Killer incident. Rita tells Dexter he can’t stop by unannounced though the kids are trying to get her to change her mind because they need him in their lives.

Lundy discovers that the Bay Harbor Butcher is in a law enforcement related field. They decide to re-open all their old cases involved in the BHB case. Dexter almost slips up in front of Lundy though he’s able to cover his tracks. On the Lila front, he realizes she isn’t telling him the truth about the sculpture and is suspicious of her.

The killer of his mother visits Dexter. He ends up targeting the man as his next kill. With Dexter the reason for Doakes suspension, he breaks into Dexter’s apartment where he finds some incriminating evidence.

“Resistance Is Futile” – Dexter leaves the obsessive Lila. He apologizes to Rita and they discuss possibly getting back together. Lila goes to the police station to wait for Dexter. She knows “something” about him and wants to tell them. She befriends Angel, in the process.

Dexter is being monitored by the FBI. He cannot dispose of the man he killed, and it is making him antsy. Doakes does his own investigation on the evidence in Dexter’s house. Dexter realizes his victim slides are gone. He thinks Lundy has them. Deb starts an affair with the much older Lundy. Doakes catches Dexter in the act.

“There’s Something About Harry” – Dexter keeps Doakes prisoner, while he considers what he should do next. Doakes gives Dexter a hint about his father’s death. He learns what he thinks is a devastating truth about Harry. The FBI believes Doakes is the Bay Harbor Butcher, much to Laguerta’s chagrin. She tries to prove him innocent, despite Lundy’s warnings against personal involvement in the case.

Batista and Lila have a fling, which Dexter warns him not to continue. When he doesn’t listen, Lila does something that could cost him his career, to get back at Dexter. Rita and Dexter get back together. Deb is upset when she realizes Lundy won’t be in Miami forever.

“Left Turn Ahead” – Dexter considers ending his murderous spree, simply because of what he learns about Harry. Doakes escapes, but is captured again by someone else. Deb digs up dirt on Lila and threatens her for what she did to Dexter and Batista. The Deputy Director of the FBI takes over the case from Lundy.

Disc 4:
“The British Invasion – Lila steals Dexter’s car. She finds the place where Doakes is being held. Doakes tells Lila the truth about Dexter, which ends up delighting her, once she gets over the initial shock. She takes Doakes’ future into her own hands.

Deb and Lundy are planning a trip, but the BHB case breaks wide open before they can. When Dexter learns Lila knows about him, he threatens to kill her if she doesn’t leave them all alone. Lila kidnaps Rita’s kids and Dexter must try to come to their rescue. He also wants to make sure Lila never bothers them again.

Storyline/Plot: 5 out of 5 stars
Replayability: 5 out of 5 stars
Acting: 5 out of 5 stars
Directing: 5 out of 5 stars

Audio/Visual:
When I watched season two of Dexter originally on Showtime, the show looked great. All of the episodes included in the Dexter – The Complete Second Season Box Set are presented in anamorphic widescreen with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This is excellent quality for a series that has relatively few, if any, visual flaws. The colors are bright and realistic. The contrast is sharp with no soft spots. it can’t get any better than this.

The English Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track gets the job done and then some. The dialogue, sound effects and music are all incredibly dynamic. There is good use made of the speakers. There was no need for volume toggling, at all. There are other tracks available in Dolby Digital English surround and Spanish Dolby Digital mono. All three tracks offer closed captioning in lieu of subtitles.

Visual: 5 out of 5 stars
Audio: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Bonus Features:
The Dexter – The Complete Second Season Box Set has a few worthy bonuses. There are two, full length episodes from the second season of Brotherhood. If you’ve never seen the show, you’ll get a chance to see it. If you already like the show, here’s a look back at what episodes are going to be in Brotherhood‘s second season box set.

There are a series of cast bios for the following cast members: Michael C. Hall, Julie Benz, Jennifer Carpenter, Erik King, C.S. Lee, Lauren Velez, David Zayas, James Remar, JoBeth Williams, Jamie Murray and Keith Carradine. There are a series of Season Two photos included in a photo gallery. That’s about all that is on this disc, if you don’t put it in a DVD-Rom.

While these worked in my DVD-Rom, these bonuses don’t work for everyone, and I’ve heard several complaints about that.There is also a podcast with Michael C. Hall and an interview with Michael C. Hall. I enjoyed both of these, but feel a bit jipped that there wasn’t more on the actual disc. Finally, the DVD-Rom has bonus episodes of The Tudors and Californication. While not as good as the bonuses on Season One, these weren’t that terrible. Still, I’m hoping Showtime gives more next time.

Bonus Features: 3 out of 5 stars

Bottom Line:
Dexter is a show I never miss. Prior to receiving the DVD, I had already seen every episode on television. I love this show. It’s absolutely entertaining, well written and worth the purchase. Dexter – The Complete Second Season is the latest season that has been released on DVD. Whether you watch the show or not, buy this. If you don’t already watch you’ll start watching. Or you don’t like Dexter, I highly suggest you purchase a Hannah Montana DVD instead, because that’d be the only thing to keep you mindlessly occupied.

Overall Rating: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Technorati Tags: Dexter, The Complete Second Season, DVD Review, TV show, Showtime, Paramount, Serial Killer, Murder, Miami, Blood Spatter

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: 2006 – Present
DVD Release Date: January 6, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $37.99

I love anything to do with true crime and serial killers. If I didn’t have a family I would have highly considered a job working with the FBI. I’m intrigued by Criminal Justice, the mind of a serial killer and forensics. When I heard that Showtime would be bringing a show about a serial killer with a moral code to their lineup, you didn’t even have to ask me. I was already in! So begins my long-lasting relationship with the fair Dexter Morgan.

I loved Dexter from the very first moment the show aired. I’m one of the people who has watched this show from the very beginning. I don’t know what it is about Dexter, but he is one of the most enthralling and entertaining characters to watch on television. I can’t miss an episode of this show. It is literally THAT addicting.

I’ve seen the first season of Dexter more than once, but never as good as I see it here, in Blu Ray. The show is absolutely rockin. You see blood spattering in a way not possible on standard DVD. Dexter Morgan becomes even more vicious in high definition. This is the type of television show that benefits tremendously from a Blu Ray transfer. I’m so glad that Paramount and Showtime decided not to wait too long before releasing the Complete First Season of Dexter on Blu Ray.

The bad comes with the good here. As with everything, every little detail is emphasized on these HD Blu Ray Discs. That means that the funky lip thing that Dexter’s adopted sister Deb does, which drove me absolutely batty the first two seasons, is a thousand times more apparent. It’s modified to the tiniest detail, so her lip thing annoys even more than when watching this when the show first aired. I guess it is true that you take the good with the bad, and luckily there is far more good than bad in this Dexter: The Complete First Season Blu Ray Disc Set.

The Dexter: The Complete First Season Plot
Dexter is a television show about a serial killer named Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall). It’s based on a book series about a character of the same name. Dexter may be a killer, but he has a moral code he follows. He only kills those who deserve it, in the eyes of the law. He kills the scum off the Earth who get off for crimes he knows they’ve committed. Dexter works for the Miami Police Department by day, as a blood spatter expert and handles all his kills at night.

Dexter lives in a quiet, unassuming neighborhood. His apartment is nice, but not overly indulgent. He spends most of his day going through the motions of normalcy. He spends time with his adopted sister, Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter), his girlfriend, Rita (Julie Benz), and Rita’s two kids, Astor (Christina Robinson) and Cody (Daniel Goldman), mostly to show that he’s just a normal guy. Of course, much of the normalcy has to be forced as Dexter isn’t exactly sure how to react around others.

We learn why Dexter is the way he is, throughout this first season. Here is a list of the 12 episodes in Season One. Each has a description of the episode. Be prepared for SPOILERS. If you’ve never seen the first season of the show in its entirety then you may want to skip to the Audio/Visual section as not to ruin the show for you.

#1.1 – “Dexter” – Meet Dexter Morgan, Blood Spatter Analyst for the Miami PD by day and torturous serial killer come evening. Dexter is perplexed when he is called to various murder scenes where the body of the victims are chopped up, but they have been drained of blood. When Dexter gets a very personal message from the murderer, he wants to know who he is and what his MO is.

#1.2 – “Crocodile” – Dexter goes to court, something he enjoys, to testify in a case. On his way back, he meets up with those in his unit at an overpass where a man appears to have jumped. The body also seems to have human flesh in its mouth. Deb is dating a mechanic and Dexter invites her to dinner with his girlfriend Rita and him. When Lt. LaGuerta (Lauren Vélez) discovers the body is that of an undercover cop and she and Sgt. Doakes (Erik King) find his widow shot, the investigation gets even more interesting. In the meantime, Dexter gets more messages from the serial killer, now dubbed the Ice truck killer. Dexter chooses his latest victim and Deb finds the Ice Truck killer’s truck.

#1.3 – “Popping Cherry” – Dexter attends the funeral of the undercover cop who was working for a crime family headed by Carlos Guerrero. Sgt. Doakes plans to take on Guerrero, especially since he also murdered the woman with whom Doakes was having an affair. Dexter thinks he has found his next victim though he keeps a low profile, hanging out with Rita and the kids in his spar time. When Rita’s ex-husband Paul (who is incarcerated) leads a former friend to Rita’s to take her car, which he claims Paul owed him for a coke purchase, Dexter can do nothing, but watch. Deb is now on homicide, working on the Ice Truck Killer case, so she uses her experience working undercover on the streets to connect with women who may have seen something pertaining to the latest victim. Tony Tucci, a nightwatchman where the last body was found goes missing and all but Deb & Dexter think they have their man. Dexter looks back to when he was raised by his adoptive family and how Harry established the code of killing for him. Dexter ends the episodes by borrowing a car from the police impound for Rita.

#1.4 – “Let’s Give the Boy a Hand” – Dexter and Angel (David Zayas) are investigating another murder. This time it’s a male hand and there is blood, which makes Dexter wonder if its the Ice Truck Killer. A Polaroid left at the crime scene reminds Dexter of his youth, where he was at the same beach in the picture, trying to fit in with his family. Dexter realizes the Ice Truck Killer has seen his photo album and is toying with him. The hand is confirmed to belong to the missing security guard, Tony Tucci the man LaGuerta named the Ice Truck Killer on TV. She is in hot water over this. More of Dexter’s past is revealed when he recalls various moments from his youth and his compulsion to kill. When Dexter realizes Tony Tucci is still alive, it is a race to find him before he is completely killed. In the meantime, Dexter and Rita have become intimate, something he struggles with and Angel and his wife Nina’s marriage problems are revealed.

#1.5 – “Love American Style” – Dexter is at the hospital where he found Tony Tucci, and where Deb gets all the credit for finding him. Rita gets Dexter involved in an illegal immigrant case for a friend of hers from work, Yelina. Deb is asked to help a hooker she worked with, but Doakes sends her to the hospital to wait for Tony to awaken. Dexter’s investigation into Yelina’s situation leads him to Jorge Castillo, who is behind scamming many Cubans trying to get family to Miami. When Dexter finds the body of Yelina’s fiance, he knows Jorge is behind it. When Tony wakes up it becomes clear he never actually saw or heard the Ice Truck Killer, but he does like Deb. Dexter chooses his next victim and spends a boy’s night out with Angel. Taking a drunk Angel home, he finds out about his separation from his wife. Thanks to Tony, the police manage to get a partial fingerprint of the Ice Truck Killer. Deb rewards him for it and Dexter finds a way to free some immigrants.

#1.6 – “Return to Sender” – Dexter helps Cody “bury” his dead goldfish. He notices Cody doesn’t seem to have any type of grief towards the death. It’s Astor’s birthday and they plan to celebrate. Dexter is sent to the crime scene of his latest kill. The Ice Truck Killer has brought one of his kills back to the surface and put her back at the scene. Vince (C.S. Lee), a technician who works with Dexter, notices the needle mark in her neck and believes the killer is a real pro. He later finds an animal tranquilizer in her system that only DEA agents can get. The police discover a small boy who has witnessed the entire crime and Dexter worries he is about to be caught for what he is. Flashbacks show jealousy between Deb (the biological daughter) towards Dexter (the adopted one), since Harry spent so much time with him. Rita’s ex Paul plans to come to Astor’s party now that he’s out of jail, and Dexter is freaking out when he learns the boy who saw his crime is going to a sketch artist. Luckily, things turn out for the better when it comes to Dexter.

#1.7 – “Circle of Friends” – Dexter is at the crime scene of a high school honor student who was executed by someone with experience. He’s seen wounds like this before. Angel and Deb follow a lead to a man named Perry. When they get there, he slashes their tire and escapes. The two discover he’s obsessed with the latest killings. When Rita goes to pick up her kids from school, the crossing guard has let them go with Paul, so she calls Dexter in a panic. The two wait at her house, and Paul arrives nonchalantly. Back on the scene, it is learned Perry murdered his mom. The police get the killer of the teen and Perry in custody, so Dexter goes to babysit for Rita. While there, Paul shows up and Rita is furious when she gets home. She just wants him to disappear. Rita ends up confronting him and finally gets him to sign divorce papers. When Deb visits Tucci, she falls for his doctor, who she agrees to date. They have a great date and even kiss. Dexter talks to one of the killers, a boy he tried to help, but its too late for him when he turns up dead. Dexter, for the first time, truly feels alone.

#1.8 – “Shrink Wrap” – Dexter and Angel are talking about blood spatter in a case where a woman has died. Angel believes its a suicide. Dexter, and the woman’s husband, don’t think that’s true. Deb’s new boyfriend, the doctor, has dropped her off at the crime scene, something notable for later episodes. Dexter heads to Rita’s where he finds Paul babysitting, but Paul isn’t supposed to be. The police are celebrating the arrest of Perry as the Ice Truck Killer, but Dexter lets LaGuerta know he doesn’t think they’ve caught the real killer. When Dexter learns the woman found dead at the beginning was a patient of a shrink linked to two other women who died, he visits the man, pretending to be a patient. The two have a cordial discussion, and Dex leaves to go place an ad for the Ice Truck Killer on Craigslist. He has another session with the doctor, because he doesn’t believe the doctor’s patient committed suicide. Perry gets special treatment from LaGuerta, who hopes he’ll talk. Dex finds out that the doctor encourages women who are suicidal to kill themselves. He stands up Rita, who stood up him to allow Paul to see the kids, earlier. Deb meets with her boyfriend, who she has kept a secret. Dexter has another session with the doctor, which reveals he was present when his birth mother died. He was splashed with her blood. This memory sends him to Rita for comfort. Dexter ends up taking care of the doctor, the truth about Perry is revealed and it is soon discovered that Deb’s doctor/boyfriend is the real Ice Truck Killer.

#1.9 – “Father Knows Best” – Dexter’s been spending the night at Rita’s, which the kids seem to be adapting to well. Angel and Doakes are driving around when they pursue a guy who is later shot. Dexter’s blood splatter results don’t agree with Doakes’ story and the two have a disagreement, which later leads to tension. Deb invites Dexter and Rita to meet Rudy, her boyfriend. Dexter doesn’t seem thrilled and is happy for the distraction when Angel comes to talk to him about Doakes. Deb opens Dexter’s mail to find out his biological dad, Joseph Driscoll has died and left Dexter the executor of his will. Dexter seems to believe he is mistaken. He does inherit a house, though. Rudy and Deb have sex and Rudy seems keen to talk about Dexter after. Rita and Dexter go to his new house. He plans to pack it up and sell it. Angel and Doakes have it out when he tells them that Internal Affairs is putting pressure on him (Angel). Internal Affairs question him and he can’t lie for Doakes. Dexter and Rita find Rudy and Deb on the doorstep wanting to help. They decide to spend the weekend packing up the house together. Dexter goes to the morgue to identify his supposed father. In Flashback, it is presumed that Harry knows his biological dad despite telling Dexter he’s dead. Back at the house, Dexter is perplexed by the lack of records for Joe. He finds out that their DNA matches and Joe is Dexter’s dad. Deb gets upset when Dexter seems to care how Joe died, since he believes he was murdered. Doakes and LaGuerta talk about the true reason behind the death of the man Doakes killed. Things no longer look grim for Doakes. Dexter and Rudy get rid of Joe’s ashes and have a semi-heart to heart. Back at home, Rita is attacked by Paul, but she escapes with the kids. Rudy returns to kill the neighbor of Joe’s who knows he visited Joe before his death, something that could lead to Dexter finding out he’s Joe’s murderer.

#1.10 – “Seeing Red” – When Dexter is sent to a crime scene with so much blood it’s saturated, he’s brought back to a painful time in his childhood. He’s remembering the moment that triggered his penchant for killing. Rita is charged for hitting Paul over the head with a baseball bat, defending herself against Paul’s attack. He decides to sue her for custody of Astor and Cody. When Dexter finds out, he decides to take Paul out, by planting drugs on him. Of course, that doesn’t mean he intends to kill him, just temporarily remove him from the situation. Deb is jealous of the relationship Rudy is forming with Dexter and the two have a fight about it. When Angel is out with Vince at the bar, he notices a prostitute who may be associated with the Ice Truck Killer. She points him n the direction of Rudy. Captain Matthews and LaGuerta continue to disagree about everything pertaining to the handling of the Ice Truck Killer case. She wants to solve it and he cares more about how the police station looks.

#1.11 – “Truth Be Told” – The Ice Truck Killer kills the woman who gives him up to Angel. It’s Christmas time in Miami and he leaves her at the Santa’s Village for Dexter and the rest of the police to find. Doakes realizes that Dexter isn’t just an oddball. There is something much darker going on with him. Fueled by his anger over Dexter’s handling of the blood spatter on the case Internal Affairs was investigating, Doakes makes it his personal goal to find out who Dexter is and what he is up to. Dexter’s investigation into the Ice Truck Killer case reveals the connection the two share. It involves the death of his mother, in 1973, the blood bath where Dexter himself was covered in blood and the discovery of him by a detective named Harry Morgan. Matthews makes LaGuerta his scapegoat in the Ice Truck Killer case and she loses her position. Rudy proposes to an ecstatic Deb, who still doesn’t know his true nature. Paul is back in prison, thanks to Dexter, and Rita takes the kids to see him. Meanwhile, Angel is in the hospital recovering from a stabbing. He’s surprised when his estranged wife visits him. Rudy’s true colors show when he abducts Deb.

#1.12 – “Born Free” – The entire season comes to a head when Deb is abducted by Rudy, the Ice Truck Killer. Paul tries to convince Rita that Dexter did this to him, by planting drugs on him, but Rita doesn’t believe him. Paul claims he only wants to keep her safe. Dexter follows a set of clues to find Deb, who is being tortured and tormented by Rudy. Dexter ends up finding them and the two discover their true connection. Rudy has set Deb up for Dexter to kill, and the two go head to head in the ultimate showdown of serial killer vs. serial killer.

Storyline/Plot: 5 out of 5 stars
Replayability: 5 out of 5 stars
Acting: 5 out of 5 stars
Directing: 5 out of 5 stars

Audio/Visual:
I am the proud owner of the previous Dexter sets that have been released. These sets offer a fair quality and I never complained because everything showed up just like it did when watching the show on television. However, now that I have seen them on Blu-ray it’s like an entirely new experience. Dexter and his nefarious activity has never looked so nice. Dexter is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p, MPEG-4/AVCp transfer. It can only be described as beautiful. It’s shocking to see blood look so pretty on screen.

When Sweeney Todd was reviewed we commented on what an amazing transfer it had and how gruesome things looked. The death scenes truly looked amazing on the Todd transfer. Dexter isn’t as fascinating as that transfer, but it does come close. The colors are good, the disc is mainly clean and clear, and there really is not much to complain about. My main complaint would be with the opening scene, which offers some blur and too much of a washed out feeling to keep me truly satisfied. The rest of the episodes are truly magnificent though and they look fantastic.

Dolby Digital TrueHD 5.1 is used for the audio for Dexter and it’s never sounded better. You end up with a cleaner, clearer, and more crisp soundtrack. The sound effects shine, the dialogue never causes a problem, and the music sounds great. I never noticed a problem with the audio, at all. In addition to the main English track there is a Dolby Digital 5.1 track in Spanish, as well. Subtitles are included in English.

Visual: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Audio: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Bonus Features:
There are two audio commentaries available on the first season of Dexter. It should be noted that these are for two separate episodes and not two complete commentaries for the whole entire season. The first commentary is available for episode, “Return to Sender.” Fans of the show should enjoy the first commentary as it includes actors Jennifer Carpenter, Erik King, Lauren Velez, and David Zayas.

It seems the only thing missing here is Michael C Hall. It’s a good commentary. You can tell everyone gets along, so it’s fun and informal more than anything. The other commentary is for “Born Free” and includes the producers. The purpose is mainly to talk technical and discuss the season finale. Again, it’s not bad though the first commentary is far superior.

There is a few other features that are utilized through BD Live. You can enjoy new features, such as, an interesting podcast with Michael C Hall and “The Academy of Blood – A Killer Course.” The previous feature, “Witness in Blood – A True Murder Investigation” is also included. This feature looks at blood splatter and how it’s included in a real investigation. Other than that you have the season three premiere of Dexter and two episodes from United States of Tara.

Bonus Features: 3 out of 5 stars

Bottom Line:
I love Dexter. It’s one of the best shows on television. I highly recommend upgrading to Dexter: The Complete First Season on Blu Ray if you already own this set in its standard release form. The blood flies across the screen in a way I can’t describe. You just have to see it. Dexter kills with such heightened emotion due to the High Definition. You can see every tiny pixel on the screen as it bursts out from it, coming to life. Dexter: The Complete First Season on Blu Ray is highly recommended and well worth the purchase. If you’ve never checked Dexter out on Showtime, you need to watch it. Then you’ll want to own this set.

Overall Rating: 4.57 out of 5 stars

Technorati Tags: Dexter, Season One, The Complete First Season, Blu-ray Review, Michael C Hall, Showtime, Original Series, Serial Killer, Dexter Morgan

Of all people, my future mother-in-law, who is the straightest woman I know, swore by how great the show was. I decided to give it another try when Ashtyn was sent Season 4 to review. I ended up watching the show because I thought we could start doing recaps of most of the shows we watch on the network. It only took an episode before I was hooked. I felt like I was an outsider looking in at a culture I once believed I was a part of and the fact that there was a storyline about someone who identified as an FTM was intriguing. With the well developed characters, the captivating plotlines, and the friendships that held together the entire show what isn’t to like about The L Word?

I had caught up on the entire fourth season in 2-3 days and I just couldn’t get enough. You know you’ve become obsessed with a show when you start every sentence with ‘On The L Word’ or ‘I forgot to tell you…’ and your girlfriend replies, ‘is this about The L Word?’ That has been me for the past week. Little did I know that Showtime had sent us the first four episodes of The L Word’s fifth season! The moment I realized we had the episodes I was ready to watch them and boy did I get way more than I expected!

I’ll admit it. I’m a Pane (Paige + Shane, for those of you out of the loop) fan. Maybe it’s because Carmen had no part in the fourth season or maybe it’s because Kristanna Loken (Paige) is smokin’ hot! Either way, I knew the inevitable would happen and they would break up because Shane can’t keep her pants on, and while I know its Shane, it still isn’t good for Pane fans. Nevertheless, I found Shane to be quite endearing this season and her new, longer hair cut has made her pretty damn hot herself! I didn’t like how her hair was always in her face in the last season and her new haircut gives her a somewhat more feminine appearance without allowing Shane to lose her insatiable charm.

Do you know how shows will sometimes change your view on characters in order to prepare you in advance for a change that is being made about the show? That is how I felt about the Tina/Bette/Jodi storyline. In Season Four, Tina was made out to be an unlikeable character. Over the course of the season and into the fifth I believe it is the intention of the writers to make Tina much more likable. Since Showtime is hinting at a potential resolution (whether it is a makeup or permanent breakup) to the TiBette relationship it sure feels like viewers are about to become torn with who they want to be with Bette. I won’t tell you my choice as I don’t want to spoil anything. Just know that the direction the show is heading in is swaying my opinion on this specific relationship for sure!

While I don’t want to reveal too much I would like to offer a few spoilers to keep those who are interested in the show on their toes. Since OurChart is offering a censored version of the first episode before Season 5 debuts on January 6, 2007, most of the fans already know what is going to happen at the start of the season. Therefore, spoilers about episode 5.1 are already public knowledge.

Spoilers:

-Angus is done from the show, at least in the first four episodes. Kit took out the trash!
-One of the top relationships of the season is going to be Tasha and Alice. With their differing opinions on the military and ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ be prepared to see Alice at her best this season.
-Shane does something only she could do at a wedding!
-Helena’s stint in jail is more prosperous then you might imagine!
-Be prepared to see Helena’s snooty Mummy make an appearance in the first few episodes.
-You will see Shane in a state she’s never been in before…celibate!
-Bette has a disastrous visit when she meets Jodi’s friends
-Tina and Jenny work together to bring ‘Lez Girls’ to the Silver Screen
-There’s a threesome (and not a fun one) in the near future!
-Max has a new relationship and a new outlook on life
-Phyllis is put in a situation where she has a chance to understand what Alice went through with her
-The ladies of The L Word take a self-defense class after an incident leaves one of them shaken and scared
-Alice does something naughty while at an Exclusive Hollywood Insider Party (where everyone just happens to be in the closet excluding Alice)

While nearly every storyline was good some of the things I wanted to happen when going into the fifth season did not happen. I had a few disappointing moments, but what did happen was still great. I found myself changing my views on quite a few characters and wanting to know more about some of the storylines that have been building up throughout the beginning of this season.

All I can say is no one is going to want to wait from week four to week five to see the fifth episode. I know what Ash meant when she said that she learned her lesson about watching pre-released episodes of Dexter. It is going to be agony waiting for the fifth week of The L Word to air. Until then, I can re-watch the episodes of the first four weeks and enjoy them as much as I did the first time.

The fifth season of The L Word premieres January 6, 2007 on Showtime.

Technorati Tags: L Word, Season Five, lesbian, Showtime, television show, Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey

Writer:

Once upon a time I was HBO loyal. This is not to say that I never watched Showtime, Cinemax, or Starz. It’s just that when it came to original series that aired on premium channels I mainly watched HBO. In recent years, I have noticed a change and the change is a complete 180.

A few years back, I would say that I only watched the occasional Showtime show. My two favorites were Jeremiah and Street Time, which in the case of the latter, has not yet hit DVD shelves, but hopefully will at some point. However, my real obsession with Showtime started with Queer as Folk. After falling in love with that show it was only a matter of time before I picked up my little The L Word obsession. From there came Meadowlands (which sadly has been canceled), Weeds, Californication, Dexter, and Brotherhood. By this point, anything new that came from Showtime was worth watching, in my opinion, at least once. My obsession with shows on HBO has waned with the passing of shows like Rome and The Sopranos, though Big Love still manages to hold my fancy. Still, Showtime has won my favor in the battle of the premium channels, at least for now.

As for The Tudors, which is the the purpose of this review, I have been watching this show since the first episode. Naturally I couldn’t wait to review this series, which focuses on the possible life of King Henry VIII in his younger years. People watching this show for historical accuracy have scoffed at The Tudors and complained to no end. I must agree that it is not incredibly historical, though some inaccurately say that it’s not historical at all. Regardless, the series is absolutely phenomenal. If you are interested in a dynamic series that offers explosive characters, sex, violence, love, scandal, and drama in a historical setting then you will absolutely love The Tudors.

Release Information:
The Tudors first aired on Showtime in 2007 and before the end of its ten episode reign it had already been signed for a second season. The new season, which begins in 2008, is quickly approaching. Until then, fans of the show are offered this four disc box set that includes all of the first season episodes plus a variety of bonus features. Interested individuals will be able to purchase this set on January 1, 2008.

The The Tudors: The Complete First Season Plot
The Tudors offers a few facts mixed with plenty of fictional accounts. The story begins around the time that King Henry is in the final stages of his marriage to Queen Catherine of Aragon (Maria Doyle Kennedy – Miss Julie). In one of the first scenes, we see a charismatic and energetic King (Jonathan Rhys Meyers – Alexander) lying with one of the Queen’s servants. This scene details one of the King’s many affairs. This particular one leads him to a son, whom later dies. This sort of sets the tone for one of the many reasons why the King wishes for a divorce. While Henry and Catherine had many children, Catherine lost all of them, save for one child, Mary. Of course, Henry needs a boy to one day lead the Kingdom.

As it was a disgrace to think that England would be ruled by a woman, Henry was desperate to have a male heir. Of course, this was clearly hopeless when it came to Catherine, so Henry had no choice, but to move on. This was not before bedding many women in court and eventually meeting the beautiful and seemingly elusive, Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer – Casanova) whom he later wishes to bed and marry. Upon deciding that he needs a divorce, the King calls on his commissioner Cardinal Wolsey (Sam Neill – Irresistible) to find him a way out of his marriage. You see, for the King and his Queen divorce is not as simple as it sounds. Both are Catholic and the church frowns heavily upon the institution of divorce. As it is a sin, the King is bound not only by his wishes, but the wishes of the church, as well.

When it comes to the Kingdom, the King wishes to be amongst the most legendary of all the Kings. In order to become that legendary it has become clear to Henry that he will need to go to war against France. Eventually, his need for war subsides and a new plan deals with uniting the European countries of their own volition or with force, whichever becomes necessary.

King Henry is portrayed here as being young, arrogant, misogynistic, power hungry, passionate, and energetic. With his friends, he prefers to be just one of the boys, until someone steps out of bounds and he needs to remind them who the King is. Henry partakes in such sports as jousting and wrestling and goes on hunts with people to cut the blues of a boring day. He is passionate in his church service and belief in God as long as it suits his needs and he is nearly as strong in his political beliefs.

There are many sequences that detail the King’s consumption of power and his obsession with Anne. However, the King and Mistress Boleyn are not the only points of this show; they are merely some of the most impressive. His sister Princess Margaret (Gabrielle Anwar – Innocent Lies), his best friends, namely Charles Brandon (Henry Cavill – Stardust and Sir Thomas More (Jeremy Northam – Gosford Park), and the religious figures of the time also play a large part in the series in season one. Like what you see with Henry, you learn their political motivations, see their sexual exploits, and become intrigued by the things that make them tick.

Prior to The Tudors, Jonathan Rhys Meyers was a name that I knew, but he had a face that I could never pick out. I had seen him in things though I never really knew it was him until someone pointed it out to me. This show has changed all that for me. I don’t think I ever realized how incredibly dynamic and captivating he could become while in character. While it’s true that Rhys Meyers is nowhere near the height of King Henry VIII, his personality and acting makes up for this small oversight. His vocal range and booming personality is often the tallest and most intimidating in the room, which is far more necessary to this role than physical stature of some added inches.

The Tudors allows you to love and hate King Henry at the same time. The show is deliciously captivating and has quickly become an obsession-filled, guilty pleasure that ranks up there with Dexter in my house.

As for the other actors I have only glowing reports to offer. Gabrielle Anwar provides a stuffy, arrogant, and yet downtrodden portrayal of Princess Margaret. She appears spoiled and holds a self worth that makes you think, in her own mind, she should be as important as the King. In a moment’s notice you go from wanting to smack the arrogant huffy, prideful nature from her, to wanting to hug her because her struggles being the sister of the King are not insignificant to her. Meanwhile, offerings from Sam Neill, Jeremy Northam, and Henry Cavill are all worthy of awards or nominations, at best.

Maria Doyle Kennedy as the Queen was a perfect choice. Kennedy offers a true regal feel to the role as she handles her body, expressions, and mental state as if she were a Queen. There is no doubt who the female ruler of the Kingdom is at this point, although should changes have to be made and they certainly will, it will be sad to see Kennedy go. Finally, of notable mention, there is the lovely Natalie Dormer as the seductive yet unattainable (for now) Anne Boleyn. This beautifully captivating young woman will go on to do great things, I am sure. Her expressions are perfectly placed and she plays Anne with a fierce passion that turns into a shady sense of longing when in the presence of the King. Going from demure and humble to power hungry and hauty in one season can be hard to pull off though Dormer does it with grace and aplomb. Dormer was the perfect choice for the seductive temptress that Anne Boleyn was and I can’t wait to see her sizzle in Season Two!

As far as historical epics go, the scenes at court with dancing, feasting, and sports are quite the sight to see. The same can be said for the clothing, music, and the entire look and feel of the show. All of the set work (costumes and props) look absolutely lovely and gives the fan of epic dramas something to sink their teeth into. Likewise, thanks to some slick writing, people who shy away from history will still love this for everything it offers in those gaps where history has nothing to do with the story.

Storyline/Plot: 5 out of 5 stars
Replayability: 5 out of 5 stars
Acting: 5 out of 5 stars
Directing: 5 out of 5 stars

Audio/Visual:
Both the audio and the video quality on The Tudors box set end up coming out lovely. The discs offer a compression rate of 1.78:1 with anamorphic enhancements. All of the episodes are divided into chapters and there is the standard play all option, which comes in quite handy when you plan to watch several episodes at one time. The color is vibrant and sharp without being too overpowering.

The audio comes in Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0. The DVDs naturally start on 2.0 unless you choose the 5.1 option. In both cases, but more so with the 5.1, the sound is crystal clear, explosive, and dramatic in just the right spots. I found that volume toggling was rare, in the case of parties where there were loud musical moments or in some of the crowd scenes. Otherwise, things were perfect.

Visual: 5 out of 5 stars
Audio: 5 out of 5 stars

Bonus Features:
The Tudors offers quite a few bonus features to keep your interest in the Showtime series alive until it is time for the second season. There are several trailers for some past DVD sets that have been released by Paramount Home Video. These trailers are for shows such as Ghost Whisperer, Criminal Minds, Twin Peaks, CSI, and Jericho. There is a photo gallery that offers various cast photos in and out of character dress and an episode for three of Showtime’s other shows including This American Life, Californication, and Penn & Teller’s Bullshit!.

Tom Conroy will lead you through an overview of the set design in the feature that deals with “Production Design”. This feature lasts for about four minutes and shows some of the locations used when shooting The Tudors. A second feature, lasting just over five minutes, deals with “Costume Design”. Finally, there is a feature lasting close to 25 minutes that deals with various Historical sites including Apothecaries Hall (the true location of King Henry’s divorce trial), Wolsey’s Hampton Court Palace, Greenwich, Sir Thomas More’s Crosby Hall, and the Tower of London. It should be noted that these locations are not actually used during filming.

Bonus Features: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Bottom Line:
The Tudors is one of my favorite shows. While I sit, anxiously awaiting the second season, it is a small comfort to know that I have this box set to keep me in heavy anticipation of what’s to come. If you are looking for a series filled with drama, deception, love, lust, power, corruption, and hatred then you have found just the show for you.

The Tudors is one of the most exquisite hours on television. If you’ve missed it when it was on Showtime you will definitely want to pick this set up. If you didn’t miss it and are a fan, this set is a must have. This was definitely the perfect set to start out a pleasurable New Year. Make sure to check it out as this set comes highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Technorati Tags: The Tudors, The Complete First Season, Showtime, Season One, Henry VIII, King Henry, Anne Boleyn, Historical Drama, Romance, Sex, Violence, DVD, Standard DVD, DVD Review

Season five’s major plot developments include a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” investigation of Tasha Williams (Rose Rollins), a closeted soldier whose moving romance last season with the out-and-proud Alice Pieszecki (Leisha Hailey) earned the show an award from the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

Series creator and executive producer Ilene Chaiken is proud of the attention her series is bringing to the lingering but still-unresolved issue of gay military service. “I hope Tasha’s story will shed light on the military’s untenable policy of institutionalized discrimination again gay men and lesbians who sacrifice to serve their county,” Chaiken says. “Tasha’s experience with ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ only skims the surface of the battles gay servicemembers face every day. We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to tell her story and hope that it sparks consensus, rather than controversy, on the need for policy reform.”

Debuting as the tough veteran Colonel Gillian Davis, who is charged with prosecuting Tasha’s case, is Kelly McGillis, star of such blockbuster motion pictures as Witness and Top Gun. McGillis brings grit and panache to a role that, like so many in The L Word, is less one-dimensional than it might be first assumed.

McGillis isn’t the only exciting fifth season guest star. Chaiken reveals that, “In addition to Jane Lynch and Holland Taylor, we’re delighted by the return of Cybill Shepherd and her real-life daughter, Clementine Ford, to play the mother-daughter duo of Phyllis and Molly Kroll.” Molly, who insists that she is straight (in contrast to her recently out mother) proves an unexpectedly stalwart foil to legendary heart breaker Shane (Katherine Moennig). Chaiken hints, “As for Shane…let’s just say she’s back and better than ever, but also more self-aware and prepared to deal with the girl drama she invites.

“Also new to season five is the incredible Wallace Shawn as the wily financier of Jenny’s movie,” reveals Chaiken. When Jenny’s undaunted persistence resurrects her autobiographical movie project ‘Lez Girls’ with money from a hedge-fund billionaire (Shawn), the polarizing writer soon finds herself behind the camera directing the film, as well as wooing the hot new “It Girl” actress Nikki (Kate French) to star. “The production of ‘Lez Girls’ is bringing a wealth of new talent to The L Word,” says Chaiken, who also cites guest stars Malaya Rivera Drew, who plays Jenny’s disturbingly devoted assistant Adele, and Patricia Velasquez as Begonia, a self-possessed actress appearing in Jenny’s film. “We are having an absolute blast with Jenny this year as she takes on Hollywood with her movie and its ‘fictional’ account of the friends’ lives,” Chaiken laughs.

Another significant story line for season five is the arrival of Dawn Denbo (Elizabeth Keener) and her lover Cindi (Alicia Leigh Willis), a pair of Florida party-girl emigres who open a new establishment to rival longtime hangout The Planet, setting into motion a rivalry with The Planet’s owner Kit (Pam Grier) that starts benignly but quickly turns bitter.

Then there are Bette and Tina, the former couple whose on-again, off-again romance remains, for many fans, the heart of The L Word. Despite Bette’s continued serious involvement with artist and professor Jodi Lerner (Marlee Matlin), her feelings for Tina seem to be gradually simmering into “on-again” mode, and the feeling could be mutual. The characters’ tortured passion will have viewers taking sides and glued to the screen.

When discussing the rollercoaster ride that is Bette and Tina, the executive producer chooses her words carefully. “I am certainly moved by how much the story of Bette and Tina resonates with viewers,” Chaiken asserts. “I won’t confirm or deny anything just yet but will say that everyone behind the show approached season five with a completely open mind. My personal hope is for Bette and Tina to find happiness, whether as friends and co-parents, or as a couple. We’ve seen them play both of those roles over the past four seasons and I believe they’re ready for resolution. But you’ll have to watch to find out which path they chose.”

Chaiken has a few more twists and turns planned for the new season, but says that the return of The L Word‘s characters to the extended family vibe of the early years is the theme that really shapes the new episodes. “Some of our favorite scenes to write and shoot at The L Word have always been the big group scenes – those gatherings at The Planet, or get-togethers at Shane and Jenny’s or one of our famous dinner parties,” she relates. “If anything defines season five it’s a return to the magical friendship among our ladies and the humor it brings to their lives and our stories. At the same time, our characters are growing up and their core relationships to each other and as a group are shifting. In season five, I wouldn’t be surprised to see friendships take unexpected, dangerous, heartbreaking…or even romantic detours.”

The L Word is one of Showtime’s most popular series, generating a large and loyal audience, as well as critical praise for its provocative, sexy storylines, the engaging and nuanced performances of its principal cast, and its appeal to celebrated directors and guest stars. Premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. PT/ET with several multi-plays during the week and available on the ever-growing Showtime On Demand, the groundbreaking series follows a group of Los Angeles-based friends as they navigate careers, families, friendships, inner struggles and romantic entanglements. Since its debut in January 2004, The L Word has become part of American popular culture, spawning dedicated fan websites and blogs, and even branded products such as perfume, jewelry and books.

Ilene Chaiken executive produces The L Word through her production company Little Chicken Inc. The series was created by Chaiken and Kathy Greenberg & Michele Abbott, and is distributed internationally by MGM International Television Distribution, Inc.

EPISODE SYNOPSES

The L Word 501: “LGB TEASE”

Logline: The fifth season opens with Shane derailing plans to move in with Paige, then suffering the consequences, while Jenny returns from a Mexican vacation with a billionaire movie financier in tow, and Phyllis has sudden doubts about the exclusivity of her romance with Joyce.

Synopsis: As the fifth season opens, Helena’s adjustment to prison life is not exactly a smooth one, while Bette and Tina sweat their way through the rigorous preschool admissions process for Angelica; a lonely Tina ponders the rigors of seeking a new relationship.

Not long after extolling the virtues of Joyce during Alice’s podcast, Phyllis begins to have doubts about their relationship and wonders if she should explore other sexual and romantic options, even as Joyce plans a festive “coming out” party for her at The Planet.

Classically unable to avoid temptation, Shane hooks up with a sexy real estate agent, but is discovered in the act by Paige, who furiously puts an end to their relationship. But Shane hasn’t heard the last of the scorned and humiliated single mom.

Jenny returns from Mexico with a much-abused assistant in tow and a creative bombshell: she is involved with the Greek hedge fund billionaire who is financing Tina’s movie company, a development that puts Jenny’s script “Lez Girls” back on the fast-track for production – with Jenny attached to direct. The only person happy to see Jenny back home, in the meantime, is Shane.

Her friends try to find a new lover for Tina, but her heart’s just not in the dating game, and Shane’s attempt to fly “wingman” for her at Phyllis’s coming-out party works out as badly as anyone would have predicted. A spark between her and Bette blows out when Jodi returns home and resumes trying to break Bette of her type-A tendencies.

Two new entrepreneurs from Miami open “Shebar,” a rival lesbian nighclub near The Planet, causing Kit to be concerned about the future of her business – a worry that Shane no longer has when WAX goes up in flames, the result of arson.

Instead of being deployed to Iraq as expected, Tasha shows up Alice’s apartment for a charged reunion – but what is she doing home when her unit is on its way to the Middle East?

The L Word 502: “LOOK OUT, HERE THEY COME!”

Logline: Tina’s obvious, lingering affection for Bette affects her dating prospects; Shane’s last-minute gig styling hair at a wedding results in a comic series of erotic encounters; Tasha reveals her reason for not shipping out to Iraq: she’s being investigated for “homosexual conduct.”

Synopsis: Shane accepts a last-minute gig as a wedding hair stylist for the wealthy family of Jenny and Tina’s producer William Halsey, and finds herself literally up to her ears in illicit sex with the bridesmaids – and even the mother of the bride. But she’s soon dodging the clingiest of her lovers, advising the distraught, reluctant bride to go through with the ceremony, and fleeing for her life when her paramours figure out that she’s been double and triple-timing them.

Meanwhile, Shane’s friend speculate about the burning of WAX, which everyone attributes to Paige. And an attempt at a love connection ends in disappointment for Tina, who can’t manage to disguise her lingering attraction to and love for Bette. When Bette shows up at The Planet with Jodi, her appearance puts an end to Tina’s increasingly awkward first (and last) date.

Tasha’s solicitation of legal advice from a colleague on base reveals the truth about why she wasn’t deployed to Iraq – she’s being investigated by the military for suspected homosexual conduct. And it’s quickly clear that even old friends won’t be willing to defend her. Alice struggles to accept Tasha’s desire to remain in the service and lie about her true nature.

Adele, an eccentric new hipster patron of The Planet and a recent émigré from Florida, turns out to be Jenny’s number one literary fan and quickly lands herself the job of the writer’s new, disturbingly devoted assistant.

Determined to date other people and not make the same mistakes she did during her long and unhappy marriage, Phyllis breaks up with Joyce, who doesn’t take the news well.

When she is viciously attacked by a gang in the prison shower, Helena is rescued by her hulking, reticent cell mate Dusty, and the two are soon bonding over vintage movie stars – as well as Dusty’s muscular physique.

The L Word 503: “LADY OF THE LAKE”

Logline: Shane swears off sex and reaps the health benefits with new energy and focus; Tina’s dating woes finally improve; Max ponders a mutual same-sex attraction to Jodi’s interpreter; The Planet is burglarized and Kit attacked after hours.

Synopsis: Her friends are skeptical when, in the wake of her recent drama at a wedding reception, Shane swears off sex and embraces a healthier lifestyle of exercise and meditation. Her new drive and mental agility are hard to deny, however.

Max ponders a same-sex attraction to Jodi’s cute, gay interpreter Tom, who is clearly smitten. At first resistant, Max’s resolve begins to crumble under Tom’s affectionate attention.

Jodi’s annual lakeside retreat with a group of close lifelong friends is a disaster thanks to an uptight and very boundary-conscious Bette, who gets a reprieve of sorts when Kit is robbed by thieves at The Planet – which is temporarily closed due to the incident.

Helena’s mother finally turns up to bail her daughter out of jail, but the inmate’s got a surprise for everyone: she wants to stay with her new cellmate and lover Dusty. When she’s forcibly bailed out, Helena schemes to recover the millions she stole, spring Dusty out of jail, and disappear for good.

Tasha clashes with her longtime friend and colleague Beech, who is now assigned against his will to defend her against the military’s claim of homosexual behavior. Despite the truth of the allegation, a distraught Tasha is determined to fight the case despite being forced to lie and preserve her cherished career.

After surfing the net for a date, Tina hooks up with a gorgeous, surgically enhanced doctor whose unexpected interest in art collecting soon has them bonding and more.

The L Word 504: “LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED”

Logline: Bette’s jealousy over Tina’s new girlfriend is the probable cause of a surprising moment; Jenny is courted for the lead in her movie by the latest Bond girl; the gang attends the opening of a new lesbian club competing with The Planet.

Synopsis: While enrolled in a self-defense class with Kit, the gang discusses plans to attend the opening of SheBar, a rival new lesbian club competing with The Planet, which is still temporarily closed. Bette hears for the first time that Tina is dating Brenda, an attractive heart surgeon.

Alice receives a menacing visit from a pair of condescending military investigators who bully their way into her apartment, searching for signs of her relationship with Tasha. Alice is left shaken and enraged, inspiring Tasha to confront her lackluster legal defender Beech, whose reluctance to get more involved than necessary begins to diminish.

Bette handles a complaint from a student who claims to have been traumatized by a work of violent performance art in Jodi’s classroom, but Jodi dismisses the charge as overwrought. Meanwhile, she and Bette’s romantic relationship is still strained in the wake of their truncated weekend getaway to the lake.

Disappointed to be turned down for the lead in “Lez Girls” by an A-list actress, Jenny nevertheless resists the studio’s pressure to cast a talented unknown, upcoming “Bond girl” Niki Stevens – but she reconsiders when Niki seeks out Jenny at SheBar and reveals a little-known personal secret.

While a self-protection-minded Kit shops for a gun, Alice and Tasha attend a top-secret party thrown by Hollywood power player Barry Burd, whose hush-hush gatherings are safe havens for those in the closet to let their hair down.

After days without sexual gratification, Shane begins to show signs of mental, physical and emotional distress – but an encounter with the debutante party-girl owners of SheBar may provide the relief she needs.

Meanwhile, in a secluded side-room at SheBar, former couple Bette and Tina share an illicit kiss…

The L Word 505: “LOOKIN’ AT YOU, KID”

Logline: Jenny throws a bash to introduce her friends to the actresses playing them in “Lez Girls,” provoking both delight and distress; Bette and Tina try to deal with what is obviously a rekindled spark; Alice angrily outs a secretly gay sports star after he utters a homophobic slur, sparking a media firestorm.

Synopsis: Jenny rehearses her cast for “Lez Girls” and throws a wild bash to introduce her cast to their real-life counterparts, which results in delight for some (Shane – who is amused when the actress portraying her insists she’s only “gay for pay”), consternation for others (Bette – who is disgusted that the actress playing her is not black) and bittersweet melancholy for one (Alice – who is shocked at the resemblance to Dana of the actress playing her late lover).

When a celebrity athlete uses a nasty homophobic slur in an ugly, publicly anti-gay statement, Alice uses evidence of his secret gay life to “out” him on her web site. When her post goes viral and results in a media firestorm, Alice is suddenly thrust into the spotlight as a gay rights advocate – but the attention and Alice’s militant stance are too much for Tasha, who is still trying to fly under the military’s radar. The incident causes the couple to break up.

The fallout over the violent performance art in Jodi’s class worsens, with the Board of Trustees and Phyllis now dragged into the situation. Torn between trying to protect her lover/employee from herself, and recognizing her urge to intervene may be a result of type-A control issues, Bette needs advice and finds that Tina is the only one to whom she can turn.

The party-girl owners of SheBar continue to rip off all of Kit’s innovative business ideas, including serving breakfast and a drive-through window – but their mutual attraction to Shane, who unsuccessfully attempts to remain neutral, threatens to derail a business partnership that is thus far proving quite lucrative.

Though the rest of the gang dismisses his suspicions, Max grows increasingly wary of Jenny’s overly attentive new assistant Adele, and manages to prove that some of Adele’s self-professed backstory is a blatant lie. Adele covers the discrepancy smoothly, and no one else seems to care – Tina even asks her to keep an eye on Jenny and secretly alert her to any developments about which the studio would be concerned.

Phyllis is stunned when Joyce uses their break-up as leverage in winning back her divorce case.

When Jenny and her star/protégé Niki hook up in a closet during the party, their love making is witnessed by none other than Adele, who takes a disturbing interest in the scene.

The L Word 506: “LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!”

Logline: The production of “Lez Girls” finally begins and director Jenny deals with all the usual headaches of filmmaking – including a recalcitrant star and lover, Niki; Bette and Tina struggle with their rekindled feelings; the owners of SheBar take their war against the gang to the next level.

Synopsis: Production finally gets underway on “Lez Girls,” but Jenny struggles with location issues, an emotionally needy star, and a cast made up of several straight actresses experiencing great difficulty feigning erotic passion on camera with their female partners.

Working on the film as its hair designer, Shane is only to happen to lend a creative hand by demonstrating the proper techniques for a public display of lesbian sensuality with a willing and attractive actress.

Unable to control or suppress their desires any longer, Bette and Tina end up in each other’s arms – only to suffer the guilt of infidelity when they realize how seriously Bette is betraying Jodi.

The latter doesn’t make things easier when she nobly offers to resign from her professorship in order to take political heat off Bette in the wake of a student’s controversial “feigned suicide” performance art. Phyllis is willing to accept Jodi’s decision but Bette refuses to consider the possibility.

A wild house party is a raucous good time for Phyllis until her daughter arrives at an inopportune moment and witnesses her mother’s uninhibited behavior, driving a wedge between them even as Phyllis’s high-profile divorce from Leonard is still looming.

Shane receives a double-dose of the conniving, greedy, and slightly deranged scheming of SheBar owners Cindy and Dawn – so she’s the first to suspect foul play when rats are discovered at The Planet and the restaurant is immediately shut down by the health department. A furious Kit knows it’s time for the gloves to come off.

On the set of “Lez Girls,” Adele’s low-key but unsettling obsession with Jenny becomes more obvious when she mimics her idol’s haircut (with a little help from Shane). Nevertheless, Adele saves the day when she spins the revelation of Jenny and Niki’s sexual relationship in a positive direction.

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