Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant, Extras: Complete Series One and Two DVD. Four discs box set features all twelve episodes from...... more

Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant, Extras: Complete Series One and Two DVD. Four discs box set features all twelve episodes from series one and two.

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North and South is a powerful adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's feisty and passionate novel, set across the social divides in the changing world of Victorian...... more

North and South is a powerful adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's feisty and passionate novel, set across the social divides in the changing world of Victorian industrial society. Margaret Hale is one of literature's most original heroines: a southerner from a country vicarage newly settled in the industrial northern town of Milton. In the shock of her move, she misjudges charismatic cotton mill-owner John Thornton, whose strength of purpose and passion are a match for her own pride and wilfulness. When the workers of Milton call a strike, Margaret takes their side, and the two are brought into deeper conflict. As events spiral out of control, Margaret - to her surprise - begins to fall in love with Thornton...

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When Peep Show arrived on our screens back in 2003, we were treated to a unique and original comedy by its partakers David Mitchell and Robert Webb. Now,...... more

When Peep Show arrived on our screens back in 2003, we were treated to a unique and original comedy by its partakers David Mitchell and Robert Webb. Now, two series later, Peep Show has become somewhat of a cult hit. Well, heres an opportunity to see where it all began back with series one--possibly the best of the lot. Mitchell and Webb have been performing together for some time and it really shows; their comedic timing and on-screen relationship allowing you to feel for Mark (Mitchell) and Jeremy (Webb) as they plunders through their lives, trying to find love, and sex. But the real joy of the first series is in watching how their idea--to follow the story through the eyes of the two main protagonists, Mark and Jeremy--comes to fruition on screen. Its a marvellous concept that works so well, being both unique and riotously funny at the same time. Its helped by a strong supporting cast--notably Olivia Colman (starring as Marks lusted after colleague Sophie) who has since gone on to star in series such as the equally successful Green Wing. Peep Show is unique, different and, most importantly of all, a hoot. And with a bunch of decent extras on the disc, this is well worth picking up.--Mark Oakley

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Jackass Number Two could be alternately titled "From Bow Ties to Bunny Ears: What Will Chris Pontius Be Wearing Next?" Like the first Jackass movie,...... more

Jackass Number Two could be alternately titled "From Bow Ties to Bunny Ears: What Will Chris Pontius Be Wearing Next?" Like the first Jackass movie, Johnny, Bam, Chris, Steve-O and the gang are all here. This "sequel" is full of stunts, pranks and one-liners, and contains more male nudity, more scream-worthy moments and of course more uncontrollable laughter. The film opens with a rather well directed cinematic piece: the entire Jackass gang running from a stampede of bulls. From there it takes off into the hysterically exhausting world of Jackass. The bulls are in quite a few stunts actually, one of which has "leader" Johnny Knoxville using himself as a red flag, and getting spearheaded by a charging bull. Ah, good times. Some of the stunts include: "Beehive Limo", "Fart Mask", "Red Rocket" and a fake terrorist plot which boasts the improve line, "Where I'm going, I don't need luggage." Bam gets branded, they fish for sharks with Steve-O as bait, Johnny catches Anacondas with his bare hands, the list goes on. The gem in this collection of antics has to be the offensive interactions with the innocent people on the street by Johnny Knoxville and director/actor Spike Jonez, while disguised as a very old man and woman. Celebrity guests partaking in stunts include extreme sports legends Tony Hawk and Mat Hoffman. The movie culminates in a beautifully choreographed, fantastical and dangerous musical number not to be missed. Throughout the movie it is apparent that the Jackass gang is older and a little more worn, especially when Bam pleads, "Please God, don't let there be a "Jackass 3". For fans of the TV series and the films, a trilogy may be just what the doctor ordered. The DVD extras (deleted scenes, unrated material and two pretty funny music videos) are more of the same and worth the watch, though some of it is not for the faint hearted. --Rachel Moss

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Three more episodes of the Spectacular Spider-Man animated TV series arrive on Volume 2, which pits the wall crawler against a trio of classic foes from...... more

Three more episodes of the Spectacular Spider-Man animated TV series arrive on Volume 2, which pits the wall crawler against a trio of classic foes from his comic book origins. Episodes 4 to 6, which are featured on the disc, continue the shows main storyline, with teenaged Peter Parker battling a host of supervillains created by Osborne Industries to fuel the evil plans of The Big Man. In "Market Forces," its the Shocker--a hybrid of the original Marvel character and the Enforcer known as Montana--who wants to put an end to Spideys hero career, while the Sandman and Rhino are featured in "Competition" and "The Invisible Hand," respectively. The Big Man himself also makes an appearance in the latter, though its not who the Spider-Man faithful have come to associate with that name. Regardless, the action is plentiful, the characters largely faithful to their histories (the tweaks made by the series are harmless), and the scripts engaging and similar in tone to the classic Stan Lee/Steve Ditko adventures. One wishes more episodes could be included on each disc, as well as a few extras beyond the previews for other Marvel-related (and otherwise) animated series. --Paul Gaita

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The colorful cast of characters from Cicely, Alaska, returns for a new set of adventures in Northern Exposure Series 2. While much of the first season...... more

The colorful cast of characters from Cicely, Alaska, returns for a new set of adventures in Northern Exposure Series 2. While much of the first season was devoted to establishing the plot, each of the seven episodes in season 2 helps us to know the offbeat ensemble of Cicely residents a little better. Dr. Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow), the New York urbanite stationed in small-town Alaska to pay off his medical-school tuition, still complains constantly about his assignment, but it's clear the town's growing on him when he passes up an opportunity to return home (if only temporarily). We learn from town patriarch Maurice (Barry Corbin) that retired astronauts have groupies, and when a beautiful woman steals the voice of DJ "Chris in the Morning" (John Corbett), it's no huge surprise when the long-deceased spirit of "One Who Waits" provides Chris with an ancient Indian cure. But it's the chemistry between Joel and Maggie (Janine Turner) that really makes the series sizzle. The season is book-ended by a pair of breakups that leave first Joel, and then Maggie single, clearing the way for the romance to come in later seasons. The season includes "Spring Break," one of the best-loved episodes from the series. With the impending arrival of spring, libidos run amok, a wave of petty crime hits the town, and the men in town blow off steam au naturale in the annual "Running of the Bulls." Season 2's packaging and extras are virtually identical to those from season 1. The two-disc set comes sheathed in a collectible mini zippered nylon "parka," and each episode includes deleted scenes and bloopers. There are no retrospectives or interviews with cast and crew, and no printed materials accompany the discs. --Shane Burnett

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Fans will pounce on the second season of Being Human, the beloved series about a trio of supernatural beings--a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost--who...... more

Fans will pounce on the second season of Being Human, the beloved series about a trio of supernatural beings--a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost--who just want to lead normal lives. In the first episode, George (the lycanthrope, played by Russell Tovey) is trying to make his relationship with Nina (Sinead Keenan) work, only he doesn't know that he's passed his curse on to her; rakishly handsome Mitchell (the bloodsucker, Adrian Turner) meets a new doctor at the hospital and feels an immediate attraction; and ever-chipper Annie (the specter, Lenora Crichlow) sets out to get a job. Unfortunately for them, a gaunt fanatic named Kemp wants to destroy them and all their kind. The series seeks to juggle domestic story lines about relationships and family with grand conspiracies and bloody murders. The result never meshes--in one scene, Mitchell conspires with a police chief to cover up vampire murders, and in another he, George, and Annie are flopped on the couch, chatting like college freshmen about having sex. Either sequence could be enjoyable, but trying to slam them together undercuts both. It doesn't help that the characters squeal and whine like sullen teenagers half the t40ime. Fortunately, the cast manages to rise above the writing to exude genuine charm and the production values are strong--the designers clearly relish every opportunity for gruesomeness. Being Human: Season Two has only a small handful of extras, but there are eight episodes instead of the first season's six. --Bret Fetzer, Amazon.com

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Boasting a virtuoso comic performance from Leonard Rossiter The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin (1976-79) remains one of the greatest of all television...... more

Boasting a virtuoso comic performance from Leonard Rossiter The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin (1976-79) remains one of the greatest of all television sitcoms. Writer David Nobbs combined the surrealist absurdity of Monty Python with an on-going story line that unfolded through each of the three seasons with a clear beginning, middle and end; a ground-breaking development in 70s TV comedy. The first and best season charts middle-aged, middle-management executive Reginald Perrin as he breaks-down under the stress of middle-class life until he informs the world that half the parking meters in London have Dutch Parking Meter Disease. He fakes suicide and returns to court his wife Elizabeth (Pauline Yates) in disguise, a plot development that formed the entire basis of Mrs Doubtfire (1993). Series Two is broader, the rapid-fire dialogue still razor sharp and loaded with caustic wit and ingenious silliness, as a now sane Reggie takes on the madness of the business world by opening a chain of shops selling rubbish. The third season, set in a health farm, is routine, the edge blunted by routine sitcom conventions. At its best The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin is hilarious and moving, its depiction of English middle-class life spot on, its satire prophetic. Reggie's visual fantasies hark back to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947) and Billy Liar (1963), and look forward to Ally McBeal (1997-2002) and are the icing on the cake of a fine, original and highly imaginative show. On the DVD: Reginald Perrin's discs contain one complete seven episode season. There are no extras. The sound is good mono and the 4:3 picture is generally fine, though some of the exterior shot-on-film scenes have deteriorated and there are occasional signs of minor damage to the original video masters. Even so, for a 1970s sitcom shot on video the picture is excellent and far superior to the original broadcasts. --Gary S Dalkin

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TV Series by Joseph Barbera with Don Messick and Casey Kasem Subtitle Danish English Greek Swedish German Audio Danish (Mono) English (Mono) Swedish...... more

TV Series by Joseph Barbera with Don Messick and Casey Kasem Subtitle Danish English Greek Swedish German Audio Danish (Mono) English (Mono) Swedish (Mono) German (Mono) Picture 4:3 Extras »Funky Fashion "Scooby-Doo super fans »Right image: How to draw Scooby-Doo and the gang »Trailers x 3

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This 5 disc DVD box set contains the complete series 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the multi award-winning comedy that follows the inner lived of two very...... more

This 5 disc DVD box set contains the complete series 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the multi award-winning comedy that follows the inner lived of two very ordinary weirdos, Mark (David Mitchell) and Jeremy (Robert Webb) as they try in vain to find their place in modern culture. Series 1 Mark is in hot pursuit of the love of his life, co-worker Sophie, while Jeremy lives in awe of his idiotic mate Superhans, and their beautiful but brittle neighbour Toni. Series 2 finds an obstacle in the way of Mark's quest for Sophie's love, in the form of his macho rival Jeff. Meanwhile, Jeremy has fallen madly in love with confused Californian Christian Nancy and embarks on a visa wedding which he hopes will be the 'happiest administrative procedure of their lives'. Series 3 Jeremy tries to get over his disastrous marriage to Nancy by embarking on a series of ill-fated relationships with women - one of whom is Mark's sister. Mark, meanwhile, has finally managed to start dating Sophie - only to discover she's being relocated to Bristol... Series 4 Mark spends a horrific weekend with Sophie's argumentative parents, tries to get his gym instructor sacked ('he touched me'), and gets involved in a spot of arson. Meanwhile, Jeremy performs some 'handy' work for a male pop star, does something pretty unspeakable to a dog, a worst of all - sleeps with Sophie's mother. Series 5 Mark and Jeremy are entering their 30s with a sense of impending crisis. Time is running out for them to sort out their lives. Mark goes speed dating, and discovers money can buy you love, Jeremy and Superhans play at a Christian Rock Festival, the flat suffers multiple burglaries and the boys endure their worst ever night out - at the theatre. RUNNING TIME: 740 MINS APPROX EXTRAS: 170 MINS APPROX MAIN SOUNDTRACK: ENGLISH STEREO 2.0 SUBTITLES: ENGLISH H-O-H ASPECT RATIO: 16.9 COLOUR: PAL REGION CODE: 2

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Series 6 is possibly the most eagerly awaited of the Red Dwarf DVD sets, due to its acclaimed third episode, "Gunmen of the Apocalypse", which earned...... more

Series 6 is possibly the most eagerly awaited of the Red Dwarf DVD sets, due to its acclaimed third episode, "Gunmen of the Apocalypse", which earned the program an International Emmy Award in 1994. However, the five other episodes in the series have their own share of absurd laughs, and the two-disc set features enough supplemental features to keep even the most demanding RD fan happy. The crux of series 6 is that the Red Dwarf has been stolen (no thanks to Lister, who can't remember where he left it), and the crew must recover it; their pursuit brings them in contact with brain-consuming aliens ("Psirens", with guest star Jenny Agutter), a polymorph that turns Rimmer and Cat into their alternate identities from Series V ("Emohawk--Polymorph II"), the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse tricked out as gunslingers ("Gunmen of the Apocalypse"), an army of Rimmer clones ("Rimmerworld"), and finally, their own future selves, who turn out to be particularly awful (worse than the present-day ones, that is), and cause a cliffhanger ending that just might spell the end for the Red Dwarf crew.... In short, series 6 more than earns its popular status among Red Dwarf's fanbase, thanks to its sharp writing (sadly, it would be the last series to feature scripts by co-creator Rob Grant) and energetic performances. And the double-disc set matches the quality of the programs with some terrific extras, including commentaries by the RD crew and fans (the latter on "Gunmen of the Apocalypse" only), and featurettes on composer Howard Goodall and series director Andy de Emmony; these are rounded out by the usual collections of "smeg-ups" (bloopers), deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and another episode of the "Dave Hollins, Space Cadet" radio sketch that inspired the show. And again, the most patient of viewers will find Easter eggs on the menus (happy hunting). --Paul Gaita

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A series tragically cut short, the final run of The Sarah Jane Adventures is inevitably tinged with a sense of sadness. But its also a fitting testament...... more

A series tragically cut short, the final run of The Sarah Jane Adventures is inevitably tinged with a sense of sadness. But its also a fitting testament to the late, great Elisabeth Sladen. Only six episodes of series five of the show had been made by the time Sladen passed away, and inevitably, that leaves work unfinished here. But the trio of two-episode stories are in keeping with the strength of the show from its four series beforehand. In fact, in the case of The Curse Of Clyde Langer, it features one of the very best The Sarah Jane Adventures stories full stop. Its not a perfect final series, with the not-entirely-popular inclusion of the character of Sky being a problem. But even in its weakest moments, theres plenty to keep you interested, not least watching the superb Sladen at work.The highlight of the extras package is Goodbye Bannerman Road Remembering Elisabeth Sladen. This is a lovely, fitting tribute to Sladen, with the added weight of contributions from the many people who worked with her, Matt Smith included.Therell always be a sense of unfinished business to The Sarah Jane Adventures, by the very nature of the sad way that it all came to an end. But itll always remain a smart, confident and terrific show, and this final series is a fitting showcase of why. Goodbye, Sarah Jane Smith. Youre very much missed. --Jon Foster

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Jackass Number Two could be alternately titled "From Bow Ties to Bunny Ears: What Will Chris Pontius Be Wearing Next?" Like the first Jackass movie,...... more

Jackass Number Two could be alternately titled "From Bow Ties to Bunny Ears: What Will Chris Pontius Be Wearing Next?" Like the first Jackass movie, Johnny, Bam, Chris, Steve-O and the gang are all here. This "sequel" is full of stunts, pranks and one-liners, and contains more male nudity, more scream-worthy moments and of course more uncontrollable laughter. The film opens with a rather well directed cinematic piece: the entire Jackass gang running from a stampede of bulls. From there it takes off into the hysterically exhausting world of Jackass. The bulls are in quite a few stunts actually, one of which has "leader" Johnny Knoxville using himself as a red flag, and getting spearheaded by a charging bull. Ah, good times. Some of the stunts include: "Beehive Limo", "Fart Mask", "Red Rocket" and a fake terrorist plot which boasts the improve line, "Where I'm going, I don't need luggage." Bam gets branded, they fish for sharks with Steve-O as bait, Johnny catches Anacondas with his bare hands, the list goes on. The gem in this collection of antics has to be the offensive interactions with the innocent people on the street by Johnny Knoxville and director/actor Spike Jonez, while disguised as a very old man and woman. Celebrity guests partaking in stunts include extreme sports legends Tony Hawk and Mat Hoffman. The movie culminates in a beautifully choreographed, fantastical and dangerous musical number not to be missed. Throughout the movie it is apparent that the Jackass gang is older and a little more worn, especially when Bam pleads, "Please God, don't let there be a "Jackass 3". For fans of the TV series and the films, a trilogy may be just what the doctor ordered. The DVD extras (deleted scenes, unrated material and two pretty funny music videos) are more of the same and worth the watch, though some of it is not for the faint hearted. --Rachel Moss

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The 1984 incarnation of Robin of Sherwood had a crucial ingredient that the traditional tale previously lacked: magic. Creator Richard Carpenter combined his...... more

The 1984 incarnation of Robin of Sherwood had a crucial ingredient that the traditional tale previously lacked: magic. Creator Richard Carpenter combined his knowledge of Medieval England with a rich store of Arthurian-style folklore to create a world where wizards and witches rub shoulders with Norman knights and Anglo-Saxon peasants. Michael Praed's enthusiastic performance in the lead is matched by the sheer energy of all involved. There may be pauses for a spiritual tête á tête with forest demi-god Herne the Hunter, but swordplay and archery are never far behind. Wrapped in the forest's gorgeous greens and pools of shadow the show maintained a perfectly believable look, supported by what should have been (but wasn't) glaringly anachronistic music from Clannad. Best of all, however, is the crackling dialogue that still makes for compelling (and magical) viewing, especially when it comes from guest actors such as John Rhys-Davies as King Richard. On the DVD: Contained here are all six episodes of Season One. The two-part pilot is a terrific introduction to the familiar characters such as Ray Winstone's roughhouse Will Scarlet and unexpected new ones such as Mark Ryan as Nasir, "the Boba Fett of Sherwood". Camaraderie on-screen and off was legendary. It's rare to see a cast having so much fun. This exceptional three-disc box set features one of the best extras packages any TV show has been given. The original 4:3 picture is enhanced for 16:9, but the new Dolby Surround track is the real delight (the show was broadcast in mono). Quickie fare includes key cast biographies, Clannad's promo video, 175 photos and eight minutes of genuinely hilarious outtakes. The real meat comes from the misty-eyed yet fact-filled commentaries from creator Richard Carpenter and director Ian Sharp on four of the episodes. They're only just eclipsed by a brand-new hour-long documentary interviewing everyone involved. Finally, the 1983 Electric Theatre Show 25-minute documentary on the making of the show explores the character's origins and previous screen incarnations. The third disc includes everything shot for that documentary, adding up to several hours of raw footage.--Paul Tonks

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Arthurian legend meets Beverly Hills 90210 in this BBC series that imagines the lives of King Arthur and the wizard Merlin as teenagers. The show takes...... more

Arthurian legend meets Beverly Hills 90210 in this BBC series that imagines the lives of King Arthur and the wizard Merlin as teenagers. The show takes any number of liberties with the traditional mythos, but two are crucial: Arthur's father, Uther (Anthony Head, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), has banished magic from Camelot on pain of death; and Guinevere (Angel Coulby), Arthur's destined queen, is the servant of Uther's ward, Morgana (Katie McGrath), setting up a class schism between her and Arthur (Bradley James). This developing romance is one of the strongest throughlines of the second season, which also sees Morgana cultivating her magical powers and Merlin (Colin Morgan) learning about his mysterious father. In fact, season 2 is much more about Arthur than Merlin--episode after episode features Arthur maturing, learning a little humility and patience whilst engaging in a lot of swordplay and jousting, while Merlin spends a lot of time observing from the sidelines and muttering the occasional spell. (Though fans of the young sorcerer shouldn't fear--Merlin has plenty of dashing moments himself.) The special effects budget has clearly been upped--the show teems with monstrous creatures, including gargoyles, giant scorpions, a troll, a were-panther, and of course the last dragon from season 1 (voiced by John Hurt, Alien, 1984). Merlin has its flaws; the young actors seem more modern than Arthurian thanks to their wonderful teeth and contemporary attitudes, and the scripts and direction can be a bit pedestrian. But that's not what connects viewers to the show--it's the passions of adolescence merged with the pageantry and derring-do of British legends, enacted by a charismatic cast. The climactic episodes will leave fans hungry for season 3. In addition to 13 episodes, Merlin: The Complete Second Season offers an entire disc of behind-the-scenes footage and other extras. --Bret Fetzer (Amazon.com)

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When Peep Show arrived on our screens back in 2003, we were treated to a unique and original comedy by its partakers David Mitchell and Robert Webb. Now,...... more

When Peep Show arrived on our screens back in 2003, we were treated to a unique and original comedy by its partakers David Mitchell and Robert Webb. Now, two series later, Peep Show has become somewhat of a cult hit. Well, heres an opportunity to see where it all began back with series one--possibly the best of the lot. Mitchell and Webb have been performing together for some time and it really shows; their comedic timing and on-screen relationship allowing you to feel for Mark (Mitchell) and Jeremy (Webb) as they plunders through their lives, trying to find love, and sex. But the real joy of the first series is in watching how their idea--to follow the story through the eyes of the two main protagonists, Mark and Jeremy--comes to fruition on screen. Its a marvellous concept that works so well, being both unique and riotously funny at the same time. Its helped by a strong supporting cast--notably Olivia Colman (starring as Marks lusted after colleague Sophie) who has since gone on to star in series such as the equally successful Green Wing. Peep Show is unique, different and, most importantly of all, a hoot. And with a bunch of decent extras on the disc, this is well worth picking up.--Mark Oakley

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Like James Bond--but without the high-tech gadgets--Angus MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) is one of those rare beings who can avert any crisis without...... more

Like James Bond--but without the high-tech gadgets--Angus MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) is one of those rare beings who can avert any crisis without mussing a hair. (The rest of us should be so lucky.) In the pilot alone, the secret agent dismantles a missile using a paper clip and fashions a rocket thruster out of a pistol. Is there anything MacGyver can't do? As the first season of ABC's long-running adventure series proves, the answer is a resounding no. MacGyver's secret: the everyday items he "finds along the way," like matches or gum wrappers, and the ingenuity to put them to a myriad of uses (a background in physics and chemistry doesn't hurt). Unlike Alias' Sidney Bristow, he isn't a multi-linguist, a martial artist, or a master of disguises. Wits are MacGyver's weapon of choice. Produced by Henry Winkler (Arrested Development), The Complete First Season includes all 22 episodes from 1985-1986 (alas, there are no extras). MacGyver is joined by Phoenix Foundation director of operations Pete Thornton (Dana Elcar), who is introduced in "Nightmares." Also, his grandfather, Harry Jackson (John Anderson), makes his first appearance in "Target MacGyver," while friend Penny Parker (Teri Hatcher of Desperate Housewives) makes hers in "Every Time She Smiles" (they will appear more frequently in future seasons). Other notable guest stars include Joan Chen (The Last Emperor) in "The Golden Triangle," Nana Visitor (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) in "Hellfire," and John De Lancie (Star Trek: The Next Generation) in "The Escape." MacGyver ran for seven seasons and was followed by two made-for-TV movies in 1994, Lost Treasure of Atlantis and Trail to Doomsday. In 1997, after a short-lived series for UPN (1995's Legend), Anderson landed the lead in an even longer-running series, Stargate SG-1, based on the sci-fi extravaganza with Kurt Russell. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

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Fans will pounce on the second season of Being Human, the beloved series about a trio of supernatural beings--a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost--who...... more

Fans will pounce on the second season of Being Human, the beloved series about a trio of supernatural beings--a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost--who just want to lead normal lives. In the first episode, George (the lycanthrope, played by Russell Tovey) is trying to make his relationship with Nina (Sinead Keenan) work, only he doesn't know that he's passed his curse on to her; rakishly handsome Mitchell (the bloodsucker, Adrian Turner) meets a new doctor at the hospital and feels an immediate attraction; and ever-chipper Annie (the specter, Lenora Crichlow) sets out to get a job. Unfortunately for them, a gaunt fanatic named Kemp wants to destroy them and all their kind. The series seeks to juggle domestic story lines about relationships and family with grand conspiracies and bloody murders. The result never meshes--in one scene, Mitchell conspires with a police chief to cover up vampire murders, and in another he, George, and Annie are flopped on the couch, chatting like college freshmen about having sex. Either sequence could be enjoyable, but trying to slam them together undercuts both. It doesn't help that the characters squeal and whine like sullen teenagers half the t40ime. Fortunately, the cast manages to rise above the writing to exude genuine charm and the production values are strong--the designers clearly relish every opportunity for gruesomeness. Being Human: Season Two has only a small handful of extras, but there are eight episodes instead of the first season's six. --Bret Fetzer, Amazon.com

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