Incomplete DVD Set for a Great Show

It had been 7 years since Family Ties ended and Michael J. Fox only had limited success at the box office (Doc Hollywood did fairly well, but most others bombed). When he announced he would be coming back to TV in the fall of 1996, it caused a huge stir. As Alex Keaton on Family Ties, Fox won three Emmy awards while displaying some of the sharpest comic timing in TV history. It only seemed natural then that he would reunite with Family Ties creator Gary David Goldberg for his return to television on Spin City.

The concept Goldberg and Fox came up with followed Michael Flaherty, the Deputy Mayor of New York city. Flaherty and his quirky staff were constantly working to cover for the daily gaffes made by Mayor Winston (Barry Bostwick). Mike's staff included sexist Stuart (Alan Ruck), civil rights activist Carter (Michael Boatman), relationship challenged Nikki (Connie Britton), neurotic Paul (Richard Kind), socially awkward James (Alexander Gaberman), sarcastic secretary Janelle (Victoria Dillard)

At its heart, Spin City was an ensemble show and the cast worked beautifully together. The writers made good use of the physical differences between 5'5" Fox and the 6'4" Bostwick. Fox's performances were consistently energetic. He was constantly running after someone, diving over a desk, or jumping into the river. Also great was the developing relationship between Carter and Stuart. Carter was gay and fought for civil rights issues, while Stuart was homophobic and obsessed with nothing more than sex. They eventually became roommates and formed a hilarious Odd Couple pairing that made for some of the best moments in the series.

Spin City was a sharp comedy series with plenty of energy and a great ensemble cast. Unfortunately, this DVD set does not include a full season. Instead, the studio decided to only put a handful of episodes on DVD and split them into two volumes (this being Vol. 1). The idea is that these are Michael J. Fox's favorite episodes and he introduces them on the DVD. This is very disappointing for fans of the show who'd like to own the complete series, but at least Fox made some really good choices.

Normally, I review TV DVD by discussing the season as a whole instead of the individual seasons, but obviously cannot do that here. Therefore, I will give a brief review of each episode that was included.

"Pilot"

In the first episode, we get a quick glimpse at the fast paced style of Mike's daily tasks and get to meet the rest of the cast. Mike must deal with a crisis when the Mayor inadvertently insults the gay community. Legendary TV director Thomas Schlamme directed this episode and it shows. The long tracking shots as two characters walk through hallways has become a Schlamme trademark. This was a great introduction to the series, balancing the political and personal relationships of the characters very well.

"Meet Tommy Dugan"

This episode features a guest appearance from Woody Harrelson as a school custodian who wins a Mayor of the Day contest meant for children. It's great to watch personal friends Fox and Harrelson work together, and there is an amusing subplot where the Mayor tries to conform to standards set by a focus group.

"Dog Day Afternoon"

This is the best episode of the collection and one of the best of the entire series. When the Mayor attempts to honor the police commissioner by holding a public funeral for a beloved police dog. Problems arise when Carter and Stuart lose the dog in a Taxi. Amusing farcical situations escalate from here as Mike and the staff attempt to save face.

"Family Affair, Parts 1 & 2"

Fox is reunited with Meredith Baxter, formerly his mom on Family Ties and once again portraying his mother. When Mike's mom visits, she gets a little too close to the Mayor for Mike's comfort. This is a fun episode not just for the nostalgia factor, but there is also an amusing subplot where Paul gets shot and then gets sued for getting shot. This leads to an appearance on The People's Court, and Paul is exasperated to see that Alan Dershowitz is representing his opponent.

"Miracle Near 34th Street"

Likely included on the episode because it's a Holiday episode, this is not one of the strongest in the bunch. The staff once again has to scramble for an explanation when The Mayor tells a little boy that Santa Claus is fake. Not one of the worst episodes of the series, but there were better options to include in this limited set.

"The Paul Lassiter Story"

Another terrific episode that showcased Spin City's ability to occasionally deal with a dramatic story. Mike contemplates his life as he awaits the results of a prostate cancer exam. This episode includes a brilliant bathroom scene between Mike and Paul, where Paul's disturbing curiosity leads him to find out about Mike's possible condition. When people say they were excited for Fox to return to television, this is exactly what they were waiting for.

"The Pope of Gracie Mansion"

After the pope visits City Hall, Mike and the Mayor each begin to question the way they lead their lives. Some amusing moments in this one, but again there were better episodes to include, especially from the 2nd season. It's a shame that there's no episode featuring Laurie Parres (Paula Marshall), a memorable character who Mike dated on and off throughout the season.

"Catcher in the Bronx"

This collection surprisingly skips the entire 3rd season for unknown reasons. This episode was the 4th season premiere, and featured the arrival of Heather Locklear as campaign manager Caitlin Moore. Locklear would appear on the show for the next three seasons, staying after Fox had left. Her debut appearance was pretty funny, as she delicately weaseled her way into the campaign manager position. There are also guest appearances from James Carville and Roger Clemens.

"A Tale of Two Sisters"

A good episode that fleshes out the awkward love/hate relationship between Caitlin and Mike. Caitlin is extremely jealous, although she denies it, when Mike begins dating her sister. Great work between Locklear and Fox, who had developed a very natural chemistry by this time. Christine Taylor has a nice guest turn as Caitlin's sister.

"Casino"

When the staff screws up a raffle, leading to multiple winners, Mike must come up with $500,000 and quick. In a hilarious spoof of Rain Man, he takes Paul to Atlantic City to count cards. There is even a reenactment of the famous escalator scene from that movie.