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The Movie: Many shows over the years have been taken off the air before they ever really get going, as if they don't hit the desired ratings level, they're never to be seen again - at least until they're maybe released on DVD. "Commander in Chief", however, was an interesting case: here's a show that started off as a hit and looked like it could maybe fill the political gap left by the departure of "West Wing". Unfortunately, show runner Rod Lurie (former film critic and the writer/director of the films: "The Contender", "Deterrence" and "The Last Castle") was replaced early in the show's run when the production was falling behind schedule. Famed TV producer Steven Bochco ("L.A. Law") was brought in, making it the first show that he ran that he did not develop. Bochco changed the tone of the series and for a little while, it seemed to work - but when the show took a break, it resumed its slide and Bochco walked. Despite Davis winning a Golden Globe for her performance, the series was ultimately done in by a more than 2 month break between episodes. By the time it returned under another new show runner, ratings fell even further and the series was cancelled. It's really too bad that the series was never able to pull itself out of its ratings slide, as it certainly has potential, despite some issues. The show opens with Mackenzie Spencer Allen (Geena Davis), the independent female Vice President of the United States, being briefed outside a performance in France. President Teddy Bridges (Will Lyman) has just suffered an aneurysm. If he does not make it through the operation, she would be the one to succeed him. However, the President’s Chief of Staff, Jim Gardner Jr. (Harry Lennix), and the Attorney General, Melanie Blackston (Leslie Hope) let her know that they do not believe she is the optimal one to lead and ask her to resign. Speaker of the House Nathan Templeton (Donald Sutherland) would be the next in line. When the president does pass, Allen makes the decision to take the oath, finding Templeton now is her enemy and her chief of staff husband, Rod (Kyle Secor), is now the First La...er, Husband. The series isn't "West Wing" (it's difficult to watch the series and not think of "Wing"), but it has its own charms, including a fine performance by Davis, who brings the required intensity and authority in the role. Some of the supporting players (such as Harry Lennix and Donald Sutherland, despite Sutherland having to work around a basic "villain" role) do fine work, as well. Cinematography, production design and other technical elements are generally terrific. Still, there are some issues to be found. I certainly wouldn't consider myself an expert in politics (although I do like to follow political events), but I continually felt as if "Chief" presented a simpler, more "easily digestible" and occasionally unrealistic of the events it followed each week. The minor details that "Wing" often showed of the day-to-day process were interesting and the show emphasized the importance and impact of those minor details and moments. "Wing", at its best, also was able to generate an impressive amount of urgency, tension and momentum. "Chief" also suffers from too much focus on Allen's children, who are a bit irritating. The intent was obviously to show how Allen balances a home and professional life, but it ends up really taking away from valuable time that could be spent on politics and developing the main characters, especially since none of the kids are exactly well-developed as characters or end up serving much of a point at the end of the day. The kids should never have been part of the show. The second half of the series sees the president facing an escalating crisis in North Korea while also dealing with increasing political pressure from Templeton, who takes over in one episode when the president needs surgery. Still, comparisons and issues aside, "Commander in Chief" is carried well by the award-winning performance from Davis. Had the show narrowed its focus, developed some of the supporting characters more and made a few other changes, this series really could have been more of a contender. As is, it's entertaining enough, but it does certainly have some issues that stand out. In a move that will likely dismay fans of the series, the studio is releasing the series in 2 parts: the first 10 episodes in this volume (ending with the first part of a 2-parter) and then the second 8 here in this second volume. 11. 1-11 17 Jan 06 No Nukes Is Good Nukes 12. 1-12 24 Jan 06 Wind Beneath My Wing 13. 1-13 13 Apr 06 State of the Unions 14. 1-14 20 Apr 06 The Price You Pay 15. 1-15 27 Apr 06 Ties That Bind 16. 1-16 31 May 06 The Elephant in the Room 17. 1-17 7 Jun 06 Happy Birthday, Madam President 18. 1-18 14 Jun 06 Unfinished Business The DVD VIDEO: "Commander in Chief" is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen by Buena Vista Home Entertainment. Picture quality is generally terrific, as the only issue spotted was some occasional and quite minor artifacting. Otherwise, the picture looked clean and clear, with fine sharpness and detail, as well as accurate, nicely saturated colors. SOUND: The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio presentation was perfectly acceptable, given the material. Surrounds occasionally chimed in to offer some minor ambience or reinforcement of the score. Otherwise, the audio was largely from the front speakers. Audio quality was pleasing, as dialogue and other aspects sounded crisp and clear. EXTRAS: The first extra is a commentary from creator Rod Lurie for the "Pilot" episode. You're probably thinking that the pilot episode was on the first set, not this one. If you thought that, you'd be right. Anyway, despite the fact that it's a little odd this commentary wasn't included on the first set (although it is much appreciated), we do get the pilot once again on the second disc along with this track. Lurie offers up a lot of general information - he talks about working with the actors (Davis took lessons from the Dodgers when her character had to throw out the first pitch at a ballgame), casting, shooting some scenes in DC, aiming the show towards a female audience, what he was attempting with the series, addressing criticisms like the simplicity of the show, production design/visuals and more. This is a good commentary but - as Lurie does note during the end credits - he has chosen not to discuss the show's production troubles on the track. Writer/producer Dee Johnson offers audio commentary for "The Elephant in the Room". It's a similar track to Lurie's, offering a general overview of the production of the series in general and the specific episode. Also included are 20 deleted scenes, a short interview with Davis and a few minutes of very funny bloopers. Final Thoughts: While I thought "Commander in Chief" had some flaws, I did like the lead effort from Davis, as well as some of the supporting performances. This second DVD set offers the same fine audio/video quality, but is a big improvement in the supplemental department, offering a lot more extras than the basic first volume. |