Silver Spoons: The Complete First Season

Although erstwhile child star Rick Schroder has been seen in adult tough-guy roles on NYPD Blue and 24, he first achieved fame as the 12-year-old star of this slight but likable sitcom, which premiered in 1982 and lasted five seasons. The series' initial premise found young Ricky Stratton—child of divorced parents—reunited with his dad Edward (Joel Higgins), a millionaire toy manufacturer whose mansion was outfitted like a playground. The catch: Ricky was actually more mature and serious than his wildly enthusiastic father, and many of the early episodes were built around basic role-reversal gags, with later ones tackling slightly more serious issues, including first love and schoolyard bullies. Erin Gray played Ricky's stepmom Kate, Jason Bateman appeared in a recurring role as his best friend Derek, and Mr. T was a bodyguard. Presenting all 22 episodes from the show's 1982-83 first (and some would say best) season in an extra-less three-disc boxed set, this is a strong optional purchase. (E. Hulse)