One of last season's most striking new series, Saving Grace wowed critics and viewers alike, steadily improving over the course of 13 episodes, while building a loyal fan following. Holly Hunter stars as police detective Grace Hanadarko, a cynical, hard-living woman who's at the top of her game—professionally, that is—when after a night of drunken revelry she hits and kills a pedestrian with her car. Calling upon God for help, Grace is answered by a somewhat bedraggled-looking man named Earl (Leon Rippy), who quickly reveals himself as an angel sent to help her get back on track. Although Saving Grace is, ostensibly, a cop show, it largely revolves around the protagonist's efforts to understand life's deeper meanings. Kenny Johnson costars as Grace's married partner (with whom she has been having an affair), and Laura San Giacomo is on hand as her best friend and sounding board. Standout episodes here include “Everything's Got a Shelf Life,” in which Grace nearly loses her life in a shootout; “It's Better When I Can See You,” which finds her questioning the plan of a God who can allow small children to die in a bus accident; and “Tacos, Tulips, Duck, and Spices,” the heart-wrenching season finale, with Grace going into a panic after a picture of her sister is found in a burning car. DVD extras include opening and closing episode audio commentaries, a handful of cast/crew interviews and behind-the-scenes featurettes, and an Everlast music video for the title song. Recommended. (E. Hulse)
Saving Grace: Season One
Fox, 4 discs, 576 min., not rated, DVD: $49.98 Volume 23, Issue 5
Saving Grace: Season One
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