Produced for Canadian television and recently aired on the Sundance Channel, this bizarre 2005 miniseries—which combines black comedy with domestic drama, while also spoofing reality shows—tackles some outré and downright taboo topics over the course of its 10 fascinating episodes. But Terminal City isn't calculating or self-consciously provocative; rather, the series' eyebrow-raising moments evolve naturally out of the individual subplots, superbly written by creator Angus Fraser. Arriving at a hospital for a biopsy that will determine if she has breast cancer, suburban mom Katie Sampson (Maria Del Mar) finds herself being filmed for a reality show called Post-Op. Katie's sparkling personality and nerves-fueled banter impresses the producers, who offer her a job as host. Although she's just been diagnosed, Katie accepts the position and agrees to undergo treatment live on camera to boost the show's ratings, but her newfound fame takes its toll on conflicted husband Ari (Gil Bellows) and their children. Katie's story accounts for the lion's share of Terminal City's running time, but several compelling subplots vie for the viewer's attention: Ari quarrels with his father Saul (Paul Soles) about his commitment to the Jewish faith, rebellious daughter Sarah (Katie Boland) plans to seduce one of her teachers, and 16-year-old son Nicky (Adam Butcher) has an affair with a sexy Polish émigré three times his age. Mercilessly (and delightfully) skewering the reality-TV world, Terminal City is sure to appeal to fans of Six Feet Under. DVD extras include cast and crew interviews. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)
Terminal City: The Complete Series
Koch, 3 discs, 490 min., not rated, DVD: $39.98 Volume 23, Issue 6
Terminal City: The Complete Series
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