Ten years after leaving for greener pastures, disgraced TV anchorman Chuck Darling (Kelsey Grammer) returns to the Pittsburgh station where he got his start, partnering with his former co-anchor Kelly Carr (Patricia Heaton), while also rekindling their tempestuous relationship. Chuck is “an emotionally stunted man-child” and Kelly is a controlling single mother, but there is no denying their chemistry. “This is why people watch,” their new station boss crows as they acidly banter back and forth. Unfortunately, not enough people watched Back to You, which is why it was axed after one season. It's not exactly news that good sitcoms sometimes die young, but the cancellation of Back to You was particularly galling, as this workplace comedy was both smart and genuinely funny, and featured an ensemble cast that was well on its way to becoming one of TV's best, including the inestimable Fred Willard as sexist sportscaster Marsh McGinley, scene-stealer Ty Burrell as hapless field reporter Gary Crezyzewski, Josh Gad as geeky news director Ryan Church, and Ayda Field as weathergirl Montana Diaz Herrera. In hindsight, maybe the revelation that Chuck was the father of Kelly's 10-year-old daughter overcomplicated their “sweet and sour” relationship, but the show's fortunes weren't helped by late season casting changes (network tampering?) or the writers' strike. Compiling all 17 episodes (three of which were unaired) from the lone 2007-08 season, as well as a pair of behind-the-scenes featurettes and a gag reel, this set provides closure for fans of a show that, unfortunately, won't be coming back. Highly recommended. (D. Liebenson)
Back to You: Season 1
Fox, 3 discs, 367 min., not rated, DVD: $39.98 Volume 24, Issue 1
Back to You: Season 1
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