Barry: The Complete First Season

Bill Hader stars as Barry Berkman, a troubled, unhappy hitman who discovers a passion (if not exactly a talent) for acting in this dark comedy produced for HBO. An Iraq veteran unable to adjust to civilian life, Barry is easily manipulated by his handler Fuches (Stephen Root), who sends him from the Midwest to Los Angeles on a job for the Chechen mob. When he discovers an acting class run by Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler), he decides to join the group and leave his old life behind, but he's pulled back in as the Chechens come after him and the police follow clues back to the acting group. Sarah Goldberg costars as Sally, an aspiring actress frustrated by her limited opportunities and Paula Newsome is Detective Moss, who is romanced by acting teacher Cousineau. What begins as a crime comedy about a seemingly nice guy trapped in a violent culture becomes increasingly serious in the final episodes of the season, when Barry's insistence that he's really a good guy is challenged by decisions he makes to protect his newfound life. The series surprised critics and viewers, who expected a cheeky comedy but discovered a spiky, provocative show with as much pathos as humor. Barry won three Emmy awards, including acting trophies for Hader and Winkler, and has been nominated for several Golden Globes. Presenting all eight episodes from the 2018 debut season, extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette and "Inside the Episode" segments. Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)