Brooklyn South: The Complete Series

In Brooklyn South, Steven Bochco (Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue) created one of the grittiest, most authentic police dramas ever aired on TV, justifiably recognized by the Emmys and the People's Choice Awards during its 22-episode run. Shot on the streets of Brooklyn and depicting in plain, unvarnished terms the job of working-class beat cops of the 74th Precinct, the season-spanning narrative threads include internal affairs investigations of the deaths of suspects in police custody, one cop's struggle to recover from a grievous on-the-job injury, and the romantic liaisons of fellow officers. The coverage of the street is frank--hookers, junkies, gangs, poverty, drugs, organized crime, would-be terrorists--and often shockingly violent, though the criminally short-lived series didn't eschew humor (see the episode "Clown Without Pity"). DVD extras include commentary by co-creator David Milch on the intense pilot episode (the first TV program to earn a "mature" rating), and an interview with Bochco. Highly recommended. (M. Johanson)