Law & Order: The First Year

A gritty, groundbreaking cop show that debuted in 1990, Law & Order has earned Emmys for Best Dramatic Series, spun off satellite franchises, and reruns of the original series are as omnipresent in syndication as those of I Love Lucy. Devoted fans and latecomers alike can catch it from the beginning with this six-disc set that contains all 22 episodes from the inaugural season. One of TV's most resilient series (among other obstacles, the show has survived wholesale changes to its ensemble cast), Law & Order's durability is at least partially due to its compelling structure: the first half of each hour-long episode is classic police procedural, which is personified in the first season by partners Greevey (George Dzundza--and be sure to catch the interview segment with series creator Dick Wolfe to learn how to pronounce his name) and Logan (Chris Noth, the future "Mr. Big" on Sex and the City), as they investigate a crime and make an arrest (that's the "law" part). "Order" comes in the second half, which chronicles the ensuing trial as prosecuted by assistant district attorneys Ben Stone (Michael Moriarty) and Paul Robinette (Richard Brooks) under the supervision of Steven Hill's Adam Schiff (more feisty and animated here than in later seasons). Distinguished by its superb writing, several of Law & Order's episodes take their inspiration directly from the headlines, including "By Hooker, By Crook" about a socialite-run call-girl ring, and "Indifference," which recalls the tragic Lisa Steinberg child abuse case. Others deal with such hot-button issues as abortion ("Life Choice") and AIDS ("The Reaper's Helper"). First season guest stars include Samuel L. Jackson and Philip Seymour Hoffman ("The Violence of Summer"), The West Wing's John Spencer ("Prescription for Death"), Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon ("Subterranean Homeboy Blues"), and The Sopranos' Dominic Chianese ("Sonata for Solo Organ"). Highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)