Murder One: The Complete First Season

Way back in 1995 (long before 24), Steven Bochco (NYPD Blue) gave us Murder One, the story of a single court case told across a TV season's worth of episodes--23 in all here (though the series terms them "chapters," a completely appropriate affectation). The plot--a sordid tale of sex, drugs, blackmail, and murder in Hollywood--boasts a novelistic complexity, with numerous subplots and a roster of characters, each with his or her own slew of quirks and secrets (you might need to create a cheat sheet to keep up with them). Star Daniel Benzali is absolutely riveting, in a smarmy kind of way, as Los Angeles defense attorney Teddy Hoffman, who makes an excellent foil for the always fascinating Stanley Tucci as super-rich entrepreneur and all-purpose pervert Richard Cross; the supporting cast is also exceptionally strong, and features Dylan Baker, Mary McCormack, and Patricia Clarkson. A daring example of experimental television drama, this may be one of the high points of '90s primetime. DVD extras include audio commentary on two episodes--one by cast member Jason Gedrick (who plays murder suspect/celebrity playboy Neil Avedon) and one by director Randy Zisk--and a "making-of" featurette. Highly recommended. (M. Johanson)