NCIS: Los Angeles, The First Season

This spin-off offers a slicker, sexier version of the military investigative procedural warhorse—set within an undercover arm of the agency—featuring younger actors, cooler technology, and lots of sun-baked action. Launched in a two-part story arc from the sixth season of NCIS, the show proper has Chris O'Donnell as special agent G. Callen, the tough team leader with a mysterious past; LL Cool J bringing charm and humor as top field agent and best friend Sam Hanna; and Linda Hunt as their unit commander, Henrietta “Hetty” Lange. O'Donnell and Cool J have a fine rapport, while Hunt makes her role colorful—nonchalantly tossing off stories of a wild past in between kicking ass and providing sage leadership. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast are stock figures, embodying the usual clichés about junior members trying to prove themselves. Military honor and patriotic themes are mixed with high-energy action and sexy stars, all of which made this a top-10 show in its debut 2009-10 season. Compiling all 24 episodes plus the two-part pilot, DVD extras include audio commentary by creator-producer Shane Brennan, behind-the-scenes featurettes, a set tour, and a music video. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the BD-Live function. Optional. (S. Axmaker)