Spin City: Michael J. Fox--His All-Time Favorites, Volume One

Michael J. Fox's introductions to his favorite Spin City (1996-2002) episodes on this double-disc set poignantly underscore the fact that the popular ABC sitcom may well have featured some of his last live-action performances. In the recently shot video that precedes each episode, it's obvious his Parkinson's palsy has advanced to the point where acting would be difficult--but his enthusiasm for his work remains strong and clear. Fox won an Emmy and several Golden Globes for his role as the "hapless" deputy mayor of New York, basically running the city himself and working overtime to protect the idiot mayor (Barry Bostwick) from putting his foot in his mouth too often. As with many sitcoms, the laugh track is obnoxiously distracting, often overwhelming the at times subtle political humor while accenting more obvious yucks that don't need accenting. But the slyness is still there: in Woody Harrelson's school janitor who becomes "mayor for a day"; in the holiday-spirit-puncturing Christmas episode that Fox, with a giggle, terms "sick"; in the celebrity guests galore who poke fun at themselves, from Yankee baseball stars to political players like James Carville. Fox shines above it all, a whirling dervish of energy and self-deprecation, and it's all the more bittersweet to know that we'll likely never see him like this again. Boasting a crisp transfer, this 11-episode compilation is sure to be popular and is recommended. [Note: Spin City: Michael J. Fox--His All-Time Favorites, Volume Two, with an additional 11 episodes, is also available at the same price.] (M. Johanson)