The Critic: The Complete Series

To quote New York movie critic Jay Sherman, voiced to master thespian perfection by Jon Lovitz, "it stinks" that The Critic lasted only two seasons (1994-1995). "I used to have a show on ABC," Sherman bitterly remarks at one point, "for about a week." The animated show, created by Al Jean and Mike Reiss of The Simpsons fame, fared no better when it moved to Fox, and little better when rerun on Comedy Central. But it did garner a devoted following, and thanks to DVD and the Internet, Jay Sherman--"the last hope of fading stars" (according to one of the 10 "Webisodes" contained in this three-disc set)--lives! Television's saddest sack is the host of a TV review show, who must deal with the slings, arrows, and outrageous misfortunes heaped upon him by his ex-wife, adoptive WASP parents, and ratings-desperate Ted Turner-esque boss. But this series' raison d'etre is its hilarious parodies of classics and contemporary blockbusters, from the musical Apocalypse Wow to Dennis the Menace II Society, as well as gratuitous pop culture potshots. The Critic took particular glee in zinging Howard Stern, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Woody Allen and Soon-Yi. Of course, some references have a longer shelf life than others (Conan O'Brien, at the time a fledgling talk-show host, certainly got the last laugh on a spied newspaper headline, "Conan Replaced by Dancing Chicken"). The series' best episode, in which Jay reunites an estranged Roger Ebert and the late Gene Siskel, plays now as a touching tribute to the original Thumb and Thumber. Though admittedly hit and miss, The Critic is poised for rediscovery in this three-disc collection featuring all 23 episodes, as well as numerous extras (although the packaging mentions none), including commentaries on nine episodes, a brief “making of,” the aforementioned “Webisodes,” and more. Recommended. (D. Liebenson)