The Job lasted only 19 episodes before ABC served it with a pink slip, which is unfortunate, since co-creator/star Denis Leary's working-class antihero McNeil, a cop who smokes, drinks, pops pills, and has a busy marital (and extramarital) life, was something of a hoot (Leary's character is based on a policeman the actor met while researching his role for the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair). More concerned with character than crime, the documentary-style series, shot in NYC, features a strong supporting cast, including Bill Nunn as McNeil's straight-and-narrow partner (nicknamed "Pip," as in Gladys Knight and the Pips), Lenny Clarke as old school cop Frank, and Diane Farr as Det. Jan Fendrich, who could have developed into a love interest. One of the best episodes, "Barbeque," revolves around an anniversary party hosted by Pip and his overbearing wife, a get-together that falls apart when McNeil and friends ignore the ban on alcohol. Other standouts include "Gay," in which McNeil harbors suspicions that Frank might be gay, and the finale on this four-disc set, "Betrayal," a romantic roundelay involving McNeil, his wife, his girlfriend, Pip, Pip's wife, and Pip's old flame. DVD extras include an interview with Leary and co-creator Peter Tolan, audio commentaries on five episodes, behind-the-scenes footage, a gag reel, and more. Recommended. (K. Lee Benson)
The Job: The Complete Series
Shout! Factory, 4 discs, not rated, DVD: $49.98 Volume 20, Issue 4
The Job: The Complete Series
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