The King of Queens: 4th Season

By the 2001-02 season, series stars Kevin James and Leah Remini were wearing their roles of deliveryman Doug Heffernan and his tart-tongued wife Carrie like comfortable old slippers, and as a result this group of 25 episodes has an easygoing charm earlier seasons never quite managed. Jerry Stiller continues his scene-stealing antics as Carrie's dad Arthur, figuring prominently in the season opener, “Walk, Man,” which finds Doug and Carrie eager to try for another baby after her miscarriage four months earlier--while they're working all day, Arthur is napping, and when they get home he's eager to socialize, leaving them precious little (ahem) quality time. Other noteworthy episodes include “Life Sentence,” in which Doug suspects that Carrie hopes she'll die first, leaving him stuck with Arthur; “Veiled Threat,” which finds Carrie recalling how nervous she was just before marrying Doug; and the Christmas show, “Ovary Action,” a fast-moving farce that has the couple trying to take advantage of Carrie's fertility while dodging Doug's visiting parents. Zesty writing and gifted supporting players notwithstanding, what makes The King of Queens such an ongoing delight is the chemistry between James and Remini. He's perfectly cast as a schlubby working stiff and she's every bit the prototypical sassy Noo Yawk dame. Presented on an extra-less (except for trailers) triple-disc set, this is recommended. (E. Hulse)