Former standup comedian Mike Binder, whose forte is relationship comedy, hit a creative high point earlier this year with the feature film The Upside of Anger, which he wrote, directed, and co-starred in. The movie's general tone, with its realistic character interplay and frank dialogue, clearly derives at least in part from this relatively short-lived HBO series in which Binder played Chicago newspaper columnist Micky Barnes, a generally happy married father struggling to keep some excitement in his relationship with tart-tongued wife Donna, played by Brit actress Sonya Walger. Apparently their onscreen chemistry wasn't just the result of good acting; the pair team up for commentaries on the first and last episodes in this 10-episode 2001 season compilation, and their banter is entirely natural, with Binder revealing self-deprecating charm and Walger on the saucy side (these are R-rated commentaries, for sure). Binder never really expected the pilot to be picked up, but got excited about the series' prospects when it tested well and sparked feisty conversations among HBO executives. “And then,” he sighs, “the critics came in.” Aside from the commentaries, the only other DVD extras are about 20 minutes worth of deleted and alternate scenes. Optional. (E. Hulse)
The Mind of the Married Man: The Complete First Season
HBO, 2 discs, 300 min., TV-MA, DVD: $39.98 Volume 20, Issue 6
The Mind of the Married Man: The Complete First Season
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