The Osbournes: The 2nd Season

The modern-day Addams family returns for a second season of their landmark reality sitcom. While overexposure somewhat wore out the Osbournes' welcome, the season opener, "What Goes Up," kicks off a fun return visit to the surreal circus as Ozzy and Sharon attend a White House correspondent's dinner in which Ozzy not only rates a mention by the President but also receives the evening's biggest ovation. Kelly performs "Papa Don't Preach" at the MTV Music Awards. And Jack is thrilled that McDonalds has brought back the McRib. The next episode, "Must Come Down," is the reality check, in which Sharon is diagnosed with colon cancer. But the family quickly gets back "to what they usually do," namely driving each other crazy and tormenting those unfortunate enough to come within their radius (such as trespassing tourists--Jack turns the sprinklers on them--or confronting Kelly's boyfriend, a rock singer with a profane nickname). The season comes to a poignant end with a lavish New Year's Party during which Ozzy and Sharon renew their vows, and Ozzy later passes out on the couch (just like their first honeymoon, Sharon observes). Since the second season shoot, Jack has undergone rehab for a substance abuse problem (a horrible family legacy), and that puts something of a damper on watching the wacky antics. But as with the first season, The Osbournes is still a nice place to visit (just thank god you don't live there). Like the initial set, this two-disc package contains such inspired extras as a translator that provides subtitles for the addled Ozzy's profanity-laced dialogue, family commentary, and a bleep-free viewing option. Recommended. (K. Lee Benson)