When NPR announced that its signature series This American Life would be adapted for television, the cries of “sellout” rivaled the reaction to Dylan going electric. Shame on us for not having faith in series creator and host Ira Glass: this Showtime-aired incarnation of TAL is a true gem that does indeed maintain the integrity of the radio show. For the uninitiated, each episode presents several real-life stories that illuminate a chosen theme. As on radio, the television episodes feature the actual participants reflecting on a pivotal incident or their particular life journey. Compiling all six episodes from the 2007 debut season, TAL introduces viewers to a woman who uses standup comedy to try to come to terms with the death of her boyfriend in the 9/11 attacks, visits a Chicago hotdog stand where banter between the African-American staff and customers opens a Pandora's box of racist invective, and profiles a guerilla improv group that marshals its members to attend a concert for a struggling rock band, pretending they are its biggest fans. TAL is refreshingly nonjudgmental in its storytelling, and each thematic episode could serve as a provocative discussion-starter. Like the radio broadcast version, Glass introduces each story here, appearing onscreen seated at a desk in incongruent locations—setting just the right offbeat tone for the series. DVD extras include an audio commentary and a photo gallery. Reality television at its very best, this is highly recommended. (D. Liebenson)
This American Life: Season One
Paramount, 168 min., not rated, DVD: $19.99 Volume 24, Issue 1
This American Life: Season One
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