William & Mary: The Complete Collection

William (Martin Clunes, best known stateside as Doc Martin) is an undertaker, while Mary (Julie Graham) is a midwife. Although this might sound like the kind of high-concept series that would make for a cringe-worthy American broadcast network sitcom, this British series is actually a romantic comedy drama to die (and live) for. The first of the 2003-05 series' three seasons is best, with William and Mary meeting through a deceptive dating agency that conceals his true occupation, after which they struggle to navigate through the very real challenges of two people trying to juggle newfound romance with chaotic personal lives. Martin is a lonely widower with two daughters; Mary is a single mother with two bi-racial children, an untrustworthy ex, and a manipulative mother (the series' weakest link) pushing her toward rekindling her relationship with an underachieving ex-boyfriend. William is a compassionate, sincerely sweet, and dear man. Mary is somewhat more volatile and flinty as she deals with naysaying hospital staff and administrators. But they were made for each other. “We complete the circle,” Mary tells him. The chemistry between the leads is palpable and the writing is witty, with comedy that is character- rather than joke-driven, and dramatic scenes that are emotionally resonant instead of exploitative. DVD extras include an interview with a very cuddly Clunes and Graham. This is easily recommended for collections with a strong British TV presence. (D. Liebenson)