Review: 'Undeclared' is the perfect DVD for a one-season TV series
Posted Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 5:26 PM Central
by Tim Briscoe
One of the great things about the recent fad of TV on DVD is discovering a great show you would have missed otherwise. Case in point, the new DVD release Undeclared: The Complete Series.
This sitcom was the creation of Judd Apatow, the man behind the films The 40 Year-Old Virgin and Anchorman as well as another critically acclaimed TV failure Freaks and Geeks. It centers around three pairs of college roommates. The sextet is led by geeky Steven Karp (played by Jay Baruchel), a freshman who's looking for a fresh start after his social failures in high school.
Imagine what it was like at your first big college kegger, trying hard look cool and be cool. Now imagine what it was like for young Steven Karp as his recently divorced dad showed up to party down. That's the kind of obstacles Steven has to deal with.
The series ran for just one season (16 episodes) on Fox 2001-2002. This comedy can now be considered a television victim of the more serious, post-9/11 America. And it's a damn shame. The DVD shows the real promise this heartfelt and somewhat quirky show had.
Although Baruchel's character enjoyed slightly more focus than the rest of the cast, they all pulled equal weight. A surprising standout as a supporting cast member was Seth Rogen as the dorky but desperately cool Ron. (Rogen is also in Apatow's Virgin.)
As great as the series was, and subsequently, how great this DVD release is, it's all really bittersweet. As much as you grow to love the gang in the series' evolving storyline, you know in your subconscious that there will never be a sophomore year for Steven.
There are 17 episodes on this four-disc set with one being an unaired episode. You also get some very insightful audio commentary from Apatow and members of the cast as well as deleted scenes and long takes not used in the broadcast versions.
If that wasn't enough, there's also concert footage of folk singer Loudon Wainwright -- the guy who played Steven's dad on the show. Plus there's a Q&A with the cast, a show script for the never-to-be-seen second season, and a cool 28-page booklet.
Yes, it's a sad reality that shows as good as this don't get a chance to make it on TV these days. But, all in all, this DVD release is an outstanding collection of such an ill-fated show.
