A&E Home Video presents

Homicide: Life on the Street—The Complete Season 5 (1996-1997)

"I've been a cop for a long time. And drugs out there, we're never gonna win that. There's a hundred open-air drug markets in this city and fifty-thousand drug fiends out there. And we are taking on human desires with lawyers, and jailhouses, and lockups, and you and I both know human desire is kicking us in the ass."- Meldrick Lewis (Clark Johnson)

Stars: Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, Reed Diamond, Clark Johnson, Yaphet Kotto, Melissa Leo, Kyle Secor, Michelle Forbes, Max Perlich
Other Stars: Erik Todd Dellums, Toni Lewis, Zeljko Ivanek, Ami Brabson, Clayton LeBouef, Walt MacPherson, Peter Gerety, Jon Seda, Mekhi Pfifer
Director: Varied

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for (television material suitable for all but small children)
Run Time: 16h:08m:00s
Release Date: 2004-09-28
Genre: television

Style Grade	Substance Grade	Image Transfer Grade	Audio Transfer Grade	Extras Grade
A	A+	A-	B+	C

 

DVD Review

The fifth season of Homicide: Life on the Street allowed its creators to finally relax and not worry so much about cancellation. NBC had renewed the critically acclaimed series for two more seasons that summer, and this move allowed for more personal stories. The show did continue to utilize the sensational story lines of the previous season, exemplified by the two-part season opener involving a school hostage situation. In addition, the visuals are even brighter this time around and lack the early season’s more realistic colors. It was also no big surprise that the classic title sequence was finally replaced with a more generic segment. The new credits remain interesting, but they now include the actors' faces and lack the unique status of the original.

The previous year ended with a shocking cliffhanger—a nasty stroke for star detective Frank Pembleton, played masterfully by Andre Braugher. The actor had grown tired of the character's brilliant ways, and this disability created new challenges for Pembleton. His return to the force provides him with constant difficulties and also devastates his marriage. In other news, Isabella Hofmann's Megan Russert has left the department for a new love in France. Her character was designed to add sex appeal to the series, but she never really found a solid place. Max Perlich joins the cast full-time as the photographer Brodie, and he injects considerable comic relief while rooming with many of the detectives. The other new addition is the very attractive Chief Medical Examiner Julianna Cox (Michelle Forbes), who adds a bright new mind to the mix.

Erik Todd Dellums was originally planned as a one-time guest actor, but he made such an unforgettable impression as the suave drug dealer Luther Mahoney that bringing him back was a necessity. In fact, Mahoney appears numerous times during this season, beginning with Bad Medicine and concluding with Deception. His character helped to draw in larger audiences because it created a bad guy for viewers to despise. His allure also comes from the begrudging admiration earned by consistently outsmarting the detectives, most notably Kellerman and Lewis. The stunning resolution to his story plays a pivotal role in the entire sixth season.

This season is one of the toughest for many of the detectives, not just Pembleton. Kellerman faces possible criminal charges involving alleged misconduct during his times at the arson unit. He is assigned to desk duty for a significant time and encounters a serious depression that may lead him towards tragic consequences. Another case involving a dead child forces Bayliss to confront the unresolved issues of his past. His relationship with Pembleton becomes strained and may end their lengthy tenure as partners. The battles with Mahoney also play a huge role in the future careers of Lewis, Stivers, and Kellerman.

Considering all the difficulties for its detectives, you might think that Homicide would lose its unique sense of humor, but that perception would be extremely far from the truth. The writers continue to inject comedy into even the toughest situations, which makes this season one of the show's most successful runs. It may lack some of the early visual ingenuity, but the powerful storytelling remains in full force. Without further unnecessary explanation, here are summaries and ratings for all 22 episodes:

Hostage, Part 1
Directed By: Ted Demme
Written By: James Yoshimura
Guest Stars: Ami Brabson as Mary Pembleton, Clayton LeBouef as Col. Barnfather, Walt MacPherson as Roger Gaffney, Gary D’Addario as Lt. Jasper

Pembleton returns to the department following his stroke but is assigned to desk duty until he passes the firearms exam. Giardello had to fight the bosses to even get his star detective returned to the unit, but Pembleton shows little gratitude to anyone. Bayliss and Munch investigate the murder of Mrs. Uba in her home and must deal with her pet pig. Meanwhile, a gunman enters a school and takes a class hostage, which involves everyone in a red ball. The fifth season begins solidly and generates interest mostly from Pembleton’s difficult plight. The hostage situation is a typical cop-show formula, and it generates little interest, which hinders the premiere’s overall success.

Excellent acting from Andre Braugher earns this episode 3.5 guns.





Hostage, Part 2
Directed By: Jean de Segonzac
Written By: Julie Martin
Guest Stars: Ami Brabson as Mary Pembleton, Clayton LeBouef as Col. Barnfather, Geoffrey Nauffts as Gerry Uba, Gary D’Addario as Lt. Jasper, Zeljko Ivanek as Ed Danvers

The hostage standoff continues at the school, and the shooter’s identity is revealed. Pembleton arrives at the scene and is harshly rebuked by Giardello. Once again, his scenes generate more interest than those involving the hostage taker. The story does avoid the typical last-minute shootouts, but it lacks the series’ usual wit. This tale probably could have been completed as one part, but it still provides acceptable entertainment.

This solid episode earns 3 out of 5 guns.





Prison Riot
Directed By: Kenneth Fink
Written By: Tom Fontana
Guest Stars: Charles S. Dutton as Elijah Sanborn, David Eigenberg as Alex Robey, Dean Winters as Tom Marans, Helen Carey as Maggie Conroy, John Epps as Trevor Douglas

Bayliss and all the detectives investigate a bloody prison riot that resulted in the death of two inmates. Many familiar characters reappear from past episodes and may have played a role in the murders. None of the prisoners are saying anything, but Bayliss is convinced that Elijah Sanborn (Charles S. Dutton) knows the truth and actually wants to tell him. Dutton gives one of the premier guest performances in the series’ entire history, which leads to one of its best episodes. Kyle Secor also emerges well from the shadow of Andre Braugher and shows that he can carry a story on his own. Named as one of TV Guide’s Top 100 episodes in the history of television, this powerful story showcases that Homicide still had plenty of energy left during this season.

No doubt about it; this episode deserves 5 out of 5 guns.





Bad Medicine
Directed By: Kenneth Fink
Written By: David Simon
Guest Stars: Toni Lewis as Terri Stivers, Erik Todd Dellums as Luther Mahoney, Ami Brabson as Mary Pembleton, Zeljko Ivanek as Ed Danvers, Walt MacPherson as Roger Gaffney, Akili Prince as Vernon Troy

David Simon penned the original book that spawned the television series, but his writing in this episode also relates to his more-recent work The Corner. It unflinchingly presents the nasty aspects of the drug trade as a poisoned supply kills countless unknowing victims. This drug conflict eventually spins back to Luther Mahoney, and the evidence may be enough to charge him. Toni Lewis makes her first appearance as Narcotics detective Terri Stivers. She would return several times and join the cast full-time in the seventh season. In less serious matters, Brodie had spent a few weeks rooming with Munch after being evicted from his apartment. After discovering something mysterious in the medicine cabinet, he moves out and tries staying with Bayliss. However, his less-than-intellectual television habits may not mesh well with Brodie either. <

While not his best episode, Luther Mahoney still provides some great moments. This one receives 4 out of 5 guns.





M.E., Myself and I
Directed By: Michael Fields
Written By: Tom Fontana
Guest Stars: Edward Herrmann as Thomas Pandolfi, Ami Brabson as Mary Pembleton, Zeljko Ivanek as Ed Danvers, Karen Williams as Barbara Lewis, Beau James as Higby,

Red-hot Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Julianna Cox arrives in Baltimore and immediately starts making waves with the homicide unit. While investigating the murder of a prostitute, Bayliss discovers that one of his less-illustrious colleagues may not have given the work his all in the past. Investigator Thomas Pandolfi interviews everyone about Kellerman and angers them with probing questions about their past. Brodie tries living with Lewis and becomes involved in a silly marital squabble. This episode effectively introduces Michelle Forbes as Dr. Cox and shows both the tough and vulnerable sides of her personality. She would join the cast and remain on the show until the middle of the next season. Edward Hermann also excels in a guest role as the clever investigator.

Welcome to Baltimore, Dr. Cox! This episode earns 3.5 out of 5 guns.





White Lies
Directed By: Peter Weller
Written By: Anya Epstein
Guest Stars: Scott Bryce as Phillip Engle, Rebecca Boyd as Gail Ingram, Clayton LeBouef as Col. Barnfather, Stephen Lejnar as Mitch Roland

Life just keeps getting worse for Kellerman. The Baltimore Sun publishes a front-page story documenting the charges of corruption leveled at the four arson officers, including him. He storms into the offices of Mitch Roland, only to discover a surprising secret about the businessman. This leads him to take a lie detector test to try and prove his innocence. In other news, Munch clashes with Cox over his case when she refuses to declare it a murder. Brodie also thinks about staying with Howard, but wonders if it will cause problems in the squad room. This episode moves along several ongoing stories nicely, but it lacks any amazing stand-alone moments. Reed Diamond continues to shine as Kellerman sees his life as a policeman becoming more difficult every week.

This solid entry deserves 3 out of 5 guns.





The Heart of a Saturday Night
Directed By: Whit Stillman
Written By: Henry Bromell
Guest Stars: Rosanna Arquette as Caroline Widmer, Polly Holiday as Mrs. Rath, Chris Eigeman as Jude Silvio, Tom Quinn as Mr. Rath

Whit Stillman (Barcelona, Last Days of Disco) is known for his films about yuppies, so his selection as a Homicide director seems like an odd choice. However, he utilizes Henry Bromell’s touching writing to craft one of the season’s better episodes. It takes a different spin by focusing on the families of several murder victims speaking at a support group. Their interactions are combined with scenes of the detectives searching for the killers. Giardello gets a rare chance to investigate a case, hoping to gain atonement for the shooting incident last year. Chris Eigeman and Rosanna Arquette both deliver impressive guest performances in this entry.

This unique episode rates 4 out of 5 guns.





The True Test
Directed By: Alan Taylor
Written By: Noel Behn
Guest Stars: Elijah Wood as McPhee Broadman, Sagan Lewis as Judge Susan Aandahl, Christopher Northup as Dean Hord Highsmith, Andy Bowser as Derek Delmond

Bayliss and Lewis travel to an upper-class boarding school to investigate a brutal murder of a student. They receive little assistance from his fellow students, and suspect that things may not be as simple as they expect. Meanwhile, Pembleton passes the firearms exam and is ready to return to action. This episode ranks as one of the least-effective tales of the season. Elijah Wood performs adequately as the rich kid being held as a suspect, but the story feels typical and falls short of expectations.

This mediocre episode rates 2.5 out of 5 guns.





Control
Directed By: Jean de Segonzac
Written By: Les Carter & Susan Sisko
Guest Stars: Mekhi Phifer as Junior Bunk, Michael Gaston as Alex Clifton, Zeljko Ivanek as ASA Ed Danvers, Toni Lewis as Terri Stivers, Erik Todd Dellums as Luther Mahoney

Brodie just can’t seem to bond with any of the detectives. Kellerman throws him off the boat because he’s just too upbeat. In more pressing news, Lewis and Stivers catch a huge break when Luther Mahoney’s nephew Junior Bunk (Mekhi Pfifer) agrees to testify against him. Unfortunately, the drug lord’s reach extends even further than the homicide detectives expect. Pembleton joins Bayliss for his first case after the stroke, and the duo clashes over who committed the crime. This episode once again returns Erik Todd Dellums into the villainous role, and he does a nice job playing the nasty Mahoney. It’s also nice to see Bayliss and Pembleton back together again, though it may be a while before they really mesh as a team.

Will Lewis, Kellerman, and Stivers ever stop Luther Mahoney? This episode rates 3.5 out of 5 guns.





Blood Wedding
Directed By: Kevin Hooks
Written By: Matt Witten
Guest Stars: Zeljko Ivanek as ASA Ed Danvers, Al Freeman Jr. as Deputy Commissioner James Harris, R. Emery Bright as Julius J. Cummins

Ed Danvers’ pre-marital bliss is shattered when his wife is murdered right in front of his eyes. Unfortunately for Pembleton, this also is his first case as a primary since his return. The assistant district attorney tries to get involved in every aspect of the investigation and even questions the detective’s competence. This tragedy also causes Danvers to reconsider his feelings about past cases and capital punishment. In other news, Kellerman becomes distraught when his night with Cox might not turn into a relationship, and Brodie gets caught sleeping in the morgue. Zeljko Ivanek shines in presenting Danvers’ extreme distress, and this leads to a gripping episode. There’s also some great stuff with Giardello, who tries to help Kellerman but ends up learning some sad news about past issues with the Commissioner.

This troubling but very effective story earns 4 out of 5 guns.





The Documentary
Directed By: Barbara Kopple
Written By: Eric Overmyer
Guest Stars: Melvin Van Peebles as Bennett Jackson, Barry Levinson as Himself, Walt MacPherson as Roger Gaffney, Isabella Hofmann as Megan RussertCommentary: Writers Eric Overmyer and James Yoshimura

It’s New Year’s Eve and the phones aren’t ringing at the homicide unit. With everyone gathered and nothing to do, Brodie decides to show his documentary about the detectives. The feature centers on the strange case of Bennett Jackson, who murders his neighbors due to their knowledge of his odd activities. It also presents some lesser-known facts about the characters’ private lives and reveals the identity of the notorious lunch bandit. A real-life event of a suspect surrendering to the actors is recreated during the documentary. The detectives’ reactions to the film nicely mirror the real homicide detectives’ response to the book by David Simon. This episode is one of the most entertaining entries of the entire series. It nicely mimics the actual show and allows Brodie to do something besides providing comic relief.

This classic episode rates 4.5 out of 5 guns.





Betrayal
Directed By: Clark Johnson
Written By: Gay Welch
Guest Stars: LaTanya Richardson as Lynette Thomson, Tommy Hollis as Nelson Hendron, Helen Caray as Maggie Conroy, Taborah Johnson as Mary Ann Summers

In past years, Bayliss has faced extreme difficulties while dealing with several brutal child murders, including the Adena Watson case. When he works the case of a young abused girl, Pembleton and the others fear that these problems will surface. Evidence points towards the mother and her boyfriend, but the detectives have very different feelings about investigating the killings. Following the resolution of their case, Bayliss reveals a shocking secret that makes his actions more understandable. Meanwhile, Kellerman finally has his day with the Grand Jury, and the results are much different than expected. This emotional story contains great acting from Secor and Diamond, as they continue to present the best elements of the series.

This episode deserves 4.5 out of 5 guns.





Have a Conscience
Directed By: James Yoshimura
Written By: Uli Edel
Guest Stars: Rebecca Boyd as Gail Ingram, Stephen Xavier Lee as Ben Roh, Erik Todd Dellums as Luther Mahoney, Jade Wu as Sun-Rae Roh

Kellerman returns to the streets and immediately faces a murder involving long-time nemesis Luther Mahoney. The death of a shopkeeper who stood up to the corner drug dealers specifically angers Kellerman, who is dealing with his own issues about the police investigation. Depressed by the attitudes of other policemen about his guilt, Kellerman considers a drastic personal action. It’s up to Lewis to try and calm his distraught partner. This episode represents some of the best acting in the entire series, as its second half mostly consists of two great actors talking. It represents a perfect example for anyone who believes there’s no worthy drama on television.

This emotional rollercoaster deserves the highest rating. It earns 5 out of 5 guns.





Diener
Directed By: Kyle Secor
Written By: Christopher Kyle
Guest Stars: Glenn Fitzgerald as Jeff McGinn, Zeljko Ivanek as ASA Ed Danvers, Ami Brabson as Mary Pembleton, Charles Matheny as Matthew Bridgewell

With Kellerman on vacation, Lewis and Pembleton become short-term partners, a combo that has not meshed well in the past. While investigating the murder of an upper-class lady, they again clash on the best route to take. A major snag appears involving the disappearance of the victim’s diamond ring, which incenses the brother. It’s possible the thief works in Dr. Cox’s office. In other events, Mary Pembleton asks Bayliss to start partnering with her husband again. This solid episode moves along ongoing story lines and provides some worthwhile moments for Michelle Forbes as Dr. Cox.

This interesting episode gains 3 out of 5 guns.





Wu’s on First
Directed By: Tim McCann
Written By: David Simon & Enya Epstein
Guest Stars: Tate Donovan as Greg Kellerman, Eric Stoltz as Drew Kellerman, Joan Chen as Elizabeth Wu, Pat McNamara as Mike Kellerman Sr., Clayton LeBouef as Col. Barnfather

Baltimore Sun reporter Elizabeth Wu now covers the cops and provides serious grief for Pembleton’s case. This murder involves a cop possibly killed buying drugs, and the newspaper runs several stories without verifying the facts. Meanwhile, Kellerman’s crazy brothers arrive and get him involved in even more trouble. Although the journalist story is mildly interesting, this ranks as one of my least-favorite episodes of the season. The Kellerman brothers are played by talented actors (Eric Stoltz and Tate Donovan), but their moments are almost intolerable.

This uninspiring episode receives 2 out of 5 guns.





Valentine’s Day
Directed By: Clark Johnson
Written By: Tom Fontana
Guest Stars: Stephen Xavier Lee as Ben Roh, Neil Patrick Harris as Alan Schack, Linda Dano as Dr. Miano, Ami Brabson as Mary Pembleton, Karen Williams as Barbara Lewis

Bayliss and Kellerman investigate two deadly bombings and discover a connection an earlier case involving Luther Mahoney. Brodie becomes more directly involved in a case when he suspects a classmate of committing murder. Pembleton and his wife talk to a marriage counselor about their problems. Neil Patrick Harris guests in a role much different than his straight-arrow Doogie Howser character. Clark Johnson directs this episode, which once again reveals the disastrous effects of murder.

This episode receives 3.5 out of 5 guns.





Kaddish
Directed By: Jean de Segonzac
Written By: Linda McGibney
Guest Stars: Jean Louisa Kelly as Sarah Langdon, Pamela Payton-Wright as Sister Magdalena Weber, Robert Riggs as George Young, Joe Perrino as Young Johnny Munch

The murder of a girl Munch loved in high school strikes especially close to home for the generally unaffected detective. While interviewing classmates from his past, he remembers moments involving the attractive girl from his childhood. Pembleton also faces his own personal struggles involving the demise of his marriage. Richard Belzer receives fewer moments to shine during each season, which makes this tale even more special. It once again reveals his considerable talents and helps to generate an impressive episode.

One of the year’s more intriguing stories earns 4 out of 5 guns.





Double Blind
Directed By: Uli Edel
Written By: Lee Blessing and Jeanne Blake
Guest Stars: Monica Keena as Billie Rader, Edie Falco as Eva Thormann, Lee Tergesen as Chris Thormann, Robert Bornath as George Bayliss, Larry E. Hull as Charlie Flavin,

In Son of a Gun, the series’ fourth episode, Officer Chris Thormann was shot in the eye and blinded for life by Charlie Flavin. Four years later, his parole hearing occurs, and Thormann wants to testify against him. Lewis spends an evening with Thormann and his wife talking about their old friend Crosetti and the impending case. Meanwhile, a Pembleton and Bayliss investigate another case that leads Bayliss to remember his tortured past. Kellerman also reveals a secret about that night on the boat to Cox. This episode nicely connects to the first season and provides a welcome return to Lee Tergesen as Thormann.

This powerful episode earns 4 out of 5 guns.





Deception
Directed By: Peter Medak
Written By: Debbie Sarjeant
Guest Stars: Lewis Black as Lazlo "Punchy" DeLeon, Toni Lewis as Terri Stivers, Rebecca Boyd as Gail Ingram, Erik Todd Dellums as Luther Mahoney, Clayton LeBouef as Col. Barnfather, Robert Bornath as George Bayliss

It’s finally come down to this moment: the final showdown with Luther Mahoney. After intercepting a drug shipment contained within a traveler from overseas, the detectives realize this break could help them to trap the elusive drug lord. The result is a nasty confrontation for Lewis, Stivers, and Kellerman that ranks among the most harrowing sequences in series history. The ultimate result would have major ramifications for the entire sixth season. In lighter news, Munch spends his time chasing after a lost body for Lazlo “Punchy” DeLeon, played by the wonderful comedian Lewis Black.

The tense moments with Luther Mahoney earn this classic episode 5 out of 5 guns.





Narcissus
Directed By: Jean de Segonzac
Written By: Yaphet Kotto
Guest Stars: Zeljko Ivanek as ASA Ed Danvers, Toni Lewis as Terri Stivers, Roger Robinson as Burundi Robinson, Regi Davis as Malawi Joseph, Marc Freeman Hamm as Benin Crown

When a suspect seeks refuge in the residence of the ARM (African Revival Movement), Giardello and the detectives must discover who is providing favors to this group. The leader of this group is Burundi Robinson, a former cop, who is aware of some skeletons in the closet of the police commissioner. Meanwhile, Stivers begins to question the events surrounding the Mahoney shooting and her role in the event. This intriguing episode brings Giardello to the forefront and contains some great interaction with Roger Robison as Burundi. It also has some great work from Clayton LeBouef as Colonel Barnfather battles with his own ethical dilemmas.

This episode receives 3.5 out of 5 guns.





Partners and Other Strangers
Directed By: Leslie Libman and Larry Williams
Written By: Anya Epstein and James Yoshimura
Guest Stars: Jon Seda as Paul Falsone, Ami Brabson as Mary Pembleton, Peter Gerety as Stuart Gharty, Isabella Hofmann as Megan Russert

In part one of the gripping season finale, Pembleton discovers that the victim of an apparent suicide is former homicide detective Beau Felton (Daniel Baldwin, Seasons 1-3). The entire squad is shocked to learn about the death of their former colleague, and the method is even more stunning. Detective Paul Falsone appears and explains a possible motive for the suicide, but evidence begins to point towards another prospect. Stu Gharty, now with internal affairs, also comes forward with information about the case. Megan Russert returns from France to help with the investigation of her former lover. This episode covers numerous issues from past seasons and provides a compelling story.

This strong episode deserves 4.5 out of 5 guns.





Strangers and Other Partners
Directed By: Kenneth Fink
Written By: David Simon, James Yoshimura, and Tom Fontana
Guest Stars: Jon Seda as Paul Falsone, Ami Brabson as Mary Pembleton, Peter Gerety as Stuart Gharty, Isabella Hofmann as Megan Russert, Scott William Winters as Eddie Dugan

The season finale concludes the Felton story and deals with many issues that have been ongoing for much of the season. Howard bristles about not being allowed to take over the Felton case, and her logic does seem accurate. In personal news, Mary and Frank Pembleton attempt to reconcile, while Kellerman struggles with some alcohol issues. The story’s conclusion is a bombshell, but it gives the writers a chance to remove and add characters. Next fall, Howard and Brodie would not return, but Falsone, Gharty, and Ballard (a new character) will join the cast. Another strong season ends well and offers promise for an impressive sixth year to come.

Although slightly less-effective than its predecessor, this episode still earns 4 out of 5 guns.







Rating for Style: A
Rating for Substance: A+

 

Image Transfer

	One
Aspect Ratio	1.33:1 - Full Frame
Original Aspect Ratio	yes
Anamorphic	no

Image Transfer Review: With each successive season, Homicide moved away from the grittier look of its original incarnation. The fifth year presented a significant leap in clarity and color that is reflected in this DVD release. It provides the series' full-frame transfer and offers a picture that improves significantly over the initial airing. The images are sharp and lack the minor defects inherent in television shows. While not perfect, these discs showcase each episode effectively and deserve high marks.

Image Transfer Grade: A-
 

Audio Transfer

	Language	Remote Access
DS 2.0	English	no

Audio Transfer Review: Music plays a pivotal role on Homicide, and the inclusion of an impressive transfer is a necessity. This set follows the pattern of past releases and provides a solid 2.0-channel stereo transfer. It falls short some of the premier television series, but the dialogue does come across clearly. This track is probably the best that can be expected of this type of release.

Audio Transfer Grade: B+ 

Disc Extras

Static menu
Scene Access with 176 cues and remote access
Cast and Crew Biographies
1 Feature/Episode commentary by Eric Overmyer and James Yoshimura on The Documentary
Packaging: Box Set
Picture Disc
6 Discs
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: dual

Extra Extras:

1. Interview with David Simon and James Yoshimura

Extras Review: This collection is the first Homicide set not to include a documentary summarizing the major events of the year. Instead, we receive a brief, but interesting conversation with writer David Simon about the series and a few elements from the season. The interview also includes quick statements from writer James Yoshimura about working with Simon. The entire running time of this feature is about 12 minutes. The only other worthwhile supplement is a commentary from writers James Yoshimura and Eric Overmyer on The Documentary. This inclusion matches the single track provided with each of the previous boxed sets. It is frustrating to receive so little information about such a complex series. Luckily, this commentary does provide a wealth of information about this unique episode and the show in general.

This set also lacks the song lists that were included on the other releases, which is an unfortunate disappointment. The only additional extras are cast and crew biographies about the major players working on the series.

Extras Grade: C
 

Final Comments

Considering the wealth of extra features included on many television DVD releases, it is unfortunate to observe A&E continuing to release collections of Homicide: Life on the Street with minimal supplements. However, this set still provides great drama and one of the series' finer seasons. The show would experience a slight decline the following year and a big drop in its final run, but the fifth season presents the writers and actors at the top of their craft.

Dan Heaton 2004-11-03