There are few of us who cannot claim to have enjoyed the antics of bartender Joe Malone in “Cheers.” A solid ten year run cemented most of the actors involved in our memories, but it was up to Ted Danson to be the glue that held it all together. What strikes me as a bit odd however is that while I knew Danson went on to star in another sitcom, “Becker”, I had no idea that it ran for six seasons. Having not watched the series, I thought it was one of those short-lived shows that stars of past hits are often relegated to. When I learned that Paramount was releasing the first season of “Becker” back in 2008, I thought I should check it out since I was a Danson fan. But when I started looking into the background of the show… that was where I learned of its secret longevity. Danson took a 360 degree turn with the character of Dr. John Becker. Where Malone was gregarious and outgoing, Becker is more of curmudgeon, seemingly bothered by everything and everybody. He is a creature of habit, almost to the point of obsession.

We’re not talking Monk here, but he prefers to go to the same places and eat at the same restaurants. But what is best about his character is that he is opinionated. I’m talking non-politically correct opinionated. And I love it (I hate Political Correctness – which was created for the Intellectually Challenged).

When I sat down to watch the first few episodes of “Becker”, I found it to be a show that was trying to find its legs. Some shows can hit their mark right off the bat, but this wasn’t the case here. It was an amusing show and I did enjoy it, but as I continued to watch there weren’t really any episodes that I could consider memorable or classic television. Still, it was a solid first season and it began to grow on me enough to look forward to another season release.

Like any good series, the lead cannot carry everything, and while “Becker” did not have a “Cheers” caliber ensemble, it did have a good cast. Fresh of her stint on “Star Trek: Deep Space 9”, it was nice to see Terry Farrell in a more down to Earth role. Farrell starred as ‘Reggie’, the owner of the local diner where Becker would eat… and espouse his opinions of the world. The relationship between Becker and Reggie is one of those ‘should they or shouldn’t they be together’ types that always add tension to any good series. I was also pleased to see Alex Desert as the blind owner of a newspaper stand. I had enjoyed his role on “The Flash”, but here he had a chance to really shine as a comic actor. Finally, we have Shawnee Smith as his assistant, Linda. Smith has always been one of those slightly annoying actresses that have surprisingly had a lengthy career in films and TV (most recently as a part of the “Saw” franchise). Most of the time I really cannot stand her, but I have to admit she was in her element on this series, often getting some of the show’s best lines.

Since the release of that first season I have had the opportunity to see the second and now third season of “Becker.” And where I mentioned that it seemed to be a show looking for its legs, there was no doubt that it finally found them. These sophomore and junior seasons delivered a cast crew that had come together as a team. The timing was better, the writing was better, even the directing was better.

The recent release of the third season offers up all 24 episodes from the 2000-2001 season, each one full of Becker’s antics. Whether it’s the simplicity of trying to watch an afternoon matinee to possibly losing his practice over a malpractice suit, “Becker” knows how to max its comedy with a little drama. Oh, and keep an eye out for a couple of “Star Trek” alums… one pointy eared, green-blooded devil in particular.

I can now say that I have become a fan of Danson’s “other” series and am looking forward to catching the last three seasons as they become available. But I would like to ask Paramount if they could possibly sneak some extra features on subsequent releases.

Episodes:
The Film Critic
Super Bob
Beckerethics
One Wong Move
What Indifference a Day Makes
The Usual Suspects
The Wrong Man
Smoke ‘Em if You Got ‘Em
Dr. Angry Head
Margaret’s Dream
Heart Breaker
The Trouble with Harry
The Princess Cruise
Pretty Poison
2001 1/2: A Graduation Odyssey
Elder Hostile
The Ugly Truth
The More You Know
You Say Gay Son, I Say Godson
Nocturnal Omissions
The TorMentor
Small Wonder (1/3)
Sue You (2/3)
Trials and Defribillations (3/3)

Starring: Ted Danson, Terry Farrell, Hattie Winston, Shawnee Smith. Alex Desert
Extras: None
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 1/12/2010
MPAA Rating: NR
http://www.paramount.com/homeentertainment

We'll give Becker: Season 3 a B-.