Yes, I remember it well. It was a really nice day in September of 1976. I was still a teenager at the time and I couldn’t wait for the series premiere of “Charlie’s Angels.” Finally audiences were going to have a private eye series with serious stories and harrowing adventure. A show that wouldn’t pander to the lowest common denominator to draw in ratings… like the jiggle factor. Oh, wait… that was another show. I WAS watching for that… uh… lowest… uh… common denominator. (Ahem). Well, come on! I was a red-blooded American male. It’s not like I let myself be completely taken in by the three beautiful actresses that starred in the show. I mean, really. Do you think for one moment that I had one of those infamous Farrah Fawcett posters on my wall? (Well okay, I did. But that’s not the point… I wasn’t the only one!)

When “Charlie’s Angels” premiered, it was an overnight sensation. Almost immediately Farrah Fawcett, Jacklyn Smith and Kate Jackson were turned into merchandise darlings. They showed up on lunch boxes, posters and numerous other items. The series found itself to be so popular as to last five seasons. The funny thing being, if you were to ask anyone who the most famous Angel was, I’d bet the answer would be Fawcett. Yet, she only stayed on for the first season. When she left, she was replaced by Cheryl Tiegs who stayed with the series through the rest of its run. (Oddly enough I also had the infamous Tiegs bikini poster on my wall, too.)

Yes, I loved the show. It was pure escapism. The episodes at times were a bit silly, but the show was about the looks, not the depth. And there’s nothing wrong with that. “Charlie’s Angels” was entertaining and that was all it had to be. Even after that fifth season, the show’s popularity stayed strong. It lived on in re-runs, and in 1988 the network even tried to revive the show, going as far as to put together a cast that included Tea Leoni. It was to be called “Angels ‘88” (later changed to “Angels ’89” due to delays), but unfortunately it never made it on the air.

In 1998, a Spanish version of the series called “Angeles” premiered on Telemundo. A direct remake of the show, it even took some of the original storylines and adapted them for the series. Then, the big break to bring the Angels back into the spotlight cam in 2000 with the release of the feature film, “Charlie’s Angels.” The big budget action-comedy starred Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu and did well enough at the box office to warrant a sequel. The films take the premise of the original series and take them to an exaggerated level. They are more parody than anything else. But, at least they created a renewed interest in the series.

For those who don’t know the score, the original series centered around three police officers, Jill Munroe (Fawcett), Sabrina Duncan (Jackson) and Kelly Garrett (Smith). They all had exceptional skills, but were being wasted on menial duties. Then one day, they are invited to join a private investigation agency by a mysterious millionaire, Charlie Townsend. Referred to only as ‘Charlie’, his face was never shown in the series and he generally communicated to the Angels through an intercom. (Of course die-hard fans know the actor’s identity. Can you remember? I’ll list it after the credits below.)

If you weren’t lucky enough to have watched the series when it originally aired, fear not. Sony already released 1st through 3rd seasons and is now releasing the 4th this month. After three years!!! Not sure what took so long, the first 3 seasons came out in 2006, now it’s 2009 and we’re finally seeing this release!! (What is this…“Star Wars?”) Ah well, there’s only one season left… hopefully it’ll be released later this year.

All the episodes have been digitally mastered and let me tell you they look and sound great. Of course, as you might remember, Fawcett left at the end of the 1st season and was replaced by Cheryl Ladd. Viewers didn’t take to her right at first, but she proved her worth to the series (and was darn sight better looking - had her posters, too!) and by the 3rd season was totally accepted as a part of the 'Angel's' team. For the 4th Season, Kate Jackson decided to take a hike and she was replaced by Shelley Hack.

The 4th season also offered up a good number of special guest stars, some of which wouldn't make their mark until later in their careers. Keep you’re eyes open for the likes of Kim Cattrall, Timothy Dalton, Robert Loggia and Sally Kirkland. There was also reappearance by Fawcett, my guess being for reasons involving her (at the time) yet-to-be-noticed film career. Oh and would you believe, the first episode is a crossover with that other crime drama, “The Love Boat?”

I was a little sad to see there were no extra features in this set, but as along as I’ve got the Angels, why complain?

The “Charlie’s Angels” 1st through 4th season sets are a must own for fans of 70’s television. They're also a ‘gotta have’ for guys ranging in age from teenagers to senior citizens. And ladies, we really only watch it for the stories.

Episodes:
Love Boat Angels, Parts 1&2
Angels Go Truckin’
Avenging Angel
Angels at the Altar
Fallen Angel
Caged Angel
Angels on the Street
The Prince and the Angel
Angels on Skates
Angels on Campus
Angel Hunt
Cruising Angel
Of Ghosts and Angels
Angel’s Child
One of Our Angels is Missing
Catch a Falling Angel
Homes Sweet Homes
Dancin’ Angels
Harrigan’s Angel
An Angel’s Trail
Nips and Tucks
Three For the Money
Toni’s Boys
One Love… Two Angels, Parts 1&2

Starring: Cheryl Ladd, Jacklyn Smith, Shelley Hack
Extras: None
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 7/21/2009 7/11/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
http://www.sonypictures.com

We'll give Charlie's Angels: Season 4 a C.