Ahh, the ensemble cast comedy. There have been so many over the years, and only a few have ever reached the status of being considered a classic. There are some that may not necessarily deserve to be at the top of that list, but there is certainly a place for them nonetheless. On such sitcom was “Just Shoot Me,” which had a very successful 7 season run that started in 1997. Last year, the series aired its finale, deciding to go out while it was still popular. The main premise of the series revolved around the inner workings of a fashion magazine, where newly unemployed Maya Gallo (Laura San Giacomo) is hired by the magazine’s publisher, who just happens to be her dad (George Segal). Her cohorts include photographer Elliot DiMauro (Enrico Colantoni), ex-supermodel Nina Van Horn and her Dad’s EA Dennis Finch (David Spade). One of the series staples was to feature the magazine’s cover on each episode, with article titles that seemed to correspond with the antics of that particular episode.

“Just Shoot Me” was on of those rare shows I tried to watch as time allowed. Over the course of the run of the show, I believe I probably caught at least a third of the episodes, never once being disappointed. I actually wish that I had found the time to watch more, as each one gave me a good laugh. When I found out that Sony / Columbia Tristar was releasing the first two seasons on DVD, I knew I had to get a set. I didn’t start watching until the third season, so this set perfect since it contained 31 episodes that I had never seen at all.

This was one of those shows where you couldn’t find a weak link in the cast. George Segal was perfectly cast as the owner of the magazine, as was Wendie Malick as the aging model-turned-columnist. Malick, whom I had enjoyed in the HBO series “Dream On” (which also deserves a DVD release), is especially vicious and full of herself. She shares some of the show’s best lines with David Spade, except where his are usually asides, she delivers hers right to the victim’s face. Speaking of Spade, he is what really dragged me into the show to begin with. I understand some people don’t like his particular brand of humor, but as I’m a big fan of sarcasm, I’ll watch anything he works on.

I certainly need to mention Enrico Colantoni, whom I’ve seen in numerous guest appearances on other shows, but he’ll always be the alien commander Mathesar from the movie “Galaxyquest” to me. What was especially surprising to me was that this was the first project that I have ever enjoyed Laura San Giacomo in. I had seen her in films, but for some reason I just never really thought she was a good actress. In “Just Shoot Me” however, she really seemed to have found her niche, and she worked perfectly along with the rest of the cast.

As I mentioned before, the DVD release of “Just Shoot Me” includes the first two seasons. This was a wise move on the part of Sony / Columbia Tristar, as the first season only had 6 episodes, being that it was a mid-season replacement. If they had released just that season, it might not have sold well.

Watching the set, I was immediately struck by the fact that it was funny from the first episode. Having originally come in on the third season, I could see that the timing and rapport between the cast members were there right from the start. The second episode, “The Devil and Maya Gallo”, is a classic representation of the benefits that come with some new jobs and the effect they can have on a person. It’s a hysterical episode, and showcases the comedic talents that never knew San Giacomo had.

This 4 disc set also includes a few extras, the best one being a featurette looking back on the series. It runs a little under half an hour and we get to hear from all of the main members of the cast. Four of the episodes have commentary by the show’s creators, Danny Zucker, Steve Levitan, Eileen Conn, Marsh McCall and Andy Gordon, and if you’re at all a fan of the show you have to listen to them. Finally, and I find this to be most fitting, is a gallery of 24 of the ‘Blush’ covers that were created for the show.

“Just Shoot Me” was one of the better sitcoms to come out of the 1990’s, and I was actually sorry to see it sign off. I’m really hoping this DVD set sells well so that the remainder of the series gets a well-deserved release.

Season 1 Episodes:
Back Issues
The Devil and Maya Gallo
Lemon Wacky Hello
Nina’s Birthday
Secretary’s Day
In Your Dreams

Season 2 Episodes:
Sweet Charity
The Experiment
The Assistant
Old Boyfriends
La Cage
King Lear Jet
My Dinner with Woody
Twice Burned
Jesus, It’s Christmas
Elliot the Geek
Sewer
Pass the Salt
In the Company of Maya
The Walk
College of Collagen
Nina in the Cantina
Ambush
Nina’s Bikini
The Kiss
Jack’s Old Partner
Bravefinch
Eve of Destruction
The Emperor
War and Sleaze
Rescue Me

Starring: Laura San Giacomo, George Segal, Wendie Malick, Enrico Colantoni, David Spade
Extras: Commentary with the Creator and Writing Producers, Always in Fashion Featurette, The Blush Covers Gallery
Specifications: Full Screen (1.33:1), English Dolby Surround
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 6/8/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Just Shoot Me: Seasons 1&2 an A.