Well, leave it to the networks to squash originality whenever they can. How often does a series hit the air only to be pulled off before it has a chance to acquire an audience? Too many times to count, that’s for sure. I knew it was a problem before, but as I usually missed a lot of these shows when they aired, I could never attest to their quality. But now, thanks to the advent of DVD and the now current trend of releasing TV shows, I’ve caught several sets ‘Complete Series’ sets of shows that were more than good enough to keep on the air. I recall hearing about a show called “Keen Eddie” when it first aired last year, and had actually planned to catch an episode or two, but completely missed the boat. Then when it was cancelled after only 7 episodes I lost the chance of catching at least the re-runs.

Shortly after the cancellation, Bravo picked it up and aired most of the episodes, but by the time I heard about it, it was too late. I missed them. I was a little disappointed, but since at that point I still had no idea if the show was even any good, I let it go.

Just this week, I finally had the chance to watch the 13 episodes that were produced of a series called “Keen Eddie” thanks to Paramount Home Entertainment. They’re releasing a 4-disc set, complete with all the episodes that were produced. The series revolved around a New York City detective by the name of Eddie Arlette (Mark Valley). The action doesn’t stay in New York for very long however, as Eddie Botches up a drug bust so bad that he is sent to England in order to assist Scotland Yard in their attempt to fix the situation. He packs up his dog, heads to England and prepares to start a whole new life.

The idea for the series sounded interesting enough, though I had the idea that in spite of the great location shooting the show would soon become just another cop show. If the first episode was any example of what was to come, then it was destined to be anything but. The pacing of the series was often very frenetic, and at any given time you would be privy to flashbacks or even fantasies. Sometimes it wasn’t clear whether I was watching a comedy or a drama, but it was never any less than entertaining. The chaotic nature of the series had to create a tremendous number of headaches for the continuity and editing staff, but they always seemed to be on top of things and all of the episodes I saw held together very well.

Mark Valley was perfectly cast as Eddie, but it was actress Sienna Miller that really stole the show. She plays the daughter of the owner of the flat that Eddie moves into. The problem is, she still lives there and refuses to move out. Miller is a stunning actress and has enough charisma to carry her own series. Of course, I have to also mention Julian Rhind-Tutt who stars as Eddie’s new and completely by the book partner, Monty. Trouble is, he’s also a sex addict.

The new DVD set delivers the episodes in Full Screen format and, much to my surprise, given a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound transfer. There aren’t any extra features to be found unfortunately, but since the series never really had the chance to take off, I’m sure it was cost prohibitive.

Given the quality and quirkiness of these 13 episodes, I really think there was a good shot at this series becoming a hit. Definitely, give this set a shot if you’re into shows that tend to be non-conformist in nature. “Keen Eddie” is decidedly odd, but in a good way.

Episodes:
Pilot a.k.a. Eddie
Horse Heir
Achtung Baby
Eddie Loves Baseball
Sucker Punch
The Amazing Larry Dunn
Black Like Me
Sticky Fingers
Inciting Incident
Who Wants to Be in a Club That Would Have Me as a Member?
Citizen Cecil
Keeping up appearances
Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite

Starring: Mark Valley, Sienna Miller
Extras: None
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 9/7/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Keen Eddie: The Complete Series a B.