It’s so frustrating when networks don’t give some of the more creative shows a chance to thrive. The ‘suits’ tend to read silly things about demographics or copy some edgy show that is already successful on another network. They’ll green light a new series of their own, and then allow it to die because of their own collective lacks of backbone. It happens time and again, and sadly will continue to happen as long as the networks refuse to listen to their audience. Back in 1996, this was the fate that befell an unfortunately barely seen series called, “Profit.” This dark, little corporate satire starred Adrian Pasdar as the aptly named Jim Profit, a man determined to work his way up the corporate ladder of a huge multinational firm. Well, actually working his way up is just one way to describe his methods, which included blackmail, sexual manipulation and if necessary… murder, to reach his goal.

Pasdar, whom I was used to seeing in ‘nice guy’ roles, ran with this highly disturbed sociopathic character and made him both charismatic and repulsive. This is no mean feat for an actor, and Pasdar did an admirable job. It seemed there was no bottom rung on the level of depravity that he would sink, if it would serve his purpose or provide his insane desires the sustenance they needed.

The series itself was brilliantly written and offered uncomfortable laughs amidst its shocking revelations. It took the corporate world and delivered a version of it that unfortunately rings true in more ways than most executive would care for the public to know. The people involved in Profit’s world reflect some of today’s fallen pillars in the corporate arena, from the top echelon of Enron to successful greedy, self-serving, uncompassionate business executives like George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. But I digress.

“Profit” was a show ahead of its time, and way too smart to survive. So smart in fact that Fox decided to pull the plug after only four of the eight filmed episodes aired. It’s no wonder the show didn’t catch on, no one had a chance to see enough of it to even learn the character’s names! But now, almost ten years later, Anchor Bay Entertainment is releasing all of the episodes in a 3 disc set. Anchor Bay has long been the champion of little seen movies and shows, as well as hugely popular ones like “Hercules”, “Xena” and “Highlander.” They have a reputation for releasing great sets, and the one for “Profit” is no slouch.

Along with all eight episodes, the last four I was especially glad to finally be able to see, Anchor Bay went to great lengths to provide some terrific extra features. There are commentaries provided on four of the episodes, “Pilot”, “Healing”, “Chinese Box” and “Forgiveness” by the show’s creators David Greenwalt and John MacNamara as well as Adrian Pasdar. Greenwalt was especially interesting to hear from as he was also one of the creative geniuses behind “Angel.” Even better than the commentaries though, is a documentary featurette that chronicles through interviews how the show came about and what killed it. The interviewees include Greenwalt, MacNamara, Pasdar, Stephen J. Cannell, and actresses Lisa Zane and Lisa Blount.

The only disappointment with the set, and it is a small one, is the lack of chapter stops in the episodes. This is usually a given, especially in shows that run longer than a half hour. It’s not really a huge issue, but I thought I should mention it.

Aside from that little nitpick, I highly recommend this set, as “Profit” is a show that deserves to be seen. Not everyone will get into it due to it’s dark and extremely twisted nature, but it will definitely appeal to the intellectual set.

Episodes:
Pilot
Hero
Sykes
Healing
Cupid
Chinese Box
Security
Forgiveness

Starring: Adrian Pasdar, Lisa Zane, Keith Sarabajka, Lisa Blount and Lisa Darr
Extras: Featurette: Greed Kills, Audio Commentary with Creators David Greenwalt, John McNamara and Star Adrian Pasdar
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Anchor Bay
Release Date: 8/9/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Profit: The Complete Series an A.