I was like most reviewers when I wrote about the release of the 1st season DVD set for “Three’s Company” back in late 2003, and was compelled to write a bit about the passing of John Ritter. Even before his untimely passing earlier that same year, I considered myself a really big fan. Not a fan in the respect that I joined clubs, or wrote to him, or even collected memorabilia. I simply enjoyed the man’s work. I was constantly impressed by his natural acting abilities, sense of humor and surprising range. It never mattered if it was a comedy or drama, the man could act. And even more important, he was a really nice guy. Whether or not the stories of his pleasant nature were true, I cannot imagine him as having been any other way. I was introduced to John Ritter like most people were. I saw him for the first time as Jack Tripper on a little mid-season replacement show called “Three’s Company.” It was 1977 (Geez, was it really that long ago?) and from that first pilot episode I was hooked.

Sure, I was a teenager and a part of what drew my attention was the ‘jiggle factor’ that was Chrissy (Suzanne Somers), but I was even more taken in by Ritter’s likeability and unbelievable comedic timing.

Even though the show suffered in later seasons due to some of the now famous conflicts amongst the cast, Ritter never failed to keep the laughs fresh. I made sure to watch everything I knew he was going to be in. To this day I still love the movie, “Hero at Large”, though I’ll bet I’m the only one. Later, as his career had a resurrection with roles in Stephen King’s “It”, “Slingblade” and a memorably chilling guest shot on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, I was there to watch. It seems so unfair that he would pass away just as his career was hitting a new high with the TV series “Eight Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter”.

When the 1st season DVD set of “Three’s Company” was released a while back, there were some people who commented that they felt that Anchor Bay was trying to cash in on Ritter’s death. However, it was obvious that this was not the case. The release had been planned for quite a while. Ironic as it may have been, the timing was just right.

I enjoyed the heck out of that first set as I hadn’t seen many of the episodes in years. The only thing that was a bit disappointing at the time was the lack of extra features. I was really hoping for some commentaries or even a little look back at the behind the scenes shenanigans of the series. Fortunately, all of the seasons that have been released since have had their fair share of extra features.

Anchor Bay just released the 8th and final season of the series on DVD. This season was a tough one for the show as it was the first in which the series did not grab the ratings that it was used to. The previous season had firmly replaced Suzanne Somers with actress Priscilla Barnes as the new member of the roommate trio. Barnes was an excellent choice not only because of her obvious 'talents', but because it was decided that she shouldn't be ditzy. Instead of trying to replicate Somers, they created a whole new character. And with her came a whole new dynamic.

The release of the last couple of seasons also bring with them another bit of poignancy due to the very recent passing of actor Don Knotts. Knotts, who had gained so much fame for the role of Barney Fife in "The Andy Griffith Show" (which are also being released on DVD), went on to have quite a lucrative career in films. The man was a genius of a comic actor, occasionally underrated by critics. He joined the cast of "Three's Company" during its 4th season, following the departure of the Ropers and stayed on through the series' 8th, and final, season.

I mentioned before that the 1st season set had no extra features to speak of, but since that time all of the subsequent sets have had their fair share. Here we have a great feature that reunites some of the original cast as they talk about what it was like to work with Ritter. There are also some hilarious bloopers and a look at how the series translated into Spanish. You'll also find a few 'Best of' featurettes for the characters from this season (which is a rather redundant feature).

I watched the 8th season episodes and extra features of “Three’s Company” with a mixture of laughter and tears as I reflected on all of the great performances Ritter and Knotts had given us, and sadly… those we will never see. Goodbye to John, you are still missed and to Don, you will be.

Episodes:
Jack Be Quick
She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not
The Money Machine
Out on a Limb
Alias Jack Tripper
Hearing is Believing
Itching for Trouble
Baby, It's Cold Inside
Look What I Found
Jack's Tattoo
Jack Takes Off
Forget Me Not
The Heiress
Cupid Works Overtime
Friends and Lovers

Starring: John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, Pricilla Barnes
Extras: Bloopers, John Ritter - Working with a Master, Usted Hable Three's Company, Season Eight Best of's - Jack, Janet, Terri, Larry & Mr. Furley
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital Mono
Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment
Release Date: 10/3/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website
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We'll give Three's Company: Season 8 a B-.