All Rise...

Judge David Johnson is very special. That's what his mommy tells him.

Editor's Note

Our review of Blossom: Seasons 1 & 2, published January 29th, 2009, is also available.

The Charge

Hey, did you know Blossom's brother used to do drugs? Prepare to be reminded of that fact…incessantly.

The Case

Mill Creek has 10 "very special" episodes of the hit '90s coming-of-age sitcom Blossom and the first thoughts that occur to you when you hear "very special" apply here: issues, emotions, hugging, and extended sequences of learning.

The episodes:

• "Pilot"
Not sure how special this is, as the pilot show exists mainly as an oddity. Blossom (Mayim Bialik) has different parents, her brother's name is "Donnie" not "Joey" and the title theme song is "My Perogative." Uh huh.

• "Blossom's Blossoms"
One word: menstruation.

• "Sex, Lies and Teenagers"
Six and Blossom head to a make-out party, much to the chagrin of Blossom's dad.

• "The Geek"
Blossom learns a hard lesson in humility when she dumps the class geek and feels regretful about hurting his feelings.

• "Such a Night"
Tony tries to help a friend from getting drunk while Blossom and Six talk a lot or something.

• "Second Base"
Blossom's ready to go to second base with her boyfriend, so, you know, it's a big deal.

• "The Joint"
Six and Blossom decide it's time to get high and they smuggle a joint into the house. When her dad finds it, he immediately pegs Tony as the possessor and the two have yet another conversation about addiction.

• "To Tell the Truth"
Tony's got an angle on a sweet job, but he's unsure if he wants to divulge the litany of his past drug-fueled escapades.

• "Intervention"
Joey's good friend is struggling with booze and Joey is resistant to his brother's warnings.

• "Blossom—A Rocumentary"
I liked the Saved by the Bell one better.

What Blossom has over similar issue-driven sitcoms like, say, The Facts of Life is noticeable: it's actually funny. So amidst the life lessons in these episodes, you can be assured of being entertained a fair amount, save for the clunky pilot and the surreal rockumentary.

But let's be straight here. Who's really interested in these collection sets? If you were a true Blossom fan the first two seasons can be had on DVD. What's the point of ten random episodes? For the viewer unwilling to make the commitment? And willing to plunk over a dollar per episode?

Not much happening with the DVDs: a mediocre full-frame transfer, 2.0 stereo mix, and nothing else.

The Verdict

Just seems like a needless release. Give Blossom her due and fork over the greenbacks for the season sets.

Give us your feedback!

Did we give Blossom: 10 Very Special Episodes a fair trial? yes / no

What's "fair"? Whether positive or negative, our reviews should be unbiased, informative, and critique the material on its own merits.

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