Product Description
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Ted Danson stars as Dr. Becker, a sharp-tongued physician whose
arrogance is only matched by his dedication to his patients.
B and opinionated, Becker is a spet in rubbing people
the wrong way. But beneath his prickly exterior Becker is really
just a softhearted teddy bear just don't tell him that. Operating
a small practice in the Bronx, Dr. Becker's entourage of
nents/associates includes happy-go-lucky neighbor Chris
Konnors (Nancy Travis), dependable head nurse Margaret (Hattie
Winston), and spoiled-rich-girl Linda (Shawnee Smith). with this
wry series Ted Danson finally found success after CHEERS, and an
irascible character who would erase all memory of bartender Sam
Malone. This collection presents the series' complete debut
season. Star Ted Danson, Hattie Winston, Terry Farrell, Alex
Desert, Shawnee Smith, Savio Guerra Special Features: 3-Disc Set
Full Frame - 1.33 Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround English
Runtime: 370 minutes Year of Release: 1998.
.com
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"Arent doctors supposed to be nice?" Running for six seasons,
Becker broke the Cheers curse (RIP: Good Advice, Inc, Pearl). The
role of Dr. John Becker was just what the doctor ordered for Ted
Danson. Becker is, according to those who know, and grudgingly
admire him, best, "a miserable human being" and "such an ass,"
but "a brilliant one." As for his bedside manner, he makes House
seem like Marcus Welby. But this being a sitcom, the cynical and
politically incorrect Becker also must have a heart. In the pilot
episode, it is revealed that he will secretly pay for s
for an HIV-positive seven-year-old. "You may go to heaven whether
you like it or not," his chief of staff Margaret (Hattie Winston)
tells him. Becker divides his time between his chaotic clinic and
the local diner, where he alienates the patrons with his tirades
on subjects ranging from Jerry Springer to reality shows. In its
promising first season, theres nothing wrong with Becker that
sharper writing cant cure. The first season suffers slightly
from Night Court-itus; the gritty urban setting glimpsed in the
shows interstitials undercut by the broadly-drawn character
types who are either Beckers patients, or simply try his
patience, like his flaky new nurses assistant (Shawnee Smith) or
on the make diner (as sed to lounge) lizard Bob (Saverio
Guerra). Much better company are Jake (Alex Desert), the blind
diner newsstand vendor, and "Reggie" (Terry Farrell), a
gives-as-good-as-she-gets gal in the mold of Frasiers Roz.
Becker and Reggie arent exactly Sam and Diane, but this season
sets the stage for romantic possibilities (although the season
finale, in which he wrestles with whether to ask her to a formal
charity benefit, is anti-climactic). As the season unfolds,
Becker more closely examines the good doctors misanthropy. One
of the seasons better episodes is "Becker the Elder," featuring
Dick van Dyke as Beckers estranged salesman her, who is as
charming as Becker is abrasive. In "Activate Your Choices," we
meet Beckers ex-wife, who has written a self-help book in which
she diagnoses Becker as "Angry Man." There are no spoonfuls of
sugar (extras) to help the medicine go down, but for those who
made an appointment to see Danson and company every week, the DVD
release of Becker is good for what ails you. --Donald Liebenson