If there is a highlight of this second release, it’s the flashback episode, Freshman Daze. It’s absolutely great. We get to meet all of these characters back in high school and see how the dynamics developed. Now we know why they are the way they are to each other. I particularly enjoyed seeing how the Cappy and Evan characters were once pretty tight friends. There’s also some wonderful back story to Casey and Frannie. It’s likely the single best reason to buy the set. The only real story line that runs through this collection is the houses trying to come back from last year’s scandal. The dean has imposed some harsh restrictions. This brings us our only new major character. Lizzie (Moses), who is about as irritating for us as she is for the girls at ZBZ. She’s there from the ZBZ Nationals to bring the house back in line.
Greek is one of those new shows that fell victim to the writers’ strike. Production ended after only 10 episodes, leaving the series with the feeling of being incomplete. This first collection of episodes was likely at one point going to be the entire first season; however, the strike finally ended in time for a handful of new episodes to be produced and to be aired beginning in late March. I’d guess the first release was already in the works by that time, so rather than postpone the release and include the later episodes the decision was made to continue with that release as “Chapter One”. This second package continues that theme with the title: “Chapter Two”. There’s a better than even chance that ABC was hoping that the DVD set would spark some interest now that the show has, at least temporarily, resumed.
The concept would appear to be slightly misplaced on ABC’s Family Network. The prerequisite underage drinking and promiscuous sexual lives don’t appear to be the best “family” entertainment. We don’t get even halfway through the pilot episode before we’re already charting those waters. To be sure, Greek is no Animal House, and the atmosphere is toned down considerably, but the issues remain, and this is not a show for the kiddies. The story is very much like a soap opera. Casey (Grammer) is a sorority sister for Zeta Beta Zeta, and after 2 years is a woman on the rise. She’s dating the rich and handsome Evan (McDorman) and is in line to be the next House president. Her life is about to change when her nerdy brother, Rusty (Zachar) arrives at college. In his hope to experience college life and shed some of his geek reputation, he decides to rush a fraternity and enter Casey’s perfect world. Casey’s other problem is Zeta Beta Zeta’s own new pledge in the form of Rebecca Logan (Vadsaria), the spoiled daughter of a US Senator and rival for Evan’s affections as well as the future House leadership. To further complicate matters, Rusty has pledged Omega Chi Delta, which is led by Casey’s former boyfriend, Cappy (Foster). Most of the episodes deal with the crossover of these various worlds, and there’s a ton of competition not only between the houses but the characters. The show is all about the parties and the rivalries. There’s an interesting enough group of supporting characters, all well cast, which make this series a little more interesting than it really should be.
Video
Each episode of Greek is presented in its original 1.78:1 broadcast format. The presentation is pretty solid. Colors are not overly bright or stunning, but the level of detail is solid. This also includes a very solid black level. There are 4 episodes to a disc, and there is remarkably little to no compression artifact.
Audio
The Dolby Digital 5.1 track does everything it needs to do and more. This is an extremely dialog heavy series, so that’s what you’re going to want to hear without distractions. The clarity is good, and never does the 5.1 mix interfere with the staples. Musical cues are always solid but never overpower the drama.
There are audio commentaries with cast and crew on all most of the episodes. They range from dry to a little too giddy for my tastes. It appears the cast and crew all enjoy themselves on set.
Special Features
Bloopers: 3 minutes of the usual messing up and messing around.
Flashback Episode…And So It Begins: I’ve already stated how much I enjoyed this particular episode. This is about a 10 minute look behind the scenes of that one. The cast talk about their own high school memories as well.
Music Video: Natural Disaster performed by The Plain White T’s.
Final Thoughts
It’s more of the same wacky frat and sorority house madness. Unfortunately the love lives are even more on display this set. I’m not sure what season these actually fall under because of the writers’ strike last year. It all ends with Spring Break, which appears to wrap up an academic year. It’s college life with a whole lot of glitter. “You can never have enough glitter.”
