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6 Degrees Entertainment

'The Sentinel - The Complete First Season'
(Richard Burgi, Garett Maggart, et al / 3-Disc DVD / NR / (1996) 2006 / Paramount)

Overview: After spending years in the Peruvian jungle during his tour in Army Special Forces, Cascade PD Detective James Ellison developed hyperactive senses, which came back to him five years after his return to the US. He can see people in darkened windows at night from two hundred yards, hear the music playing on the radio of the car he's chasing after he's lost sight of it, and can distinguish between wood and plastic after both have been in a three thousand degree fire. Blair Sandburg, a local anthropology student, tells Ellison that he is a "Sentinel," who in ancient tribes would protect the village and seek out game using such hyperactive senses. Sandburg becomes Ellison's back-watcher and teacher of how to use his new powers as Ellison brings a whole new edge to the war on crime in Cascade, Washington.

DVD Verdict: Not your typical cop, not your typical superhero. That's James Ellison, detective with heightened senses. I watched the show initially and was thrilled to find out it was out in DVD. It's held up well over the years with only items like an overly large cell phone to clue the audience that they're watching something that's ten years old. This series has more than its fair share of chases and explosions, all done well, but it's about so much more than that. The characters are key, with Jim Ellison taking front and center as a man trying to deal with a unique ability while remaining grounded. He's not perfect, not by any means, and that's what makes this series so special. The hero is flawed but in ways you want to find out more about. This particular hero has a sidekick, but one that is unlike any other we've seen in this or any other genre. Blair Sandburg is smart, intuitive and clearly thrilled to have found a real live sentinel, which just happens to be the subject of his thesis. To him, this is the trade of a lifetime: He'll help Ellison learn to use and live with his senses, and in return, he gets to study Ellison and earn his doctorate. But the relationship becomes so much more as these two very different men work side-by-side (to the utter confusion and befuddlement of Ellison's boss, superbly played by Bruce A Yound) and become true friends. Which really defines this show. It's about a friendship formed under the most extrordinary circumstances. The DVD's are excellent, the picture clear and the sound true, but Paramount really missed the boat by not including extras. Interviews with the stars, outtakes, the creators sharing their thoughts - this would vaulted the DVD into the outer stratosphere. A home run. I only hope they'll wise up for Season two through four. In any case, this is a great addition to any collection and if you're seeing this series for the first time - prepare to get hooked. Line and sinker. This is a Full Screen Presentation (4:3) and comes with the Special Features of all 10 first season episodes on three discs.

www.paramount.com/homeentertainment





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