Press Gang - Complete Series 2 [1989] [DVD]

The second series begins with traditional plots based around the newsroom and its characters. The newsteam works overnight to rewrite an entire issue when their lead story is scuppered; Colin schemes to set up a chess championship and Lynda tries to recall what she forgot to finish 10 years ago. The tone becomes more serious, albeit still with a healthy dose of fun, when the characters and their relationships come more into focus. Recently-dumped Kenny finally snaps and forces Lynda and Spike to go on their first date, Colin tries to help a young girl who is being abused by her father, Sarah wants to resign and Kenny becomes a rock star. Just as Lynda and Spike get together, a near-fatal accident has Spike thinking about their future. Can Lynda convince him not to return to America? And as they leave school, will the Junior Gazette be taken from them?

This series has a good bit of everything that makes the show great. Breakfast at Czar's sets the newsteam against the odds; Going Back To Jasper Street is a nice little mystery; Something Terrible deals well with the serious subject of child abuse; The Rest Of My Life has great emotional drama; and At Last A Dragon and Yesterday's News exemplify Spike & Lynda's love/hate relationship, with all its snappy comebacks.

The DVD itself is an improvement on the first series, and my only disappointment is that it left me wanting even more - and feeling that the first series DVD missed some opportunities. The commentaries, on four key episodes, are hugely entertaining as Steven Moffat (writer) recalls factoids, jokes and anecdotes whilst Julia Sawalha (Lynda) seems to remember mostly just the kissing scenes. The discussion ranges from acting styles and behind the scenes info to Steven's pyjama fetish and exploding pigeons, and touches on episodes across the entire show's run. It's such fun that it seems a shame more episodes didn't have commentary; perhaps future releases might feature more and get the additional insights of people like Sandra C. Hastie, Dexter Fletcher and Bob Spiers.

Also featured is an unaired 'making of' documentary. It's an early edit, poor quality video and full of timecodes, but a fascinating look behind the scenes nonetheless. A couple of trailers are also included, with a 'gag reel' (mostly the cast making silly faces, and one blooper). Rounding out the special features, you can stick the DVDs in a computer to view several interesting PDF documents including 3 original scripts, the original series treatment (outline of setting, characters, series 1 plot outlines and future direction), episode guides for the first two series, the first issue of fanzine "Breakfast at Czar's", a 1992 review, and 4 Junior Gazette mock-up covers from the show.

All in all, the show is great viewing and enough to justify getting this DVD on it's own. It's great to see the episodes again and all the features are a wonderful bonus - I am really looking forward to the later series releases, hopefully with even more extras (commentaries & extended cuts!).

This series follows the Junior Gazette gang as they prepare to leave school, deal with life changing issues, question their course in life, face death, fall in love and grow up. All this plus some cracking one liners. What more could you want ? It's a big improvement from series 1 too, with everything coming together and the show really maturing.

The DVD is well put together and has some great extras. Scripts, a documentary and commentary from the writer and Julia Sawalha (Lynda Day) which is great fun.

Buy it now !