I Love Lucy: The Complete Second Season [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

There were 31 episodes in the second season, and they are faithfully presented here on 5 discs. The season opened with the famous "Job Switching" episode that finds Lucy and Ethel working in a chocolate factory. Also well known from this season are the episodes surrounding Lucy's pregnancy and the birth of Little Ricky, something quite daring for TV of the 50's. Other highlights include "The Club Election," "Lucy Changes Her Mind," "Lucy's Last Birthday" (which is the only time the words to the theme song are heard), and "Never Do Business With Friends." So what if the stories are sometimes predictable or little attention is paid to previous episodes (Lucy gets new furniture and Ethel gets a new washing machine twice in one season). This is classic TV at it's funniest.

My only real complaint from the previous season was the size of the set. That complaint has been completely removed this time around. As I previously said, all 31 episodes are on just five DVD's, keeping the cost and the size much more reasonable. Everything else remains the same. The episodes have been lovingly restored to perfection. You'll never see them looking better. Frankly, I find the series hard to watch on TV any more since it looks so lousy there. Sound is still mono. It won't blow you away, but it sounds sharp. Each disc still has plenty of extras, including guest cast, an episode of "My Favorite Husband" each, original openings, restored footage, and production notes and behind the scenes pictures as appropriate.

This set is a dream come true for any I LOVE LUCY fan. If that's you, be sure to pick it up today.

The first few episodes start out looking like the previous season with some antics in New York with "The Business Manager" and "Lucy Cries Wolf." But before the first disc is over, Ricky's been potentially offered a chance to star in "Don Juan." The rest of the season focuses on that storyline as they wait to hear, plan the trip, drive cross-country, and finally make it to Hollywood. Along the way, we get some truly classic moments as the three others try to crash Ethel's big solo show, Lucy hits William Holden with a pie, Lucy gets a part in a picture, Harpo Marx pops by for a visit, and Lucy gets trapped in Richard Widmark's house.

I had forgotten just how good some of these episodes are, even ones I knew I liked. The writing and acting were in peak form this season, and the parade of well-known guest stars certainly helped. To be honest, I'm young enough that some of these names I only know from the show, but that doesn't dampen my enjoyment one bit. And even when you can see the ending coming a mile away, it still delivers plenty of laughs before you get there.

This show continues to get the treatment it deserves on DVD. You couldn't ask for a better picture. The mono sound has been cleaned up as well. Each of the five discs contains six episodes along with behind the scenes trivia, mistakes, guest cast information, and five episodes of "My Favorite Husband." I was surprised to learn that the show gained a second sponsor during this time, and enjoyed seeing the ads for them.

This may be my favorite season of the show. Everything gels so well. If you only get one season, this is the season to get.

There are many episodes considered to be classics in this season. "Lucy and Ethel Buy the Same Dress" and almost ruin their friendship on TV over it. "Lucy Tells the Truth" and gets knives thrown at her for her efforts. In an effort to regain their husbands' attention, Lucy and Ethel attend "Charm School" with different results from what they expected. A "Bonus Buck" turns out to be a starchy deal. Lucy and Ethel learn "The Golf Game" in a way you've never seen before. This season also features two of Tennessee Ernie Ford's three appearances on the show.

There are many equally funny episodes in this set that I love that aren't on any classic list I've ever seen. "Equal Rights" finds the girls washing dishes to settle a tab when the boys let them pay their own way. "Baby Pictures" contains one of my all time favorite lines from the show when we learn Little Ricky speaks English and Spanish, but he only speaks Spanish when he's angry. "Sentimental Anniversary" is funny and sweet at the same time. "Ricky Loses His Temper" nominates Ricky for sainthood with what Lucy puts him through. Finally, "Ricky's Hawaiian Vacation" finds Lucy trying to sneak her way with the band by lying to a game show.

Once again, this set is ideal for collectors. The 31 episodes are presented in all their black and white glory. I doubt they could look better. The sound, while not earth shattering, is true to the program and it certainly sounds sharp. Each disc is loaded with info on guest stars, behind the scenes information, flubs, original animation, and the other goodies we're used to seeing from these releases.

You can't go wrong with the first foursome of comedy. This is a classic show for a reason. If you even like Lucy, you'll be glad you got this set.