Becker: Season 1

Everybody thought "House M.D." was such an original show when it debuted in 2004 with its wise-cracking sarcastic Dr. Gregory House. Though this was more of a drama, nobody seemed to realize that Ted Danson is the one who made that popular, way back in 1998 as Dr. John Becker."Becker" is one of the funniest shows ever to hit TV, but sadly some casting changes and other behind-the-scenes squabbling brought the show to a slow demise after about six seasons. Ted Danson gives some of his best work here. If you think the rants of Dr. Cox on "Scrubs" are funny, just wait until Becker storms into his office ranting about the bums on the street, the city health department, the justice system, humanity in general or any one the upteen-million things that seem to make him angry.The true heart of this show is it's sheer originality and unique characters - Becker's dim-witted female assistant, Linda, could have been a walking cliche were she portrayed by a busty blond, instead she's portrayed by the raven-haired Shawnee Smith (of "Saw" fame) with perfect comedic timing; Margaret is Dr. Becker's nurse, a heavy-set Bible-thumping black woman who is the perfect opposite of Becker's in-your-face sarcasm, anger and rants against God and religion; then there's Jake, Becker's blind best friend who, although he becomes the butt of many jokes, holds his own as one of the show's leading men; there's Reggie, the middle-aged ex-model turned diner owner who can't get a date despite her drop-dead gorgeous looks; and Bob, the fast talking nitwit who annoys everyone yet manages to remain an appealing part of the show. Other characters constantly move in and out of the show with many famous stars making guest appearances.Naturally "Becker" falls prey to many common sitcom gags and it's formula never really changes, which makes it a bit redundant after a while. Still, it's not one to miss!

I love this show. I have the entire series and have watched the seasons over and over. You know what is going to happen and it is still funny. Becker is hilarious and the actors all seem to really work together. The show is something you can watch with kids and family and not have to worry about what you are going to see.Becker is a little harsh and one of them doctors you would want to punch if he were your doctor. But he is obviously one of the best because people keep going back to him. He acts all tough and like he does not care but does sneaky good things like a kid who need treatment for AIDS and his mother can't afford it so he lies to her and tells her the kid got into some special treatment program and tells the facility to send all the bills to him. He really does care about the people and helping him. He just acts like he is a big meany. :D

Channel surfing one night, a few years back, changed my viewing pleasure as I found Becker. I missed the first season over here in NZ and so was absolutely thrilled to find it listed at Amazon.It has now been approx 2 months and 7 days since I pre orderd the season 1 release. It should be here by the weekend and I have planned to watch it all over 2 days!!!For its dry, hold no punches comedy it has to be one of the greats. Ted Danson gives us yet another character that you sometimes wish you had the guts to be like and get away with it.Why is it that the great shows are cut off in their prime or moved to late night TV? And yet the mindless crap still gets prime time spots that I can't believe anybody really watches and enjoys.The answer to this I fear will never be known, all I can say is keep releasing the greats to DVD ... All seasons of Becker are definitely on my purchase list.

My wife and I got to about episode 3 or 4. We hadn't seen the first season of Becker, and much enjoyed learning how the series started off. The first episodes take no time at all descending into the forthright misanthropy that colors the whole series. Maybe Becker is just a little bit more human than average in the first episode, as we get to witness the crabbed, chain-smoking grump plop down his own savings to help a child with AIDS. Almost too good to stand. But the New Yawwk sarcasm and casual grouchiness are all there from the start, deliciously honest relief for those of us who live in the more repressed Christofascist provinces.My only complaint - but it is a big one - is physical quality. The DVD started freezing up around episode 4. I felt too depresed to try to watch more. I don't like that "ripped off" feeling. Note to Amazon or whoever's responsible for quality assurance: pay that extra ten cents per copy, to guarantee the thing is reliable.

Oddly enough my wife and I always loved BECKER when we used to catch it on TV during its original run, but we were never regular viewers.I guess it came on at a time slot we just missed.We really watched it more in syndication and of course now on the DVD collection.The best thing I can say about BECKER is even though they write the show to kind of stab some fun at him........ the truth is he is right on the mark about 99% of the time on the things he gripes about........ (ie.. people acting stupid, rude neighbors playing loud music, stereotypes, the silliness of political correctness, etc...)BECKER has the right viewpoint most of the time.I have to confess we started losing interest in the show after Reggi & Bob left.Like many TV shows, the "chemistry" between leading cast often makes the show.The "chemistry" of BECKER was lost quite a bit when Nancy Travis joined the show.We found her a real negative detraction from the series.