Spin City: Michael J. Fox, His All-Time Favorites, Volumes 1&2
November 2003 Reviewed by: Josh Barber Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

Spin City is a cute show. Since nearly all sitcoms are interchangeable, any specific show has to stand or fall on the merits of its cast. Though its premise is an old one -- the workplace comedy -- Spin City can still be amusing.

The workplace in question is New York City Hall. Deputy mayor Mike Flaherty (Michael J. Fox) works closely with press secretary Paul Lassiter (Richard Kind), speechwriter James (Alexander Chaplin), minority affairs director Carter (Michael Boatman), campaign manager Caitlin (Heather Locklear), and a host of others all doing their best to make the Mayor (Barry Bostwick) look good. For the most part, the actors' chemistry was tight, and everyone in the large ensemble got an opportunity to shine.

Though no season-long boxes have yet been released, 22 episodes are now available on a pair of two-disc sets, each episode handpicked by series star Michael J. Fox.

There is no theme to the episodes -- they really are just Fox's favorites. Wisely, the set opens with the pilot and ends with the two-part "Goodbye" episode, the exit of Fox's character. In between, we get a decent sampling of what Spin City was all about:

Volume 1:

"Meet Tommy Dugan" -- A children's "Mayor for a Day" contest goes awry when the winning entrant is more than expected.

"Dog Day Afternoon" -- City hall plans to honor a deceased drug dog to improve relations with the police department.

"Family Affair" parts 1 and 2 -- Mike's mom comes into town for a visit and really hits things off with the Mayor.

"Miracle Near 34th Street" -- The Mayor accidentally denounces Santa Claus's existence during a press conference, leaving Mike to cover for him.

"The Paul Lassiter Story" -- The Mayor attempts to write his autobiography, while Mike attempts to deal with prostate cancer.

"The Pope of Gracie Mansion" -- During a crisis of faith, Mike is inspired by the Pope as well as by the Mayor's own sense of self-worth.

"Catcher in the Bronx" -- The Mayor's goof at a Yankees game gets him in hot water with the city and the team.

"A Tale of Two Sisters" -- Still smitten by Caitlin, Mike goes out on a date with her sister.

"Casino" -- A citywide raffle goes wrong, leaving Paul and Mike to scrounge up prize money, fast.

Volume 2:

"Kiss Me, Stupid" -- Carter's ex-boyfriend drops by with an odd request, and Mike is pulled into the middle.

"Radio Daze" -- Mike and the Mayor take on a shock jock to win the hearts of the people.

"They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" -- The Mayor's daughter comes to town for a visit, bringing her radical politics with her.

"Dead Dog Talking" -- Mike becomes a city hero when he rescues a baby from seals -- or at least tries to.

"There's Something About Heidi" -- When the tabloids assume that Mike is dating Heidi Klum, he gets into the spirit.

"Gone with the Wind" -- James's Aunt Sarah dies, while Mike and Heidi have a little death of their own.

"An Officer and a Gentleman" -- Mike's childhood friend is in town on shore leave, and has some news for his old pal.

"Quest for Fire" -- The Olympic Flame passes through New York on its way to Sydney -- all through New York.

"The Marry Caitlin Moore Show" -- Mike hires Caitlin's ex-husband to direct the Mayor's new campaign ad.

Before each episode, Fox reminisces about the show and why he chose these specific offerings. Fans of the show who wondered why his Parkinson’s forced the star off the show will find their answer here: always an energetic and mobile actor, Fox is now sadly inundated with the ticks and twitches brought about by the disease. The only extra on these sets other than the intros will be found on the second disc of Volume 2: a series of six public service announcements for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

These sets are best recommended for existing fans of the show: the episodes are drawn from all four seasons, jumping randomly through story lines; characters are "introduced" after we've already seen them several times; relationships are constantly in flux; and motivations are unpredictable. Fox's introduction to each episode spoils some of the best jokes -- at least if you have never seen them before. Longtime fans will greatly appreciate the personal insight.

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