Guest Author - Amy Ralston Young

As a little girl, I dreamed of growing up and marrying Alex P. Keaton, so imagine my delight when season 1 of “Family Ties” was released on DVD! The 4-disc collection contains all 22 episodes from the beginning of my favorite family sitcom.

As I continued my excited rush through the recently released sitcoms, I found a plethora of hits. Also keep an eye out for these other great shows that will be available for purchase soon!

“Family Ties” Season 1

Who would have thought that two free-spirited hippies like Steven and Elyse Keaton would end up with three conservative, rational children like Alex, Mallory, and Jennifer? Apparently the writers of this hit show knew what they were doing when they created these timeless characters.

Alex (Michael J. Fox) is the oldest child, and by far the most opposite of the parents. He loves money and is consumed by the desire to be rich. He wears sweater vests and worships Richard Nixon. Any wonder I love him? His sharp wit and quick snaps are a sharp contrast to oldest daughter Mallory (Justine Bateman). Not too smart, but very attractive, Mal makes it through almost anything. She is driven by a love of fashion, shopping and boys – what more does a girl need? In season 1, the youngest Keaton is Jennifer (Tina Yothers). Somewhat of a tomboy, Jennifer would rather play baseball than paint her nails.

Although a comedy, the show deals with some pretty heavy stuff in Season 1. Steven’s (Michael Gross) father has a fatal illness, there’s a show about sexual harassment, and another dealing with responsibility. Guest stars this season include Dick York as Elyse’s (Meredith Baxter Birney) dad and Tom Hanks as her brother in another episode.

This is a great season of a superb show and everyone will want it – even if you don’t like Richard Nixon.

“Full House” Season 6
It’s the dawn of a new era, as little DJ Tanner is now 15 years old and brings home her first boyfriend, Steve (Scott Weinger). With the intro of the show’s newest cast member also comes new storylines about first loves, jealousy, “the sex talk,” and what it’s really like to raise a teenager.

This season also features the departure of Michelle’s best friend Teddy (Taj Mowry), the start of the “Rush Hour Renegades,” and a family trip to Disney World.

Teddy’s family moves to Texas and he bids Michelle goodbye. After a successful trip to Tokyo, Jesse still has a hard time landing a solid American fan base with the Rippers and so he teams up with Joey in a radio show. Then the season ends with the Tanner’s meeting Mickey Mouse and one of the girls being crowned “Queen for a Day” at the happiest place on Earth.

The collection is available on 4 discs, featuring 24 episodes.

“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” Season 1

Imagine waking up on your 16th birthday to learn you’re a witch – not the kind caused by a hormonal rollercoaster, but the pointy hat and black cauldron type. Sounds hard to believe, huh? Now you know what Sabrina Spellman felt like.

Season one is one of the better seasons for me. Sabrina is just learning to use her powers, and the consequences that come with each point of her finger. The stories are still fresh and the plotlines are actually believable – well the whole witch thing aside.

She is helped along the way by her aunts, Hilda (Caroline Rhea) and Zelda (Beth Broderick), and her friends Harvey (Nate Richert) and Jenny (Michelle Beaudoin). Sabrina struggles to make it through high school and keep her secret, all while trying to crack the family secret so that she can get her witch’s license.

Coming soon…
“King of Queens” Season 8 (May 1, 2007)
“Will & Grace” Season 6 (May 1, 2007)
“Everybody Loves Raymond” Season 8 (May 8,2007)
“Frasier” Season 9 (May 15, 2007)
“Home Improvement” Season 6 (May 15, 2007)
“Scrubs” Season 5 (May 22, 2007)