In Living Color - Season 5
Nothing seems to divide a TV show's fan base more than its final season, and in the case of the fearless sketch comedy seriesIn Living Color, there's no exception. Some feel that despite the departure of series creator Keenan Ivory Wayans, siblings/co-stars Damon, Kim, and Shawn, and standout castmate Kelly Coffield (as well as "Fly Girl" Jennifer Lopez) in the fourth season, the show still had some of its old fire, and that's evident from several of the sketches collected in this box, including several "Dirty Dozens" sketches, "The B.S. Brothers Talk Show," and "East Hollywood Squares" (withHollywood Squareshost Peter Marshall once again as host) The other side of the debate contends that the show had either suffered  from too much intervention from the Fox Network (which had taken a more hands-on approach to the show shortly before the Wayans jumped ship), or had simply run out of gas by its 1993-94 season, and its once-fresh characters and concepts had turned from cutting-edge to offensive for offensive's sake. And that's evident on this set as well: Jim Carrey's Fire Marshall Bill seems more forced than ever, and spoofs of Ike Turner, Barney, and other pop culture piñatas seem like easy targets that would've been overlooked in earlier seasons. Still, there are laughs to be found in season 5, and when it works, the comedy contained here is brighter and more outrageous than most of what passes for sketch comedy on television today. No extras are included in the three double-sided-disc set, though a wealth of comedy and musical guest stars, including Chris Rock, Johnny Gill, Shaquille O'Neal, US3, and others add some sparkle to the episodes.--Paul Gaita