Those acclaimed Gilmore Girls are back for a second season of warmth, charm, zingy repartee and heart-stopping moments of drama. In this 6-disc set are all 22 irresistible year-two episodes about the people you've grown to love: young single mom Lorelai, her super-achieving daughter Rory, her elitist parents Emily and Richard, and a whole town of dreamers and eccentrics. New faces also come to Stars Hollow, including Luke's nephew Jess, whose rebelliousness offends the town, but whose passion for books attracts Rory. Hearts break and mend, careers end and begin, folks stumble and pick themselves up in.

CRITIQUE

Anyone who proclaims Gilmore Girls is a chick-show is ignorant towards what the show really presents. The series has more to gather than just over-the-top girly drama and story lines. In fact, this show sparks more laughs than a typical sitcom. I find myself laughing at the witty gags more than I have ever with a TV series.

I got into this series by accident and have never been able to let go. The writing, more than anything, is what really got me. Whether it is the fast-paced, mile-a-minute dialogue, the 1,000th pop culture references in each episode, or the satirical approach of a clichéd small town, there is little to nothing of the show that I don't like. Even the sappy, girly, and sometimes way over the top drama gets a bit annoying, but overall the show is more suited as satire to teen soaps rather than a teen soap itself. Gilmore Girls is somewhat the Seinfeld version of teen dramas. There’s so many jokes lifted from that show that a dozen or so interpretations are a common thing.

The second season is my second favorite of the series thus far. I like this season over the first season because it was able to let loose for a bit. In fact, Gilmore Girls is the only show that I feel is strong and consistent throughout each season. But picking seasons, the second season is much stronger and more memorable than the first.

THE VIDEO

Warner Bros. presents Gilmore Girls in 1.33:1 fullscreen format. The season was expanded to six discs so the best quality for each episode would take form. Some small issues are present, but overall I have no complaints.

THE AUDIO

Warner Bros. presents Gilmore Girls in English Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround. The presentation is pretty much as expected like any other TV series on DVD, while it lacks the stereo quality it is a lot better compared to the televised broadcast. Dialogue and music are presented with clarity.

THE EXTRAS

* 4 unaired scenes

* "A Film by Kirk"

* "International Success" featurette

* On-screen fun facts viewing mode on episode 13

* "Who Wants to Argue" shouting matches

* Gilmore-isms booklet

Warner Brothers has been real good with their TV series on DVD, from extras all the way down to just the simple packaging. However, I feel this set lacks some things. More featurettes with the stars and a reflection of the second season would’ve been real nice. And I’m a bit surprised there are no commentary tracks at all. I would be much amused to hear from Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel.

And seeing as though the studio is also the powers-that-be of the series Mad TV, it would be nice to see some of those satirical skits on Gilmore Girls on the DVD. But no such luck.

FINAL THOUGHTS