Posted on: July 16, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Soul Food: The Series was a show that ran from 2000 to 2004, and CBS / Paramount has just put forth the DVD set of the last season, giving individuals over half a day of footage. Each of the episodes during this season seem to add a little bit to the overall story, gradually closing up any loose ends that may remain. This means that Kenny’s brother, during “Angelitos Negros”, is shown to have HIV. In much the same way, “Successful Failure” shows that Lem and Bird can take up other lovers and move on beyond their previous love. “Don’t Think This Hasn’t Been Fabulous” continues the Lem/Bird storyline, showing that despite their differences, despite all the problems that they have encountered up to this point, that they could conceivably build a life together. In much the same way, Maxine is finally able to reach eir dreams by going forth and winning a big payday at the casino. With all of these aforementioned loose ends tied up, the show ends with one of the most graceful endings to be captured on TV.

So, make it a point to go up and pick up the complete run of five seasons of Soul Food, and see why exactly it was one of the longest running African-American dramas to ever grace television’s air waves. While the number of episodes (14) are smaller in number than the previous three box set releases (20), the quality and skill that were put into each of these episodes are simply amazing, and will allow repeat viewings. Kudos has to go out to Paramount for really getting back on the ball after a few year hiatus and busting out the final four seasons’ boxed sets in the space of 11 months. If you have not had a chance to go forth and buy any of the boxed sets up to this point, Paramount has released (on the same day, even), a complete run of the five seasons of Soul Food that has a suggested retail of $185.

If you were a fan of the original airing of Soul Food, “The Final Season” box set has to be one of your next purchases. There may not be bonus features, but with all of the episodes captured in such a slender volume, one cannot really complain. Keep looking for the next series that CBS/Paramount are looking to capture through a box set; with a number of releases a month, chances are good that they will pick up a show that you liked.

Rating: 8.4/10

Soul Food: The Series: The Final Season / 2008 Paramount / 741 Minutes / http://www.paramount.com/homeentertainment /

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