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Who bought the CSI DVDs?

BY SCOTT SERILLA: STATE OF THE ARTS

Published July 20, 2003

OK, I want a straight answer; who did it? Come on, fess up, you're only making it harder on yourself.

Honestly I don't know what you were thinking. All I can say is I'm really disappointed in you. I mean ... holy crap!

For non-guilty parties, I came into the Daily Arts clubhouse to check my mail this week, only to be handed a press release announcing that Paramount Home Entertainment will be putting out "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - the Complete Second Season" on DVD come Sept. 2.

You realize what this means.

If they've moved on to "Season Two," then logically it means that some of you out there actually went out and bought "Season One." Why?

One, the show is still on the air, both in original and Miami flavors.

Two, it's a hack "Law and Order" knock-off, which, like everything else on CBS save Dave, is for grandmas who can't handle the fast-paced world of "According to Jim". And grandmas don't have DVD players!

Three, there are so many great shows from the past that aren't in syndication at all and we're stuck with "CSI" and "Felicity"?

So here's five old favorites of mine, classics of the highest order, that I personally demand be put out in their entirety on DVD now!

1. "The Adventures of Pete and Pete" Nickelodeon ('93-'96) Surrealistic tall tales of the red-headed Wrigley brothers in the 'burbs. Perfectly defines Middle America as a bizarre world where minor foes are vanquished daily and families and friendships somehow flourish.

2. "The Muppet Show" CBS ('76-'81) It's not too much to say that this might have been the greatest TV show ever. Pure entertainment that didn't speak down to kids or up to their parents. Universal, like the Beatles or Shakespeare.

3. "The State" MTV ('94-'95) Little remembered sketch comedy masterpiece that deserves its place with "Mr. Show" and "Kids in the Hall" as a groundbreaking launching point for smart satire.

4. "Northern Exposure" CBS ('90-'95) Actually I just need the Fleischman years. How did something as quirky and philosophical as this ever last so long on network TV? Cause this good-natured, humorous arctic cousin of "Twin Peaks" had characters and charm to spare.

5. "Parker Lewis Can't Lose" FOX ('90-'93) I don't remember this blatant "Ferris Bueller" rip-off particularly well, but I want to see it again to see if it still holds up. I just remember hoping that high school would really be like that, pulling amazing scams with best friends and milking the system for all it was worth.