Getting On - The Complete First Season

"Getting On" helps HBO provide more amazing comedy that explores the darker side of humor. This series follows intricate and complex relationships in a geriatric wing of a hospital. Luckily, it includes some amazing actors in a mind-blowingly smart series. Plus, it is as laugh-out-loud funny as it is mildly pathetic, dark, and authentically real.

Alex Borstein, Niecy Nash, and Laurie Metcalf all show their amazing dramatic chops in this series. Dawn (Borstein) and Didi (Nash) are two down-on-their-luck nurses under the iron fist of misanthropic and condescending Dr. Jenna James (Metcalf). Dementia patients, awkward deaths, and a ton of drama pepper this ensemble comedy. The ladies abandon their wildly comedic characters and make-up to play the sadder side of nursing the elderly. It's strange to see Nash without her jovial smile and boisterous joking. Borstein is almost unrecognizable from her "Family Guy" joking.

The Blu-ray of this amazing first season is worth it. The bonus features aren't epic, but they do add a little more to the series. The deleted scenes are mostly additional jokes or quick hits, but it does add a little more insight into the plot and relationships. The gag reel is very amusing. All the ladies are comedy heavyweights performing in super serious and somber roles; in between takes they let go and have fun.

Based on a British series of the same name, this series doesn't feel like a rehash. All the characters feel so much like someone you know. They also capture those struggles we all deal with as part of being a human being.

Like most HBO programming, this series is very unique. Shows about geriatric funny characters have worked. However, this series explores the sad parts about getting old, the exhausting parts of nursing, and the more grotesque parts of medicine. However, the one thing that shines above all of those things is the talent of the three female leads.

The season is pretty short with only six episodes. However, it does fit a lot of great material into such a short season.

"Getting On" will surprise you. The offbeat subject matter, blend of comedy and tragedy, and serious use of some amazing comedians will all seem contrary to how entertaining it is. But this series is definitely not only worth checking out, but also enjoying as it joins dark comedies like "The Comeback," "Girls," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

"Getting On: The Complete Season One"
Blu-ray
$39.98
www.hbo.com/getting-on