DVD Corner

Leverage Season 5 DVD Review

The fifth and final season of “Leverage” will appeal to the show’s fanbase.

In the 15 episode climactic season of “Leverage,” the uniquely skilled Eliot, Alec, Sophie, Parker and Nate continue to get revenge against shady corporations and criminals (and even steal from them). Throughout the season, fans can expect to see plots involving the Spruce Goose, a minor league hockey team, conning a scientist, a shady restauranteur, a negligent cheerleading company, the D.B. Cooper case, a vintage car trap, Parker on a mission with a waitress, a terrorist attack, a missing painting, a Wal-Mart esque store, a dream centic job on a businessman, a winery, and a toy creation.

As a resident of the Portland, Oregon area, “Leverage” was kind of a big deal around here as the show was shot in the city for a few seasons. I wish I could say I got swept into “Leverage” fever along with other folks I know, but I never really got the appeal of this series. To me, “Leverage” felt like a big step backward for cable television. In an age where incredible cable shows like “Breaking Bad” and “Homeland” exist, “Leverage” feels positively archaic. It strongly resembles the cheesy, formulaic syndicated series of old as the show is littered with wacky (and sentimental) music scores, goofy banter, absurdly over-the-top plots, and “surprise” guest appearances by the likes of Adam Baldwin, Carey Elwes, Matthew Lillard, Mark Sheppard. It’s basically a glorified live-action cartoon that tries to be relevant as it tackles current political and economical issues.

With all of that said, if you are a fan of the series, I think you will be satisfied by what you see here. Even though I’m not a fan of “Leverage,” I will fully admit that the series finale is a satisfying ending. There’s nothing infuriating, bland, or boring about the ending. Instead, it feels like a nice farewell to the characters that many TV viewers have fallen in love with over the past 5 years.   

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1. How does it look? No complaints here.

Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? As good as you’d expect from a DVD release.

Extras:
* Commentary on all 15 episodes by cast and crew members like John Rogers, Chris Downey, Marc Roskin, Aaron Denius, Aldis Hodge, Tawnia McKiernan, Jeremy Bernstein, John Harrison, Dean Devlin, Christian Kane, Geoffre Thorne, P.J. Pesce, and Jenn Kao. Expect lots of back patting, set stories, character discussions, how stories came about, etc. Aldis Hodge is definitely the most entertaining commentator of the bunch
* Deleted scenes from episodes 3, 4, 11, 12,
* A forgettable 7 ½ minute gag reel.

Overall Thoughts: “Leverage” is a pretty routine and corny case/villain of the week series. I’d only recommend this season 5 set for the show’s devoted fans.

October 1, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Leverage Final Season Review, Leverage Season 5 DVD Review