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If you judge this DVD by its cover, you might think you were in for a fun, innocent, sweet time with a popular female star who's ready to entertain in any way possible. Then again, if you've seen Silverman's turn in Jesus is Magic, you know better. Sure, Sarah Silverman will to do whatever it takes to entertain, but we're not so sure there's too much entertainment value in being "un-PC" for un-PC sake. Low-brow vulgarities dominate Silverman's show, which features everything from a cough medicine-addicted junkie to the most comedically gifted and politically incorrect gay couple on TV.
Luckily, The Sarah Silverman Program isn't just low-brow humor for the trailer park sect. Sure, there's more to it than that, namely the writing, which isn't as low on the totem pole as the dialogue. Not only does Sarah Silverman star as herself - only unemployed and ridiculously immature - but she also recruits her friends and family for the series. Laura Silverman, Sarah's real sister, plays her responsible sibling, while Brian Posehn and Steve Agee fill the roles of, well, Brian and Steve, the gay couple who live next door. And then there's Jay Johnston, who adds to the cast after beginning a relationship with Laura, who's arrested Sarah for a DUI.
The show does garner a few laughs early on, but the guest stars are the real reason to tune in to the series. Not only are there a few big names, including Masi Oka of Heroes, but the lesser-known comedians prove to be the true selling point. Fred Stoller, Larry Hankin, and Zach Galifianakis do more for the show with their presence and the ratings than simply observing Sarah Silverman as she runs afoul.
The best part of the release is the abundance of special features. First, there are more commentary tracks on the disc than there are episodes. A variety of people provide commentary for each episodes, except the final one, and each track offers its own unique level of insight and laughs. For the most part, the dynamic gay duo of Brian and Steve dish the best commentary dirt, so hit them up first. Sarah Silverman's singing won't win any new fans, but the storyboard segments, which pitch different intros for each episode, should leave you satisfied.
The truth is... The Sarah Silverman Program is hilarious if you love Comedy Central's brand of humor. Check out some of Silverman's previous credits to know if this series is right for you. Trust me, it's not right for everyone. If you like South Park, Drawn Together or Adult Swim programs, this is going to be right up your alley... and that's not a bad thing.
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