Spin City: Season Three

Seeing the work that Spin City co-creator Bill Lawrence has done since this series went off the air actually provides quite a bit of insight into the zany but subdued tone of the New York mayoral sitcom. As of late, Lawrence is known better for the madcap antics of Scrubs and the surprisingly funny Cougar Town, which explains some of the nuttier goings on amongst the Spin City gang. Holding it back in contextually copasetic comic territory is the old-school sensibility of Family Ties executive producer Gary David Goldberg, who keeps the heart-warming and predictable in the equation. The 24-episode third season of the show, originally known by many as "Alex P. Keaton grown up," is just as strong as those preceding, benefiting from an increased chemistry amongst the diverse cast. Mayor Winston (Barry Bostwick) is up for re-election, leaving Mike (Michael J. Fox) to ensure that the oddball helmsman keep up his public image. Some mishaps involving an appearance on Politically Incorrect and a wimpy opening pitch at a baseball game keep this comic trajectory running. Meanwhile, Nikki (Connie Britton) has developed a fixation on Mike, who in turn sparks up an unlikely romance with Heidi Klum, which leaves Stacey (Jennifer Esposito) and Janelle (Victoria Dillard) offering up a lot of advice. Carter (Michael Boatman) and Stewart's (Alan Ruck) off-centre roommate dynamic is thrown for a loop when Stewart actually gets a girlfriend crasser than himself (played perfectly by Beth Littleford). Notable season three moments involve Paul's (Richard Kind) request for Mike's sperm, Nikki's arrest for sexual solicitation and a political faux pas involving an obese special interest group. While more comfortable than funny, this third season is a reasonably engaging diversion for any curious to revisit the series. No special features are included with the four-disc DVD set.