Living With Ed: Season 2

The second season of Ed Begley, Jr.’s reality show comes with entirely recyclable DVD packaging, which is appropriate given the show’s focus on Begley’s trademark environmental obsession. While season one hovered around the idiosyncratic dynamics between Ed’s aesthetically-driven wife Rachelle and his more pragmatic and conservational approach to decorum, the second season branches out into the world of other "green” pseudo-celebrities and what they are doing to make the world a better place. Entire episodes centre upon visits to the homes of Cheryl Tiegs, Mario Van Peebles, Larry Hagman, Jay Leno and Jackson Browne while they tell Ed — and the world — how environmentally conscious they are. From solar panelling to natural lighting to waterless urinals and "half-flush” toilets, these pseudo-celebrities have found a trendy, eco-conscious way to utilize their excessive disposable income. The rest of the show focuses on the various technological advances in enviro-gadgetry, with handy on-screen pop-ups from the Living with Ed website. Some of these gadgets include solar-powered Christmas decorations, energy-saving hand driers, recycled carpeting, clothing made from plastic bags, plastic-recycled office chairs, wind turbines and of course, the many water efficient toilets that Ed loves to give his acquaintances as housewarming gifts. The show is inoffensive and well intentioned, giving sound energy-saving tips to the public, but is really nothing more than bland reality television. The second season DVD includes a "Celebrity Sizzle Reel” featurette that basically recaps all the visits Ed and Rachelle had with their "green” friends throughout the year, as well as an "Edisms” featurette, which liberally "recycles” material from season one. The gag reel also uses much of the material from the season one DVD, which is simultaneously amusing and confusing, leaving one to wonder if they simply thought no one would notice. Also included are deleted scenes and an "as seen on” addition, which gives more insights on some environmentally friendly products that are currently on the market. (Gaiam)