DVD Review: Latest Seasons of USA Hits ‘Suits,’ ‘Covert Affairs’

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CHICAGO – USA continues to lead the way in terms of cable ratings. While FX and TNT have their loyal audiences and critics adore HBO and AMC, it’s really USA that can boast the most remarkable claims in terms of breakthrough ratings. Some of their biggest hits regularly clobber network competition. Two of them just hit DVD — “Suits: Season One” and “Covert Affairs: Season Two.” Fans will be happy with both but I have a clear favorite.

My initial review of “Suits” is proof positive that sending one episode of a TV series can make me look like an idiot. I stand by that review of the premiere. It was inert. It was generic. However, the show QUICKLY broke out of that pattern, finding interesting characters within the cliches and, most importantly, writing remarkably adult dialogue and legal action. “Suits” doesn’t treat its audience like idiots, never pandering with silly courtroom antics and illustrating how more happens in the conference room than in front of a judge. The leads — Gabriel Macht and especially Patrick J. Adams — are quite good, Meghan Markle is one of the most beautiful people on TV, and the show has quietly become one of the network’s more interesting offerings. I look forward to its return this Summer.

I can’t yet say the same about “Covert Affairs.” While “Suits” developed adult characters and moved beyond cliche quickly after its premiere, I don’t think “Covert” has yet to do so. The writing seems thin and the characters aren’t engaging in the same way as the best on this character-driven network. The guys on “Psych,” the trio at the core of “Burn Notice,” even the pair on “Suits” — no one on “Covert Affairs” resonates as strongly.

Both DVD releases are solid with better-than-average transfers and strong special features. Most interestingly, “Suits” comes with an UltraViolet copy, which allows streaming on tablets, smart phones, and laptops. It’s something that’s been common for films for a few months now but less so for TV. Being able to stream full seasons of shows with one purchase is just another step in the direction of the future — one in which we’ll stream more than use actual discs.

Suits: Season One was released on DVD on May 1, 2012
Photo credit: Universal

“Suits: Season One”

DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0

Synopsis:
The new original series Suits delves into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of a top Manhattan corporate law firm where hotshot attorney Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht, Love and Other Drugs) makes a risky move by hiring the brilliant but unmotivated, Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams, Lost), as his new associate. The only problem is he doesn’t have an actual law degree. With his encyclopedic knowledge and uncanny knack of remembering things, Mike proves to be a legal prodigy despite the absence of bonafide legal credentials. Bound by their secret, the two are forced to keep up the charade as they become an irrepressible duo. The series also stars Meghan Markle (CSI Miami), Gina Torres (Gossip Girl), Sarah Rafferty (Brothers and Sisters) and Rick Hoffman (Samantha Who).

Special Features:
o Alternate Premiere Episode
o Deleted Scenes
o Gag Reel
o Commentaries

“Covert Affairs: Season Two”

DVD Rating: 2.5/5.0

Synopsis:
Runaway hit original series, Covert Affairs, stars Golden Globe-nominated Piper Perabo as Annie Walker, a young CIA operative whose exceptional linguistic skills and spot on instincts make her invaluable to the Agency. In season two, Annie’s personal and professional lives crash into one another, and the balance of her relationships are forever changed. The series also stars Christopher Gorham, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Anne Dudek, Kari Matchett and Peter Gallagher.

Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Gag Reel
o Piper Perabo Comic-Con Intro
o Covert Affairs On Location

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]