October Road was the perfect example of how a strong timeslot can make a television series a success. Only 1 out of 3 new shows on TV today make it to a second season. New shows that follow already extremely popular and successful shows have an advantage over those that don’t. Following Grey’s Anatomy on ABC helped the series get a second season. But then ABC pushed it to a new timeslot and it slowly died. Still October Road developed a strong fanbase that wanted answers to all of the unanswered questions after the second and final season. Finally, the second season is on DVD that promises to give fans all the answers.

If you don’t already know, the drama series follows the return of Nick Garrett (Bryan Greenberg) to his hometown of Knights Ridge, Massachusetts, a decade after leaving it to go find himself while backpacking through Europe. Nick left behind his girlfriend Hannah (Laura Prepon), best friend Eddie (Geoff Stults), and his family. Garrett is now a famous author and screenwriter living in New York City, but is stuck in writer’s block for his next story. His agent books him to do a one-day writing seminar in Knights Ridge. Nick is excited about coming home, but realizes the feeling isn’t completely mutual and wonders if anyone can really ever go home again.

The second season opens just after Nick has confessed his eternal love to Hannah and follows Owen’s (Brad William Henke) desperate flight to New York in response to his wife Allison (Elizabeth Bogush) having an affair with his best friend Ikey (Evan Jones). Nick and Eddie set off to bring Owen back to Knights Ridge, though even if they succeed, things will never be the same between Owen and Allison or between old friends Nick, Eddie, Owen, Ikey, and Physical Phil (Jay Paulson). As the season progresses, Big Cat’s (Warren Christie) marriage proposal to Hannah stirs up all sorts of internal and external conflicts about everything from the long-kept secret of Sam’s (Slade Pearce) father’s identity to a brewing custody battle between Big Cat and his ex-wife Christine. And then there’s the unlikely relationship between Eddie and Janet (Rebecca Field)–a virtual rollercoaster ride of emotion and self-doubt. Bob “The Commander” Garrett’s (Tom Berenger) surprise bout with bone cancer inspires introspection, reflection, an impromptu night of old-style “living” with the boys, and a new commitment to the here and now. It also demands that Nick decide whether he’ll run away from his problems as he’s done in the past, or stand his ground to do what he ultimately knows is right.

This series really had some compelling storylines. Sure, most of them could be dismissed as just your typical melodramatic stuff you find in all of those other night time soaps. But when you really dig deep into the stories and lives of the characters in October Road, it becomes clear that every action has far-reaching repercussions with many layers to be revealed. What also pushed this series to a larged fanbase was the strong cast. Not only the leading stars Bryan Greenberg, Laura Prepon, and Tom Berenger, but the strong supporting cast as well including Brad William Henke, Geoff Stults, Rebecca Field, Evan Jones, Warren Christie, Jay Paulson, and Lindy Booth.

October Road was an outstanding television series that was definitely cut short before its time. Everyone could relate to the storytelling in this series, and the characters on this show were ones that you actually cared about. Add that with a strong cast, and you have the perfect recipe for a great show. But as we all know the major networks are all about ratings and making money, and apparently October Road didn’t bring them enough of either. Fans of the show will no doubt want to pick up this set as it contains a 10-minute bonus mini-episode that ties up all the loose ends that were left at the end of October Road’s run on ABC. If you looking for television show to get into over the summer, while your favorite ABC shows are on hiatus, look no further than October Road.

Episodes:

Disc One:

Episode 1 – Let’s Get Owen
Nick and Eddie go to New York to try bringing Owen back to Knights Ridge and his family. Hannah has to deal with her true feelings for Nick.

Episode 2 – How to Kiss Hello
Hannah shares her feelings with Nick and decides to take her life in a new direction. Eddie is having problems showing his feelings for Janet in public. Nick learns that another professor has taken over his class. Physical Phil is on the verge of losing the only connection to the world outside of his house.

Episode 3 – The Infidelity Tour
Owen tries to deal with his wife’s infidelity by sending Nick to learn more about it from Ikey. Sam struggles to accept the fact that his mother is getting married. Eddie has a secret that could ruin his upcoming business venture with Nick.

Episode 4 – Deck the Howls
Nick is surprised when his father refuses to do the Christmas festivities in the house, and he decides to find a way to learn why. Physical Phil continues his tradition of pretending to be an architect when his parents come for a visit, which irritates his girlfriend. Eddie freaks out when Janet gives him a very personal Christmas gift. Owen and Alison end up in bed, but their happiness as a couple is soon put onto a test.

Disc Two:

Episode 5 – Once Around the Block
Hannah tries to resolve problems she has with Ray’s successful ex-wife Christine, who doesn’t trust Hannah in anything she does. Pizza Girl begs Phil to take her out on a ride with the classic car called Klauss stored in his garage. Nick sets up Ronnie with Aubrey’s friend Taylor, but things change when Ronnie realizes he likes Aubrey. Meanwhile, Aubrey tries to get closer to Nick.

Episode 6 – Revenge of the Cupcake Kid
Janet and Hannah plan a double date, but their boyfriends can’t put their differences behind them. Nick’s past comes back to haunt him when he tries to bid on a new project with Eddie, and the person hiring is a man named Cupcake Kid. Ikey decides it’s time to reach out to his friends, and Owen is having hard time dealing with forgiveness.

Episode 7 – Spelling It Out
Janet is worried because Eddie and her still haven’t slept together. Hannah is put in a tough position when Ray tells her that he wants to adopt Sam. Nick thinks that Aubrey is keeping a secret from him.

Episode 8 – Dancing Days Are Here Again
The Commander finds out about his back medical condition. Ray tells Ikey that he wants to adopt Sam. Nick finds out that Aubrey has been secretly visiting her estranged father. Alison and Owen start dating other people.

Episode 9 – We Lived Like Giants
Owen, Nick, Ronnie, Aubrey, Gabriel and the Commander take a road trip to find the girl who saved Owen’s life, and The Commander uses the opportunity to remind his sons of their childhood, and to finally be able to tell them about his condition. Nick encourages Gabriel to tell the truth about his upcoming departure to his daughter.

Disc Three:

Episode 10 – Hat? No Hat?
Hannah is troubled when her parents visit to help her prepare for her wedding. Nick learns he’s broke. Owen goes out on a date with Jenny, the girl who saved his life.

Episode 11 – Stand Alone By Me
Nick, Phil, Owen and Eddie are shocked when they find out that their childhood crush, Angela Ferilli, is dead. They reminisce about the past they shared together and realize how much Angela affected their lives.

Episode 12 – The Fine Art of Surfacing (Part 1)
A visit from Eddie’s ex-girlfriend Rory causes problems in his relationship with Janet. Nick receives a great job offer that should take him far away from Knights Ridge. Hannah is arrested for assaulting Ray’s ex-wife Christine.

Episode 13 – As Soon as You Are Able (Part 2)
A visit from Eddie’s ex-girlfriend Rory causes problems in his relationship with Janet. Nick receives a great job offer that should take him far away from Knights Ridge. Hannah is arrested for assaulting Ray’s ex-wife Christine.

The video is given in widescreen color with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. It is enhanced for 16X9 TVs. Transfer is good with minimal distortion. There are no issues here and the quality is a little better than its original broadcast version.

The audio included is available in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound. It’s pretty standard quality for a TV show. The dialogue comes out crisp and clear.

“Road’s End: The Final Chapter” Bonus Mini-Episode -
This is the exclusive series epilogue, produced specifically for the Season 2 DVD. The entire cast is involved, except Brad William Henke who was busy filming ABC’s Lost of course. It runs 10 minutes and it wraps up the series and finally reveals the identity of Sam’s father and the fate of Nick and Hannah’s unrequited relationship. It also looks at how the whole gang is doing seven years down the road, and as a little bonus even tells you the real name of “Pizza Girl”.

“Bumps In the Road” Bloopers – This is 3 minutes worth of bloopers and gags from making the second season of October Road. The usual not really that funny stuff.

“The Scenic Route: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour Featurette -
This runs 6 minutes and the cast of the show gives viewers a tour around the new set in Hollywood. The first season was filmed in Atlanta, but they moved it to Los Angeles for the second season. Somewhat interesting, but nothing must-watch or anything.

Everyone that loved watching October Road on TV or DVD will want to check out this second season set. It finally gives fans closure on this show. If you have never watched the show before, it’s worth checking out. The first season DVD set is not that expensive, so start from the beginning and enjoy another television series that died an untimely death.

 Home Entertainment presents October Road: Season 2. Created by Andre Nemec, Scott Rosenberg, and Josh Applebaum. Starring Bryan Greenberg, Laura Prepon, Tom Berenger, Warren Christie, Brad William Henke, Evan Jones, Jay Paulson, Slade Pearce, Geoff Stults, Latekka Odette Yustman, Rebecca Field, Lindy Booth. Running time: 552 minutes. Rated: Not Rated. Released on DVD: May 5, 2009. Available at Amazon.com

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