Product Details

• Actors: Callie Thorne, Marc Blucas, Mehcad Brooks, Scott Cohen
• Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 3
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Universal Studios
• DVD Release Date: June 5, 2012
• Run Time: 535 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B007PKSNEI
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,361 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Dr. Dani Santino (Callie Thorne, Rescue Me) seems to have it all figured out: she's got a beautiful home, a successful husband, two great kids, and a satisfying career as a psychotherapist. But when she catches her husband cheating, Dani's perfect world begins to unravel, and she is forced to find a way to keep her family, her finances and her sanity intact. Luckily, a chance encounter leads to an offer with the local pro football team and a chance to show off her counseling skills. Before she can say "Hail Mary," Dani becomes the most sought-after therapist on Long Island. The series also stars Marc Blucas (Buffy, The Vampire Slayer), Mehcad Brooks (True Blood) and Scott Cohen (Gilmore Girls). Tackling issues has never been so entertaining as it is here with all twelve Season One episodes presented uninterrupted on three discs.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Lightweight Escapism That Lacks Realness But Is Bolstered By A Strong And Appealing Cast April 9, 2012

By K. Harris HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

Format:DVD

If you're looking for dramatic realism in the representation of psychotherapy, the lightweight (but amiable) "Necessary Roughness" may not be your cup of tea. For a more serious contemplation of the topic, I might suggest HBO's sublime "In Therapy." Instead, this USA Channel original series aims for the same type of escapism as many of the networks other offerings with its closest cousin being "Royal Pains." The premise, admittedly, is a bit thin. If, however, you can get past this initial contrivance--there is a deft and appealing cast at work here that really sells the show despite any intellectual reservations you may have. Front and center is the immensely likable Callie Thorne (who garnered a Golden Globe nod). Having watched Thorne in numerous guest spots as well as supporting turns in "The Wire" and "Rescue Me," it seemed inevitable that someone would have the good sense to cast her in a lead role. Much of the show's success rests squarely on her shoulders and she capably handles both the dramatic and comedic aspects that define the program.

Thorne plays a newly single mother who must contend with a difficult separation and typically precocious TV teens. Through the magic of Hollywood fantasy, she lands a cushy gig as the team psychologist for the local pro football team. In addition to this prime assignment, most of which revolves around a spoiled star (an infectiously entertaining Mehcad Brooks), she also consults on other sport related cases (a golfer, a boxer, a poker player, skateboarder, race driver, etc.). Of course, this being TV--a difficult case can usually be cleared up in one episode, there's nothing too deep or particularly believable here! And yet the show wisely develops a number of other characters to downplay the expected case of the week formula. She has a tentative romance with one coach played by Marc Blucas and a far more interesting relationship with the team's security figure (Scott Cohen). These relationships are really the backbone of the show.

Thorne is great to watch, she's cute with Blucas. But it's Mehcad Brooks who steals every scene he's in. Playing a complete stereotype, he still brings enough energy and enthusiasm to the performance that it becomes far more original than it initially seems. The deadpan Cohen is also fascinating as the show's most complex character. He has real chemistry with Thorne and their antagonism appears to be moving toward increased intimacy. I'm not in love with every aspect of the show, though. Storylines involving Thorne's kids tend to be especially painful, predictable, and even borderline moronic (one example: someone buys her son a car to replace one that he's totaled. As the car was surely titled in her name, it seems a pretty lame brained plot thread that she wouldn't be alerted as she would hold the title and insurance). And the cases tend to be quite expected, but some are more interesting than others.

But as I stated, this isn't about realism but about escapism and fantasy with only a hint of the actual world. But I liked Thorne, Blucas, Brooks and especially Cohen enough to stick around for the twelve episodes of Season One. It's comfortable and pleasant, but it is sold by the great cast. If you like these types of shows (and you know who you are), check it out. But don't be fooled. This isn't a serious study driven by sports or by therapy, but more of a lightweight character drama. KGHarris, 4/12.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Uneven Storylines, Perhaps? Appealing, Maybe? Perfect Summer Fun, Absolutely! May 20, 2012

By Joseph Kohout Jr.

Format:DVD

Not sure if this show would work as well October - May. However, I start thinking about football in July. The upcoming selection video my FFL does every year, running hundreds of mock drafts, the trip to LV for the actual draft and loading up my offshore account for the first weekend of NFL.

The point to my rambling tangent is that this show is first and foremost about the relationship that Dani has with a football player ("T.K" King) and a football team. Someone once said "life is all about timing".

What this show does well is to go behind scenes into the life of unbalanced players and their collective sense of entitlement.

The show is not overly thought provoking, nor is it an adrenaline rush. What this show is-is light hearted summer fare, which happens to be broadcast during the network "dead zone".

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Show=Highly Recommended September 1, 2011

By Regina M. Beck

Amazon Verified Purchase

I was pleasantly surprised by this show. I am not a lover of football so I was surprised to find I thoroughly enjoyed this show. I LOVE the main character as she she a therepist but human, with faults like everybody else. In the middle of a nasty divorce she struggles with raising two kids on her own. The character development is wonderful and the casting is perfect. Good story line that is easy to relate to. I highly recommend this show to women AND men as there is something for both. Check it out!