Search - Til Death Do Us Part: The complete first season on DVD

MORBID MARRIAGE

Mark Turner | 07/09/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Some people have a twisted sense of humor. Fortunately for me I am one of those people. Thus when certain movies or series come across my screen I find something amusing in them all. Such is the case with the release this week of the first season of `TIL DEATH DO US PART from BCI.

The series takes real cases of marriages gone bad...REAL bad...like as in death bad...and turns them into short morality plays. Each episode runs in the half hour mark and puts forth a tale of murderous matrimony. Yes the stories all end with one spouse or the other clearly deceased.

As with most anthology shows, this one has a host all its own. Director John Waters (the original HAIRSPRAY, CRY BABY) stars as the Groom Reaper. Each episode begins with a brief look at the happy couple as they are married only to have the Reaper in the background filling us viewers in that wedded bliss is not to be in the near future. Someone is headed for the grave.

This first season of the show features 13 episodes of marital mayhem ranging from older man meets younger woman to a donut king who finds marriage can't fill the holes of his life. Yes these stories may seem over the top but the series claim that they are all based on true events with only the most minor of alterations.

One thing that makes this series work is that none of the actors are name above the title celebrities whose big screen image baggage would hinder what unfolds in each half hour. Instead we have a collection of actors you don't recognize but who give above par performances compared to some of the lowest B movies released to drive ins across the land.

Waters stands out as the Groom Reaper, adding just a touch of the macabre in his style and a ton of wit in his delivery. He doesn't come off as an overblown rip off of the Crypt Keeper from TALES FROM THE CRYPT, instead presenting tidbits of wisdom about the scenes of each story to follow. In the middle he offers a comment or two on what we have already witnessed and then at the end of each, he sums up the tale. His performance is low key and yet holds the show together.

Obviously a show that delves into the darkest of topics, murder of ones spouse, is not for all. On the other hand, if you've ever had one of those days where you've thought you just couldn't take being married one more day, then you'll find the humor and the interest in this series. It's definitely not something the kids would (or should) enjoy. No doubt this is an adult program but offers less R rated material than some made for cable offerings.

Emmy material? I doubt it. But it does offer a nice distraction from the mundane offerings we're usually presented with. Great viewing? Not the best but it does entertain. Worth renting? For die hard Waters fans and those who like something a little off kilter. Otherwise stick with more mainstream offerings.

"

One Of CourtTV's Best Original Shows

Kristen M. Dowd | 06/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was one of the best original shows on CourtTV (now TruTV). I am not sure if it is coming back for a second season, but in the meantime, I recommend everyone pick this up.

You won't regret it, John Waters fans especially."