Rules of Engagement [TV show] (DVD)

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8) "Fix Ups & Downs." Audrey and Jennifer try to fix up a friend, and the repercussions are felt by both Adam andd Jeff. Meanwhile, Russell has fallen in love with a gorgeous stranger who may live in the building, and he's reluctant to leave.

9) "A Visit from Fay." Another too-much-information episode has Jennifer hearing stuff about her soon-to-be mother-in-law that creep her out. And when the TV goes out, Jeff and Audrey have to talk to each other.

10) "Time Share." It's trip time, only Adam and Jennifer have no idea why they were asked to come along.

11) "Jen at Work." One of the better episodes this season revolves around two things: Adam pushing Russell to hire Jennifer to work on an ad campaign for one of their clients, and Audrey sharing infertility issues with Jennifer.

12) "Optimal Male." Jeff goes on a diet so he can qualify for a discount on his life insurance. Meanwhile, Jennifer becomes jealous of one of Adam's old girlfriends.

13) "Russell's Father's Son." Russell's father and boss drops in the office and hurts his son's feelings when he asks Adam to play his son in a promotional video. Meanwhile, Audrey regrets telling Jennifer and Adam that they can use their bathroom after they break their sink.

14) "Buyer's Remorse." Jeff and Audrey try to recommend their friends to their building's board when an apartment becomes available. Meanwhile, Jeff is bothered by his co-workers's kids and Russell has a one-night stand who, unfortunately, starts working at the diner where they like to hang out.

15) "Pimp My Bride." Russell loans out his aprtment to Audrey for a wedding photo shoot and gets to pick "the bride." Meanwhile, Jeff buys a car and cruises with Jennifer. Sounds funnier than it is.

Most sitcoms try to at least start and finish strong, but this season's final episode is perhaps the weakest entry. You'd think with a stable of eight writers somebody would come up with something that would ensure the series' survival, but the lack of a strong closer just underscores the hit-and-miss quality of "Rules of Engagement."

Video:
"Rules of Engagement" was broadcast in Hi-Def, and it's presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The picture looks marvelous, with a strong color palette and a nice amount of detail for a DVD.

Audio:
Given the fact that it's mostly dialogue, the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio is probably overkill, especially since the rear speakers hardly see any activity. It's a clear, pure tone though, and there's a nice balance between bass and treble and between dialogue and background musical interludes.

Extras:
Other than a brief blooper reel, the only other bonus features are two "minisodes" (single episodes from other TV shows that Sony hopes you'll like so much you'll buy): "Look Who's Talking," from "NewsRadio," and "Short but Sweet," from "Diff'rent Strokes." Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Sony!

Bottom Line:
There are some funny lines and laugh-out-loud moments, but far too many scenes feel as if they could have been handled better. "Rules of Engagement" is a comedy that makes you wish that the rest of the show matched the funniest moments.

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