What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay there thanks to the DVD release of the complete third season of the hit television series Las Vegas – which features a mix of drama, comedy, plenty of eye candy, and even some moments of suspense.
The five-disc set collects all 23 episodes of the season, and some special features that will be a treat for the fans. The features include a gag reel from the third season, and “In with the New” – which is time-lapse photography of the building of the new hotel.
Las Vegas has a great ensemble cast led by James Caan and including Josh Duhamel, Nikki Cox, Vanessa Marcil, Molly Sims, and James Lesure. Since this is a series about the real Sin City, the show’s creators also make sure to fill the episodes with plenty of guest stars and musical acts – including Sugarland, Pussycat Dolls, Wayne Newton, Rachael Leigh Cook, Dennis Rodman, Dean Cain, and even Ron Jeremy. There are also reoccurring guest appearances from Cheryl Ladd and Lara Flynn Boyle.
I will say up front that I have never watched the past two seasons of the show, but it is easy to figure out who all the characters are, and what has happened in the first two seasons. The show also has a really great blend of comedy and drama. At times, it seems more like slapstick, but the creators never let the laughs get out of hand. I was hooked on the series by the third episode and stayed hooked until the season’s cliffhanger. Now, I am waiting for Season Four to start.
Although the series is an ensemble show and everyone brings something to the program, Caan remains the reason to watch. This is his show, and it is hard to imagine anyone playing the role better. Anyone who has liked the actor in the past will love his character in the show. He is clearly the glue that holds the rest of the cast together.
Las Vegas features a great ensemble cast
* The following is a brief description of the season’s episodes and does contain spoilers. Readers may want to skip this part of the review.
Disc One episode 1: “Viva Las Vegas” - The chips are on the table when Ed (Caan) scrambles to lure his staff back and get the Montecito ready. Episode 2: “Fake the Money and Run” – Ed has his hands full trying to discover who is making counterfeit chips while Danny (Duhamel) finds himself falling for his real estate agent. Episode 3: “Double Down, Triple Threat” – A cross-over episode with “Crossing Jordan” sees a card counter’s daughter kidnapped, and Sam (Marcil) recounting how she ended up in bed with a cop. Episode 4: “Whatever Happened to Seymour Magoon?” – Danny is looking to take his relationship to the next level, Ed is forced to walk the family dog in a dog show, and Monica (Boyle) has to call on Mike (Lesure) for help getting out of the shower.
Disc Two episode 5: “Big Ed De-Cline” – Life in Vegas catches up with Ed after his identity is stolen and his doctor tells him to get less stress. Episode 6: “The Real McCoy” – Relationship are put to the test when Danny starts to question his girlfriend, and Sam attempts to break up Monica’s fling. Episode 7: “Everything Old is You Again” – The days of old Las Vegas come back to life after Danny visits an unusual antique fair. Episode 8: “Bold, Beautiful and Blue” – Everything’s shiny and bright at the Montecito when Danny and Monica work with an FBI agent to protect the priceless Kashmir sapphire. Episode 9: “Mothwoman” – (on of the funniest episodes of the season) A comic book convention at the Montecito has Monica scurrying for cover when she’s mistakenly mobbed by fans who think she’s the hero “Mothwoman.”
Disc Three episode 10: “For Sail by Owner” – a hostile takeover has the Montecito crew scrambling to save their casino, and Delinda (Sims) is love struck by a blind man with a secret. Episode 11: “Down and Dirty” – There’s more than bluffing going on when Danny and Mike seize the security footage of a national poker tour. Episode 12: “Bait and Switch” – It’s never been steamier in Sin City when Danny and Ed have to check out an amateur sex video in order to catch a crook. Episode 13: “The Bitch is Back” – World-famous chef Wolfgang Puck is about to open his newest restaurant at the Montecito, but guest are getting nervous about seeing Monica’s ghost lurking about. Episode 14: “And Here’s Mike with the Weather” – The Gaming Commission reveals a $2.9 million oversight by the casino, and Mike gets a tryout as a local weatherman.
Caan is great in the series, and really holds it together
Disc Four episode 15: “Urban Legends” – Everyone’s looking for a free ride when racecar driver Jimmie Johnson cruises into Vegas, but one guest wakes up in a tub of ice missing a kidney. Episode 16: “Coyote Ugly” – Things are getting a little too close for comfort when a friend of Monica finds a finger in her shrimp. Episode 17: “Lyle & Substance” – The stakes are through the roof when Danny apprehends a thief who claims to know about a bomb threat against the casino. Episode 18: “Like a Virgin” – Appearances can be deceiving as Mary (Cox) sets up a wedding for a high roller, and Ed and Danny come across some very unusual card counters. Episode 19: “Cash Springs Eternal” – It’s a rough life being both sexy and smart as Danny and Mike investigate a string of robberies happening in the residential suites, but still make their appointments to pose for a charity beefcake calendar.
Disc Five episode 20: “All Quiet on the Montecito Front” – Not everything’s fair in love and war as Danny and Delinda’s budding romance is threatened by the arrival of her college boyfriend. Episode 21: “Chaos Theory” – There is such a thing as too much of a good thing when Danny and Mike contend with a big spender who wants to play with a million dollars. Episode 22: “Fidelity, Security, Delivery” – Romance is in the air when Delinda answers Dr. Derek’s proposal. Episode 23: “Father of the Bride” – The season finale sees Delinda fighting old feelings for Danny, and Ed’s CIA past coming back with a vengeance.
Las Vegas is a really good show, and will quickly hook you. All of the actors are extremely good in their roles, and the series has just the right blend of plot elements to keep it from getting old.
I would highly recommend taking a chance on the series. The third season is probably not the best place to start, but it is easy to catch up on the characters.
The series mixes elements of comedy into its plots
Las Vegas: Season Three is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
Your Talkback on this Story