A look at a seemingly placid New England town that is actually wrought with illicit affairs, crime and tragedy, all told through the lens of Olive, whose wicked wit and harsh demeanor mask a warm but troubled heart and staunch moral center. The story spans 25 years and focuses on Olive's relationships with her husband, Henry, the good-hearted and kindly town pharmacist; their son, Christopher, who resents his mother's approach to parenting; and other members of their community.

Extremely well-crafted and literary program. Superb performances by all, particularly Frances (make-room-on-your-mantle) McDermott, Richard (make-it-twelve-feet-under) Jenkins and Zoe "the happy mouse" Kazan. Yes, it's a bit depressing but also thoroughly rewarding. Since I'm a guy I can't read the book, but it feels faithful to the source and resounds the way great novels do. OK is a tough-as-nails, mean-spirited woman who works out her demons by demeaning the ones closest to her. She excels at avoidance, denial, borderline candor, and has a black-belt in passive-aggressive judo. All in all, Olive does a wonderful job reminding me why I hate my mother. I'd say more but I don't want to be late for therapy.

Duration: 3 Discs HD DVD-9 Plastic Bag Packing Ver. ( 4 Episodes Complete Series )