After winning an Emmy for her “I’m F*&%ing Matt Damon” video (and receiving two other Emmy nominations), Sarah Silverman has come a lot farther with her distinct brand of juvenile gross-out humor than anyone could have predicted. In 2005 she released a film version of her stage show Jesus Is Magic, which was hilariously irreverent. Capitalizing on her name recognition and strong fan base, she went on to create this show, “The Sarah Silverman Program”, for Comedy Central. The first season was racously funny and proved that Silverman, along with writer Dan Harmon and writer/director Rob Schrab, had what it takes to create genuinely inventive television. Unfortunately, the second season, which began airing over a year ago and was interrupted by the writer’s strike, lacks a bit of the punch that the first season had.

Though the show still has its laugh-out-loud funny moments, there are definitely less of them. Incidentally, the plot-lines are less cohesive as well. Obviously any show with multiple characters will have plot-lines that may not be directly related, but typically they end up being tied together in some way in the end. If “The Sarah Silverman” were to be compared to a cartoon (which it very easily could, considering its nonsensical nature) it would be much more “Family Guy” than “The Simpsons”, opting for quick jokes rather than a more cohesive story.

There are only six episodes including in this first volume (the remaining six episodes of Season Two have yet to air) but there is also a second disc that features exclusive bonus material. There’s an extensive interview with the cast and creators at 2007’s Comic-Con (moderated by Zach Galifianakis) that is occasionally interesting, though often the answers are a bit glib and dismissive. There are also a few digital shorts where Brian Posehn really shines. There are a few segments from Cookie Party (the reality show Sarah and Laura go on in the episode “Doodie”). And then there are eight behind the scenes shorts that are mildly amusing.

The episodes include “Bored of the Rings” - in which Brian plays Dungeons and Dragons and Sarah joins a pro-life group that wants to bomb an abortion clinic, “Joan of Arf” - in which Sarah goes to trial for licking her dog Doug’s butt, “Face Wars” - in which Brian and Steve smoke too much medicinal pot and Sarah tries to find out whether it’s harder to be jewish or black, “Doodie” - in which Sarah and Laura’s mom’s grave is dug up and so they go on the hit reality show “Cookie Party” to try to win money to replace her headstone, “Ah, Men” - in which Sarah dates God again, and Brian and Steve wonder if pot is the only thing that makes them gay, and “Maid to Border” - in which Sarah accuses her maid, Dora, of abusing her dog and gets her deported.

Bottom line - The Sarah Silverman Program is known for nonsensical, slightly juvenile shock humor, and though that style has served Silverman well for many years, it wears a little thin in this second season of her popular television show.

Zach’s Rating: B-
Perfect For: Those looking for a bit of comedic escapism
Stay Away if: You’re looking for a show with cohesive plotlines

To purchase The Sarah Silverman Program Season Two, Volume One, visit Amazon