In Plain Sight: Season Five (Final Season) - [DVD]

The action-drama In Plain Sight ends its five-season run with an eight-episode arc that brings together its array of storylines in a manner befitting its main character, Deputy Marshal Mary Shannon (Mary McCormack): equal parts tough and tender, with a decidedly quirky sense of humor, and a soft spot for the family unit, no matter how diverse (or dysfunctional). Mary's family essentially takes top priority throughout the final season, with the arrival of her wayward, bank-robbing father (Stephen Lang) sending the entire Shannon clan into protective custody and forcing Mary to choose between her profession and her chaotic but loving extended relations. Frederick Weller's Marshall Mann also has some choices to make, specifically in regard to his allegiance to Mary and impending marriage to Rachel Boston's Detective Abigail Chaffee. With so many interpersonal issues at stake, the witness-protection cases seem secondary, and indeed, the subjects here, including a drag queen and a hoarder, lack the grit or vulnerability seen in previous seasons. But true to fashion, In Plain Sight wraps up with a satisfying finale for both Mary and (most likely) the viewer. Though it was never a headline-grabber like some major network shows, In Plain Sight's eclectic tone and smart dialogue earned the admiration of its loyal fan base, which will undoubtedly increase via the DVD releases. The two-disc season-five set includes no extras. --Paul Gaita