"Roseanne - Tricks & Treats" DVD Showcases the Series' Annual Halloween Episodes

The long running comedy series Roseanne served up annual Halloween themed episodes featuring dark humor and the hilarious passive aggressive nature of Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) and Dan (John Goodman), who loved the hi-jinks more than their children. Eight Halloween centric episodes are included on Roseanne - Tricks & Treats, from "Boo!," which features Roseanne and Dan trying to out scare each other, to "Satan, Darling," which is a spoof of the classic horror film Rosemary's Baby, complete with a variety of guest stars, including Marlo Thomas and Arianna Huffington.

Not every episode was scary or sinister. For instance, "Trick or Treat" tackles gender issues, as DJ (Michael Fishman) wants to dress up as a witch for Halloween, much to the dismay of Dan. Meanwhile, Roseanne dresses as a man and gets into trouble, as usual, at the Lobo Lounge. Similar themes arise in "Skeleton in the Closet," when Roseanne's boss, Leon (Martin Mull), suggests that Jackie's boyfriend, Fred (Michael O'Keefe), is gay. Of course, it is Halloween after all, but Roseanne does not suspect that this may a prank, until the unforgettable final scene. Roseanne's mom, Bev (Estelle Parsons), is especially funny in this episode. The best Halloween episode, in my opinion, is "Trick Me Up, Trick Me Down." Roseanne and Dan may have gone too far when they play a nasty prank on their neighbor, Kathy, who appears genuinely upset. Roseanne then spends the rest of the night worried about payback from Kathy.

The costumes in many episodes were inspired. For instance, Dan dressing up as The Three Stooges, DJ playing Hannibal Lecter, Dan and Roseanne spoofing Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, and when Bev scares everyone with her "wig," which prompts an unexpected scene featuring many of the cast members, who try once again to outdo the crafty Roseanne. I also enjoyed the plethora of Halloween decorations that could be seen in any given episode, whether at the Connor house, the lodge, or at the restaurant. That attention to detail made the episodes even more entertaining.

Roseanne - Tricks & Treats (Mill Creek) features eight episodes from the series, as well as commentary by Roseanne herself on the classic "Trick Me Up, Trick Me Down." The DVD is perfect for those viewers who like Halloween, but do not enjoy being scared. Of course, you may laugh until you scream, so be prepared anyway.