The Show

I have largely ignored Entourage, despite critical fame, because I find the whole show incredibly narcissistic. It’s a show made by Hollywood, about Hollywood, glorifying Hollywood. The whole thing just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. However, I’m not opposed to films or shows about the business (check out Living in Oblivion if you want some laughs), I’m just not drawn to them. The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman is another satire on tinsel town, and like the business itself, is mostly hit or miss.

The show focuses on a struggling screenwriter named Jackie (Laura Kightlinger) and her friend Tara (Nicholle Tom). Jackie works for an independent film magazine while Tara is a grunt at a production company. Together they get into various LA-themed misadventures while constantly looking for that one key to making it in Hollywood. Some of the plots from the first season include: the pair joining a self-help group; Jackie’s boyfriend stealing her script idea; Jackie getting promoted because her boss thinks she has cancer; squandering Native American grant money; and Jackie becoming obsessed with a right-wing radio show after dabbling in a new drug.

The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman: Season One is almost plagued by its own title—it does seem like a minor accomplishment. Fans of Entourage will be bored while people completely in the dark about Hollywood may find themselves lost. That only leaves room for a very niche group of viewers.

The 2-disc set contains all 8 episodes from the first season: “Cult Classic,” “Mudlarking,” “Pounded,” “Tumor Has It,” “Turning Manure Into Soy,” “Peyote Ugly,” “Nemesisyphus,” and “The Republicunt.”

The DVD

The video is presented in 1.78:1 non-anamorphic widescreen. The picture is passable though features more grain and softness than I would like. Flesh tones are accurate but the level of detail can vary depending on the scene.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital Stereo with English Subtitles. The stereo track is clear and balanced but completely flat so don’t expect to be blown away by panning audio effects.

The Extras

“Introducing The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman” is a short EPK featurette with the usual character/plot discussion and all-around self-love.

Also offered is a preview for Season Two.

Final Thoughts

The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman is a decent enough show though I’m not sure I would purchase the set as the lack of special features and average technical aspects make it more suited for a rental. – Jeff Ritchie