It's been roughly three years since the death of John Ritter, the charismatic actor/comedian who fell victim to an unknown heart complication at the young age of 54. Although he appeared in films as varied as Sling Blade and Problem Child, Ritter was best known for his starring role in Three's Company, the popular sitcom from the late 70s-early 80s. Running for a total of eight seasons (from 1977-84, to be exact) with a total of 172 episodes, Three's Company also spawned The Ropers (1979-80) and Three's A Crowd (1984-85), two short-lived spinoff series met with only a fraction of the original's popularity. After all, you can't go home again.

There's a reason Three's Company was so successful: it was a good show, made funnier with terrific performances by John Ritter and the rest of the cast...but it was certainly more than the sum of its parts. Though it was never really a staple of mine growing up (even in syndication), it's a fun, light-hearted diversion that seems to have held up surprisingly well in the last 25-odd years. Three's Company's reliance on sticky situations was hardly anything new (especially by sitcom standards), but the risqué double entrendres really pushed the envelope back then---and who knows, it might even raise a few eyebrows in today's world of PC television. Either way, Three's Company really clicked with audiences and has maintained a strong following over the last few decades. It may not be in the same league as I Love Lucy or The Honeymooners (or is it?), but it's a fine example of a sitcom that proved to have real staying power.

The seventh season, which aired from 1982-83, is highly similar in tone and execution to the previous year---but that's not a bad thing. Plenty of familiar faces can be seen during this "third leg" of Three's Company, including Jack, Janet, Terri, Larry and Mr. Furley, as Jenilee Harrison's character (Cindy Snow) was written out during Season 6. It's true that the series generally sticks to its guns during this penultimate batch of episodes---in fact, the only major change that sticks right out is the opening of Jack's Bistro. Despite Three's Company's habit of keeping things familiar, viewers remained enthusiastic and kept the show going through the 1983-84 season. While it peaked during years 3 and 4---earning overall rankings of #1 and #2, respectively---Season 7 dropped off only slightly in popularity, nowhere near as drastic as the plummet during the 8th and final season. All things considered, it carried its own weight just fine.

Likewise, the performances were just as spirited as those in the previous year, though it's interesting to note that at least one of the characters is thrust into more of a leading role. Larry (played by Richard Kline), who stayed with the show during all 8 seasons, is given more time to shine in episodes like "Opening Night" and "The Impossible Dream", often carrying many of the scenes; fortunately, John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, Priscilla Barnes and Don Knotts are in top form as well. Season 7 may not be Three's Company's best year, but it's near the top for pure entertainment. Though it's a bit shorter than most seasons at only 22 episodes, there are still plenty of classic moments to be found.

The following season would be the last we'd see of Jack Tripper and company---save for Three's A Crowd, which would spin off a year later---but it's safe to say that Three's Company remained strong during its last years…and only a handful of sitcoms can claim that and get away with it. Let's take a look at the episode listing, shall we?

The menu styles for this season are consistent with those from the first six, combining appropriately retro backgrounds with the opening music to create the proper atmosphere. While it's disappointing that these episodes still lack chapter stops, this is a relatively minor complaint for an otherwise excellent presentation. Menus and bonus features are also presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The packaging is also roughly identical to past seasons, as this four-disc set is housed in a hinged digipak case with a slipcover and a season synopsis by production executive George Sunga.

The extras kick off with a pair of Audio Commentaries featuring actor Richard Kline (Larry), during episodes 6 and 10. Kline speaks warmly of his experiences on the show, though occasional lapses into silence could've been remedied by a second participant. Also here is the touching "Don Knotts: A Tribute" (25:46), highlighting Knotts' contributions to Three's Company (and several other well-known shows and movies, of course). As most fans know, Knotts passed away during Season 7's DVD production, so this fitting tribute to the co-star is both timely and appropriate.

Less involving is "Parlez-Vous Three's Company?" (9:33), a brief clip from the French dubbed version of the show, plus a quartet of Season 7 "Best-Of" Montages featuring Jack, Janet, Terri and Larry (28:33 total). While it's not a stellar batch of bonus features, it's fairly commendable that Anchor Bay has continued to keep 'em coming.

Though not quite its finest hour, fans of Three's Company should have no problem enjoying Season 7 on its own terms. Anchor Bay continues to impress with a solid DVD presentation, combining a good A/V presentation with a decent (but not overwhelming) assortment of bonus features. All things considered, it's still one of the better TV-on-DVD treatments you'll find---and priced at under $30, it's quite a bargain for fans of classic comedy. Those new to the series should start with the earlier years, but veterans of Three's Company should consider this a no-brainer. Recommended.