I have little to no patience for most reality show programming. My distaste for the genre is generally driven by the fact that most reality shows bear such little resemblance to reality. Bad behavior, drama to the max, forced conflicts…it’s just as scripted as a network comedy, only not nearly as funny.

The one exception that I might be willing make is for the show American Pickers. It’s not reality TV on the same level (or of the same type) as The Real World or Big Brother, so rather than feeling voyeuristic (and inane), it feels like you’re just along for the ride. The ride in this case is the never-ending hunt for antique treasures buried in people’s backyards, junkyards, attics, basements and everything in between. Hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are a lively pair and they know their junk. It’s fun to watch them get pumped up as they stumble across lucky finds.

It’s an enjoyable series, but this DVD release is a letdown. It’s called Volume 2, not Season 2 for a reason. There are only eight episodes in this set. EIGHT. There were 26 episodes total in season 2. Longtime readers of my reviews (all 3 of you) know that this is a big pet peeve of mine. I hate it when companies release only parts of a season or when they space it out so that you have to buy multiple volumes in order to complete the full season. It’s a bad practice that only smacks of money grabbing and cashing in for the quick buck.

If you’re an American Pickers aficionado, then by all means, check this out. If not, I’d hold out for the inevitable full season release.