Early in the life of the show Smith hit a winning formula that focuses upon a variety of short, rotating segments interspersed with a separate, brief storyline for each episode. Some of the separate comedic segments are included in each show, while others appear every two to three episodes. Some of the repeating skits in this season include: the Possum Lake word game; Red’s handyman projects (invariably utilizing duct tape); corny slapstick comedy with Bill; and my personal favourite, visits with Ranger Gord when he will at times air another episode of his "Educational Films", drawn, produced, and starring Ranger Gord, amongst others. The comedic segments are rarely related to an episode's storyline and are present exclusively for their entertainment value.
There are some true classics to be found in this collection. Some that I fondly remember from over the years include how to make a holiday dinner while driving to the relatives' house from the first episode, cooking a turkey on the engine and making mashed potatoes in the hubcaps, and the crisis that ensues when Red realizes the Lodge is out of duct tape in the season’s finale.
The episodes presented in the tenth season are: “A Merry Red Green Christmas”, “Sausage Envy”, “Foster Child”, “What a Dump”, “Winston’s Wedding”, “Man of the Year”, “Survivor”, “Historic Site”, “Twinning”, “Lunar Eclipse”, “Barter Starter”, “Out of the Woods”, “Cheap Jeep”, “DNA All the Way”, “Who Wants To Be a Smart Guy”, “The Beaver Dam”, “The Dandruff Foundation”, “Damn You Emu”, and “No Duct Tape”.
Minimal extras are provided, and are limited to the first DVD. Brief production notes from Steve Smith are augmented by insightful, humourous biographies of the main characters, providing back fill that some viewers may be unaware of.
I originally watched this series as an urban, teenaged girl never realizing that some day I would marry a man who is similar to Red Green in many ways. The bushy beard, the suspenders, but most particularly the penchant to ‘make do’ with whatever odds and ends are on hand to complete a project. I can see the glint in my man’s eye as he watches Red construct a paddle boat from the top of the old Possum Van, or when he constructs a log splitter from an old playground carousel. I can tell his fingers are itching to break out the duct tape. My husband often fantasizes about odd, adventurous do it yourself projects similar to those Red attempts; sometimes he even accomplishes them – though often the more practical variety. I know this phenomenon occurs outside of our home as well. Now that I live in the country I’ve met several male neighbours who also indulge in this brand of experimental make-doism; inventing, repairing, and sharing their exploits with the buddy down the road.
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