My name is Jessica, and I am a TV on DVD addict

Whoever came up with the brilliant idea to put TV shows on video and DVD deserves both my eternal respect and my deepest scorn. This person, or persons, if it was a group effort, have brought me hours of pleasure, and caused me to waste money and time I don't have. If only the TV shows on DVD were free, my problems would disappear. (Well, okay, I would still procrastinate, but that is a side effect I am willing to deal with.)

My first TV show on DVD was Buffy the Vampire Slayer, my favorite TV show of all time. I didn't even buy the seasons in order, instead I purchased them based on how often Spike appeared in episodes. This first show was not where the problem started, however. I bought most of them used or on sale, and I had a good job at the time. I had also seen most of the episodes previously, so I didn't feel the need to sit and watch entire seasons in one or two days.

My next show was also pretty cheap. I bought seasons 1 and 2 of One Tree Hill for $12 each. It would be more expensive to rent them, I reasoned, choosing to ignore the fact that this show was still on air, and I would have to continue buying seasons if I wanted to finish my collection. I stayed up all night Friday to watch season one, and could barely keep my eyes open at work the next day. When I got home, even though I was tired, I put in disc one of season two. Two days later and I was aching for season three, which was due out on DVD that Tuesday. I was at the store early Tuesday morning, (before work, which was freaking early, and I am not a morning person) to buy it at full price. I couldn't stand the thought of waiting until it went on sale. I would say that moment is where my addiction started. The instant gratification of watching an entire season of a show without having to wait week by week for new episodes was undeniable. I started buying any TV show that looked remotely interesting. Charmed, The Lost World, Prison Break, 21 Jump Street, Joan of Arcadia, Angel, I could list more, but I think you get the picture.

So, I was spending money and wasting time watching endless hours of TV, completely unaware I had a problem. And I would have continued in this state, had the "Alias Complete Series Box Set" never been released. I had to have it. I went to Best Buy, Discover card in hand, and bought a limited edition gold box that included all five seasons, a bonus disk, and a booklet. It was beautiful. Never mind that I had never watched a single episode of Alias and had no idea if I would even like it. I dropped almost $200 on a TV show. When I got home and proudly displayed my new purchase to my brother, he said to me, "Jess, you just lost your job, why are you spending money on something so dumb?"
His words struck me like a baseball bat to the head. And it hurt, just not enough to make me return that box set. I wasn't until a few months later, as my credit card balance increased and my income remained non-existent that I acknowledged to myself that I had a problem.
You will be happy to know that I am much better these days. I have not completely kicked my habit, but I do limit myself to a few shows per year, and I have sold some of the TV shows that I bought and never watch. The only new TV on DVD purchases I make are new seasons of Bones, One Tree Hill and Supernatural.

I still have that Alias box set, however. I find it hard to part with, though it is the most valuable of my TV collection, and I could use the money. Someday, maybe, I will be strong enough to do it. On that day, I'll know that I have conquered my addiction. Until then, pray for me, because I love the show Chuck, and season one is on sale now...