'Mission: Impossible' TV sequel on DVD

A sequel to the original "Mission: Impossible" leads these TV shows new to DVD this week.

"Mission: Impossible: The '88 TV Season" (CBS/Paramount, 1988-89, five discs, $42.99). This sequel to/remake of the '60s series some 20 years later brings back Peter Graves in his Jim Phelps role, pulled out of retirement to direct espionage assignments after forming a new, younger team — including Grant Collier, son of the original series' Barney Collier, and played by Phil Morris, son of Greg Morris, who played Barney.

This series isn't bad but it's in the unfortunate position of laboring beneath the very long shadow of the original. A jolt of energy arrives in Episode 12 as the team is joined by Jane Badler, whom sci-fi fans will remember as the chief villain in the original "V" (and as the mother of the recent remake's chief villain).

Guest stars include Janis Paige, Lynda Day George, Maud Adams — and Greg Morris, reprising his '60s role.

Extras full frame, 19 episodes

"The Lucy Show: The Official Fifth Season" (CBS/Paramount, 1966-67, four discs, $42.99). Lucille Ball's follow-up to "I Love Lucy" goes into Season 5 with her character firmly established as a single Los Angelino, with ever-exasperated Gale Gordon in tow.

Lots of big-name guest stars appear here, including John Wayne, Carol Burnett (in a two-parter), George Burns, Paul Winchell, Phil Silvers, Mel Torme, Don Rickles, Tennessee Ernie Ford — and Vivian Vance returns for an episode that finds her with Lucy as they pose as hippies.

Extras full frame, 22 episodes, special: "Lucy in London," clips of Ball on other shows, vintage openings & closings, promos, bloopers, photo galleries, text production notes, text biographies

"Designing Women: The Complete Fifth Season" (Shout!/Sony, 1990-91, four discs, $44.99). This is the final season for the complete original cast of characters at the Georgia interior-design firm of Sugarbaker's. Neither Delta Burke nor Jean Smart would return for Season 6. Lots of funny episodes, with Burke, Smart, Annie Potts, Dixie Carter, Meshach Taylor and Alice Ghostley all getting their fair share of laughs.

Extras full frame, 24 episodes