DVD THIS WEEK: 'Nurse Jackie,' 'Flash Forward,' more

Flash Forward on DVD already? Yep. ABC Studios releases the first 10 episodes this week. Season 1/Part 1 hits shelves even before the "spring season" starts March 18 to complete what you and I would consider a full "season."

And they're not the only ones playing the split-season game. Also out now are the first 10 episodes of Stargate Universe, in an MGM DVD set labeled 1.0.

Two ways to look at this -- either you appreciate the chance to catch up on these shows before new episodes resume; or you're ticked off that DVD distributors seem to be double-dipping. At least the Flash Forward set includes a link to download a $15-off coupon for the eventual full-season set.

Don't be surprised if this half-and-half tactic becomes more common, especially now that the broadcast networks are picking up on the cablers' strategy of hyping a "season" premiere -- even if it's a resumed "spring" or "summer" season that's actually a continuation after a long hiatus. Breaking seasons into two parts has turned out to be a prime promotional opportunity to tempt viewers who want to be there from what they think is the beginning. Except it's not.

Fans do complain, as they did with the split Battlestar Galactica 4.0 and 4.5 DVD sets, and with the recent Glee Vol. 1: Road to Sectionals release. But they buy, too.

Also out this week:

Nurse Jackie: Season 1 -- Edie Falco's caustic Showtime dramedy about a self-assured but also self-destructive NYC nurse hits both DVD and Blu-ray Disc, at the same list price. And that's a trend we like a lot. (Showtime does this with Weeds, too.) The BD release looks sharp in high-definition, of course, but doesn't have added extras beyond the DVD goodies -- commentaries with Falco and the show's writers, plus behind-the-scenes interviews with both those creators and the type of real-life nurses the show portrays. So its equal pricing is both fair and welcome.

Night Court: Complete Third Season -- Markie Post arrives as everybody's favorite public defender in this cartoony courtroom farce from NBC's renowned '80s adult sitcom slate (Cheers, Taxi, et al). When Post joined the cast (following flame-outs Paula Kelly and Ellen Foley), creator Reinhold Weege's mix of outrageousness and sentiment hit its stride. Her punchy perkiness (and Princess Di fixation) plays briskly off arrogant prosecutor's John Larroquette's obsessions with sex and status, completing the show's central triangle with hippie judge Harry Anderson. But the cast changes aren't over yet. Cranky senior Florence Halop, who assumed the female bailiff's role after originator Selma Diamond died, would herself pass away after this season. The cast finally locked in with Season 4's addition of deadpan comic Marsha Warfield. Among Season 3's top episodes: visits from Carl Ballantine as Harry's magician idol, Mel Torme as Harry's music idol, Dan's sex-changed fraternity brother, his new "little person" boss, and Brent Spiner (Star Trek: The Next Generation) as a surreal hillbilly.