tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post4575249733994518581..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: What's Alan Alda really like?By Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66719347355985034922011-09-01T14:54:40.738-07:002011-09-01T14:54:40.738-07:00The Baseball Hall of Fame is taking nominations fo...The Baseball Hall of Fame is taking nominations for the Ford C. Frick Award, what broadcaster would you like to see honored with this prestigious award?Lumpyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14385248218925251680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-53764752314532037182011-08-31T19:48:18.124-07:002011-08-31T19:48:18.124-07:00Anonymous, re West Wing, I always wondered what ha...Anonymous, re West Wing, I always wondered what happened to that character. Then why did they bring him back for the last episode?MikeNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-21983778116066676632011-08-29T10:42:29.312-07:002011-08-29T10:42:29.312-07:00Question: On MASH, you wrote some terrific charact...Question: On MASH, you wrote some terrific characters with some of the smaller parts having huge moments. I'm wondering if there was a discussion about turning a smaller part into a more major, reoccurring role (or even a spinoff -- sorry about that AfterMash thing, by the way) from someone who was essentially a guest star -- ie Col. Flagg, who seemed to be a bolt of energy whenever plugged on the show. Sydney the psychiatrist was used almost twice as much -- obviously a completely different character who brought a different tone -- but to me added little to the 'comedy' aspect of the show. Were there other characters you wrote who you felt could have had a bigger life in the show or their own show?<br />Thanks -- and loved your work with the M's this year!rockfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835472375196889875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-44057538826581818062011-08-28T15:05:55.784-07:002011-08-28T15:05:55.784-07:00Ken,
I've a question. Hopefully you can impar...Ken,<br /><br />I've a question. Hopefully you can impart some sage advice.<br /><br />I once heard some very comforting and needed advice from "Everybody Loves Raymond" producer, Philip Rosenthal. He said essentially, "Make the show you want to make. They're going to cancel you anyways."<br /><br />I've been both fortunate and unfortunate to have several projects go thought the development process. There are always heated, passionate exchanges that one has during this process. There are compromises (some for the good, some not) but everything is done in the hope of getting a show on the air.<br /><br />If your lucky, you actually end up with something less than what you started with. I know this is the process, and I accept this. What I hate is network executives who give notes (however necessary and well intentioned) but ultimately have no culpability, and thus suffer no repercussion from their "advice" and opinions.<br /><br />Here's my question: "Should exec be culpable?" "Should names be named?" <br /><br />I ask, because I believe that if they had a stake in the process, they might actually make more of an informed opinion.<br /><br />I know I'm dreaming, but what do you want from me? I work in a dream factory.Kevin Rubionoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-48490909797720956942011-08-27T11:13:27.370-07:002011-08-27T11:13:27.370-07:00Ken, think of Charlie Slowes, who did seven years ...Ken, think of Charlie Slowes, who did seven years of losing baseball in Tampa Bay, then moved to Washington (where he had been known for his work on the then-Bullets games) when the Montreal Expos became the Nationals. He got to call a .500 season in 2005, their first season in D.C., but hasn't come close since. (Perhaps Strasburg, Harper <i>et al</i> can change that in a year or two.) <br /><br />Meanwhile, the now Devil-less Rays have won a pennant in 2008, a division in 2010, and have held their own against the evil empires of the AL East as much as anyone with their resources can. Slowes is on track to be this generation's By Saam.<br /><br />wv: "sculari" -- co-starred with Tom Hunks in "Bosom Buddies."VP81955https://www.blogger.com/profile/11792390726196611188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-81580569468674639472011-08-27T08:40:31.613-07:002011-08-27T08:40:31.613-07:00IIRC, Shelley Long informed the producers in the m...IIRC, Shelley Long informed the producers in the middle of the production of the fifth season (the engagement one, and her last) that she would not renew her contract for a sixth season. And I remember that the original plan - if Long hadn't left - was for the wedding to happen, with the show continuing on more as an ensemble (with less of a focus on the Sam/Diane relationship). And in a way, that's pretty much what happened anyway.Miffynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-80221577503066654022011-08-27T05:22:40.530-07:002011-08-27T05:22:40.530-07:00That whole scenario with your first "agent...That whole scenario with your first "agent'...I hope David Issacs got something out of it, if you know what I mean and I think you do.<br /><br /><br />I got the season one DVD of MODERN FAMILY, and just wondered--were you able to offer any assistance to the producers for the "Up All Night" episode, where Jay, Manny, and Manny's father hit a few balls around in the middle of the night...at Dodger Stadium?Paul Ducanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10247239931162026452011-08-26T20:11:52.464-07:002011-08-26T20:11:52.464-07:00I worked with Alan Alda on The West Wing. I was a...I worked with Alan Alda on The West Wing. I was a behind the scenes nobody, and yet he was always great to me. As a matter of fact, everyone on that show was great, with one exception. And he was fired. Blamed it on everyone else. Everyone else was happy to take the blame to see him gone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-5342381992892953842011-08-26T15:45:17.850-07:002011-08-26T15:45:17.850-07:00I wrote a comment to post, but when I noticed that...I wrote a comment to post, but when I noticed that my verification word was "booring" I got paranoid and deleted it.pumpkinheadnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-33365967706395272462011-08-26T15:17:10.563-07:002011-08-26T15:17:10.563-07:00I'm sure some of your commenters only post to ...I'm sure some of your commenters only post to see their names on your blog.<br />Yours faithfully<br />Dave GordonAnonymous (!)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-24950893621770987322011-08-26T13:54:47.496-07:002011-08-26T13:54:47.496-07:00My mom was/is obsessed with Alan Alda so I'm a...My mom was/is obsessed with Alan Alda so I'm always a little skeeved out by him (because I had to grow up and hear how attractive he was and how funny etc.). Anyway, I invited my parents to his booksigning and he was fantastic. He really listened to all the questions and really seemed to genuinely appreciate everyone who made it out that night. When it was time for our individual moment as he signed our book my mother completely embarrassed me, but even then, I noticed how he would make each person feel like they were the only ones in the room at that moment and never hurried anyone along which I really appreciated. The book is just as great as my memory of that night.<br /><br />(Sophomoric humor, but my word verification is "whizz".)princessaprhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-48940606950135631142011-08-26T11:55:21.794-07:002011-08-26T11:55:21.794-07:00Michael: I'm going to guess that there's n...Michael: I'm going to guess that there's no surprise in showrunners taking the meetings. Nor in the fact that no actual signed deals have been reported. Big difference. <br /><br />wgWendy M. Grossmanhttp://www.pelicancrossing.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-90213794728371179442011-08-26T11:11:32.737-07:002011-08-26T11:11:32.737-07:00Friday Question: I have seen outtake reels from &q...Friday Question: I have seen outtake reels from "Everybody Loves Raymond" where Ray (and occasionally Brad Garrett) start switching out joke payoff lines, take after take. <br /><br />I know you directed a couple "Raymond"s and was wondering if you observed that going on. Was it genuinely done to find the best payoff line, or just to keep the studio audience and themselves punchy?Jason W.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-67312134516314451992011-08-26T10:53:17.340-07:002011-08-26T10:53:17.340-07:00Are you surprised that there are experienced showr...Are you surprised that there are experienced showrunners interested in working on Charlie Sheen's proposed new show as reported here: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/charlie-sheen-anger-management-showrunner-227955Michaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-73210597257548302902011-08-26T10:25:02.507-07:002011-08-26T10:25:02.507-07:00So, "The Jeffersons" got you "Movin...So, "The Jeffersons" got you "Movin' on up".....YEKIMIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01921751875397071034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-42318024465584395172011-08-26T10:07:09.396-07:002011-08-26T10:07:09.396-07:00What was your reaction when Conan hosted the Emmys...What was your reaction when Conan hosted the Emmys and drew a tiny circle and said 'Black people who watch Frasier'?MikeNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-53346459133990453532011-08-26T09:25:49.095-07:002011-08-26T09:25:49.095-07:00Most of the celebrity books I've read are eith...Most of the celebrity books I've read are either "here's why I'm so cool" or "here's some stuff I thought was interesting and maybe you will too." Alda's books are the latter.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14776076446035572649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-53794182268508933842011-08-26T09:18:30.779-07:002011-08-26T09:18:30.779-07:00Shows are often shortened for their syndication ru...Shows are often shortened for their syndication run to fit in more commercials. But why do more commercials need to be fit in for the syndication run as opposed to their network run? I'd think it would be the opposite since most of the upfront costs hit the network.Carsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-72444688687318799722011-08-26T08:42:29.463-07:002011-08-26T08:42:29.463-07:00Not to sound like a flack, but having occasionally...Not to sound like a flack, but having occasionally encountered the Aldas growing up, I have to say that Alan Alda's nice guy, devoted husband/father image wasn't an act. <br /><br />While celebrity autobiographies are hardly impeccable sources, I would recommend “Never Have Your Dog Stuffed” if you want some insight into him. It’s not 200 pages of “Let me tell you about the time we put eggs into Frank Burns’ helmet.”chalmersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-35922598697727456452011-08-26T08:42:04.397-07:002011-08-26T08:42:04.397-07:00thanks for answering my question, Ken. I wonder h...thanks for answering my question, Ken. I wonder how many fans left the stadium early last night and didn't see the historic third grand-slam home run?ernienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-44256349619389650062011-08-26T08:25:22.194-07:002011-08-26T08:25:22.194-07:00Alan Alda was fantastic on The West Wing too, for ...Alan Alda was fantastic on <i>The West Wing</i> too, for which he won another Emmy. I Wonder how much input he had in to the character (Vinick) there? A "compassionate conservative" Republican who had no time for religion, liked junk food, and could talk the hind legs off a donkey. 8)brian thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11816630081635941429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-75263506446547936792011-08-26T08:05:53.447-07:002011-08-26T08:05:53.447-07:00@Michael: I remember in 1985 when the Cubs had bi...@Michael: I remember in 1985 when the Cubs had big, legitimate hopes coming off their 1984 post-season meltdown. And then they hit a 13 game losing streak. You want a sense of palpable relief? Imagine Harry Caray calling that 14th game.DogsOnDrugs.comhttp://dogsondrugs.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-42774250085967402692011-08-26T07:32:32.383-07:002011-08-26T07:32:32.383-07:00About a losing streak, Ken's Orioles partner, ...About a losing streak, Ken's Orioles partner, Jon Miller, worked their 22-game streak and I heard the tape of when they snapped it. It wasn't quite "THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT," but the relief in his voice was so palpable ....<br /><br />Byrum Saam broadcast the Phillies and A's from 1937 to 1949, when, combined, they finished in the first division only a couple of times. The two teams finally split their broadcasts, airing home and away, and Saam loved Connie Mack, so he chose the A's ... and the Phillies won the 1950 pennant. When the A's moved to Kansas City after 1954, he returned to the Phillies and retired after the 1975 season ... the year before the Phillies went to the playoffs for the first time since 1950. Harry Kalas, Richie Ashburn and Andy Musser brought him back to call the clincher because they felt he'd earned it. But he once said of broadcasting a bad team that the fans deserve a good broadcast, and he'd concentrate on what was good--if they were playing the Pirates, talk about Clemente, for example. Ken worked with another great, Dave Niehaus, who did a LOT of losing baseball, and never seemed to lose his enthusiasm.<br /><br />I grew up watching MASH, and I'm not surprised to read that Alda was and is a great guy--and he's a terrific actor too. I've read the same about Harry Morgan.Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01998867386294693956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-69479477743849160572011-08-26T07:31:22.236-07:002011-08-26T07:31:22.236-07:00Hey Ken,
Rumor has it that you've never made ...Hey Ken,<br /><br />Rumor has it that you've never made the pilgrimmage to Albuquerque to see what you've started and watch the Isotopes. It forever will be a shrine to you and The Simpsons. Please come. Even in the off-season. You have to see this park! BTW: The old Dukes Stadium that it replaced was 360 to the corners. Is there any other ballpark that was that long?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-64448941899380762962011-08-26T06:59:11.641-07:002011-08-26T06:59:11.641-07:00Becky says
I'm delighted to hear that he was s...Becky says<br />I'm delighted to hear that he was such a joy to work with. It doesn't help the fact that I've been trying to snag a Hawkeye for years (remember what a confirmed bachelor he was... :) )<br /><br />One more similar question: I've always admired Harry Morgan, thought he seemed like a lot like Colnel Potter. Lots of horse sense, a heart of gold and a tough man. Is that true? What was he like? Okay, that's my last question. Thanks, and keep up the good work. I definitely visit your archives!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com