tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post8571373780897832433..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Friday QuestionsBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-51419306960375422882017-03-26T11:05:24.299-07:002017-03-26T11:05:24.299-07:00Friday question: In a recent AV Club article on &q...Friday question: In a recent AV Club article on "Three's Company," they said that Larry Gelbart was one of the (many) writers who tried to adapt the original British sitcom for America. Any insight on that, like his take on the original material? Would it be completely unrecognizable from the "Three's Company" that we know?Kendallnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-34798378389905569602017-03-25T19:25:22.976-07:002017-03-25T19:25:22.976-07:00Les Moonves visited Castro, and surprisingly David...Les Moonves visited Castro, and surprisingly David Letterman called him out on it. <br />He even made a sketch. "I kill dissidents." "The Bette Midler show was my idea".<br />Letterman gave no details, but hinted that he was in trouble for it.MikeNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-27439268965445931352017-03-25T13:06:20.827-07:002017-03-25T13:06:20.827-07:00I was wondering if you've ever had an actor or...I was wondering if you've ever had an actor or a cast rebel against an episode or a story direction? If the actors have the say so to say a story isn't right for the show or that an actor can say that a certain episode just isn't right for their character?Ike Iszanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00242135666260861294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-55152903495967383582017-03-25T09:39:20.244-07:002017-03-25T09:39:20.244-07:00@ThatGuy: Funny, I just watched that episode! My f...@ThatGuy: Funny, I just watched that episode! My favorite part is Frasier's exasperation with Woody's opponent and his platitudes. "But he didn't say anything!" Great to see Philip Baker Hall, pre-Mr. Bookman.<br /><br />Another great political episode was "The Candidate" on Frasier. One of those episodes I still laugh at no matter how many times I've seen it. "Six years ago... I was abducted by aliens."<br /><br /><br />FRIDAY QUESTION for Ken: Do you have any guilty pleasures among sitcoms? Something like Alf, for example?<br />Andrewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-63533550757449298612017-03-25T02:54:38.094-07:002017-03-25T02:54:38.094-07:00Cheers truly was ahead of it's time. The paral...Cheers truly was ahead of it's time. The parallels between that episode, "Woody gets an election" and the current US president's campaign & nomination are quite frankly terrifying.ThatGuynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-63210256726770486772017-03-25T01:22:55.984-07:002017-03-25T01:22:55.984-07:00@Carol: Count this fangirl as one of The Six! How ...@Carol: Count this fangirl as one of The Six! How can I ever forget the gorgeous Duncan Regehr, serving Michael Des Barres Realness in squeaky black leather? YES, Lord! Yes.<br /><br />Cheers, thanks a lot,<br /><br />Storm Stormnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-79081273262918704322017-03-25T00:31:44.366-07:002017-03-25T00:31:44.366-07:00Some time ago, you complained about how today'...Some time ago, you complained about how today's MLB starting pitchers generally don't pitch deep into games anymore. My question: why has that become so common in recent years? I remember when starting pitchers were routinely expected to go deep into games, or even finish them, as long as they weren't costing their team a decent chance to win. But now teams are obsessed with pitch counts and innings limits, and seem terrified of pushing them too far --- even in a playoff race. And why can't today's pitchers stay out of the operating room? Despite carrying a lighter workload than their counterparts from the past, they seem to break down more often. Have pitchers actually gotten more fragile, or is there some other explanation?Allan Vnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-89632561583048871772017-03-24T22:56:42.479-07:002017-03-24T22:56:42.479-07:00"two words which will never appear in another..."two words which will never appear in another sitcom episode, "Ichthyology"..."<br /><br />Sorry to be that guy, but icthyology was mentioned in an episode of the British sitcom THE GOOD LIFE where Tom Good goes fishing. Maybe it shouldn't count because it's British, but still...<br />Mike Schryverhttp://franknelson.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-8299724045812358002017-03-24T22:33:55.069-07:002017-03-24T22:33:55.069-07:00Carol, I remember Wizards and Warriors, but I have...Carol, I remember Wizards and Warriors, but I have to admit that I don't remember Julia Duffy in it, but in my defense, I was eleven. The only actor I remember is Jeff Conaway, but I already knew who he was from Taxi reruns. My Dad let me watch some unusual programs when I was a kid. Doughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01282017861110563132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-32653781794783232802017-03-24T21:14:48.284-07:002017-03-24T21:14:48.284-07:00Friday question: People seems to have two feelings...Friday question: People seems to have two feelings about the song "American Pie". Either they love it or hate it. Which camp or you in? As a DJ, did you ever get sick of it? If that that song, any others you just couldn't stand? Loving the podcast by the way.<br />Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00760229533287495672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-44014333313250890262017-03-24T20:57:32.530-07:002017-03-24T20:57:32.530-07:00@AJ Ford That looks like David Lloyd's magnifi...@AJ Ford That looks like David Lloyd's magnificent and unmistakeable dome at the beginning of that clip.Johnny Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13302545167970532080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-31281949618420684452017-03-24T20:45:21.739-07:002017-03-24T20:45:21.739-07:00I feel the same way about Fred Dryer... I just don...I feel the same way about Fred Dryer... I just don't get it. He was a low rent Ted Baxter to me. How could he have carried Cheers...? I assume he would have played Sam Malone differently to how he played Dave Richards? (And looking back, it's amazing that character came back so many times...)<br /><br />Still very much enjoying the podcast. Your breaking in episode (the last one I've listened to) was great. I'd love to hear the story between The Jefferson's and M*A*S*H. It's fascinating to hear the setbacks along the way. They're usually the things they get edited out of breaking in stories. You and David had lots of reasons to feel discouraged in the beginning, but you didn't. You kept going with gusto, and I guess that's the difference between success and failure. I found it inspiring. Thanks!Johnny Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13302545167970532080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-61011850791919232442017-03-24T20:12:33.883-07:002017-03-24T20:12:33.883-07:00Ken, apologies if this question has been asked bef...Ken, apologies if this question has been asked before, but I'm curious: <br /><br />Some sitcoms had a primary director who would direct most episodes (e.g. <i>Taxi</i> and <i>Cheers</i> with James Burrows, <i>Married...with Children</i> with Linda Day and then Gerry Cohen, and <i>Seinfeld</i> with Tom Cherones and then Andy Ackerman) and other sitcoms (i.e. <i>M*A*S*H</i>) would have episodes farmed out to various directors, each of whom generally directed a couple or several episodes per season. <br /><br />What are the reasons for some sitcoms having a primary director and others not having one? What are the pros and cons of each option, and which of the two, in your experience, do writers and actors generally prefer?Francis Dollarhydehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16974200244125077414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-47843314650386688092017-03-24T18:24:57.436-07:002017-03-24T18:24:57.436-07:00This Cheers-shot-on-videotape episode would have b...This Cheers-shot-on-videotape episode would have been a GREAT bonus feature on a DVD. Wouldn't be the same on a computer monitor...Saburohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00075733019914312218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-55750068744886244622017-03-24T17:51:08.188-07:002017-03-24T17:51:08.188-07:00I agree with you, Ken, about Fred Dryer. I obviou...I agree with you, Ken, about Fred Dryer. I obviously don't know the guy -- maybe it's just the characters he's played -- but even in interviews he doesn't seem to know how to be natural, instead of trying to "play himself."<br /><br />@AAllen: Cheers is one of the many shows in the 80s and 90s that switched from film post-production to videotape post-production. On Cheers, the change happened at the start of Season 5.<br /><br />Another show that switched mid-production was Quantum Leap, which was pretty easy to see because the digital effects were noticeably different than the optical film effects. The last network series I'm aware of that was post-produced entirely on film from pilot to cancellation was "Life Goes On," which ended in 1993.<br /><br />These days, there are few people left who know how to use the old film techniques. When the producers of "Stranger Things" decided to make a title sequence that looked just like an early 80s show, they discovered it was cheaper and faster to do it digitally and then go through the painstaking process of manually imitating the grain, flutter, and color of old film stock rather than just shooting it on film to begin with.Andy Rosenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-77305242166286975492017-03-24T17:48:33.185-07:002017-03-24T17:48:33.185-07:00I just need to say I loved Julia Duffy as Ariel in...I just need to say I loved Julia Duffy as Ariel in Wizards and Warriors. And I wonder if I'm one of the 6 people who remember that show.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01202427531137840740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1387185052552531772017-03-24T15:46:29.443-07:002017-03-24T15:46:29.443-07:00Julia Duffy was quite good.
Her episode used two... Julia Duffy was quite good. <br /><br />Her episode used two words which will never appear in another sitcom episode, "Ichthyology" and "Schopenhauer." The Cheers writers weren't afraid to assume the viewers were intelligent. They might not have known the meaning of either, but the viewers were smart enough to get the context.<br /><br />Also, the episode has the unforgettable Russian poem recited by Julia, "Another Christmas Of Agony." Hilarious. <br /><br />Max Clarkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07706524941272103444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-50666305456809327432017-03-24T15:02:05.795-07:002017-03-24T15:02:05.795-07:00I liked your comment about Les Moonves, because it...I liked your comment about Les Moonves, because it's true in many environments: It's great to work with a person who'll take the responsibility for bad news.<br /><br />And I'll add one more voice of concern about Mark Evanier. While he usually posts a soup can when he's busy, this time it's a closed sign. If you could, let Mark know that we're concerned and hope that all is well. Thanks!Charles H Bryannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-48893971107703394712017-03-24T14:55:14.963-07:002017-03-24T14:55:14.963-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Pearlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-25424899989619039542017-03-24T13:46:19.898-07:002017-03-24T13:46:19.898-07:00One example of program/film maker to studio exec, ...One example of program/film maker to studio exec, a kind of poacher turned gamekeeper transition, is David Puttnam, now in the House of Lords. He was only in charge at Columbia for a year and a bit, but it counts.Looseheadnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-77235787740928285822017-03-24T13:41:23.446-07:002017-03-24T13:41:23.446-07:00First Evanier and now yesterday's comments sec...First Evanier and now yesterday's comments section. It's bloody Putin, isn't it?Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06248182899977033579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-86959261301359974082017-03-24T12:08:50.417-07:002017-03-24T12:08:50.417-07:00Hi Ken, On a completely unrelated subject, Our fri...Hi Ken, On a completely unrelated subject, Our friend Mark's site has been "down" for days. Please let us know if he's alright and that the problem is technical.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17637505192275018056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-37099074834542661322017-03-24T10:11:30.175-07:002017-03-24T10:11:30.175-07:00Hi Ken,
Re-posting in case you missed it.
This i...Hi Ken,<br /><br />Re-posting in case you missed it.<br /><br />This is excerpted from a Mary Tyler Moore Show blooper reel. The long intro from (I assume) the warm-up comedian is not on this clip but is part of the blooper reel if you search YouTube.<br /><br />https://youtu.be/eUPWMBZIU0w<br /><br />I am wondering if you have seen it live or heard about it. The performer is one of the producers, Stan Daniels. I am curious about him - was he also a writer for the show, did he come up with this or it performed by others.<br /><br />I almost see Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner coming up with it.<br /><br />Anyhow, though you would enjoy if you had not experienced it.AJ Fordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11001723476881509723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-9575900785350161262017-03-24T08:53:43.031-07:002017-03-24T08:53:43.031-07:00The HD versions of Cheers on Amazon Prime are amaz...The HD versions of Cheers on Amazon Prime are amazing, and look much richer than the version Netflix is using. (I don't work for Amazon, I just find the comparison striking.)Chris Gnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-39928952588108654482017-03-24T08:33:48.102-07:002017-03-24T08:33:48.102-07:00Budget is the primary reason that WKRP (an MTM sho...Budget is the primary reason that WKRP (an MTM show) was on videotape -- but not because video tape itself was cheaper. Rather, the music licensing agreements of the time were structured so that anything shot on video tape (usually a variety show, American Bandstand, that sort of thing) got a MUCH cheaper music licensing rate. The agreement was originally structured to accommodate variety and music programming, but WKRP wanted to be able to play lots of music, so they shot on videotape to take advantage of the deal.Arthur Meenoreply@blogger.com