Talking To Myself

I'm running out of format ideas, so for this next entry, I am going to have a fictionalized conversation with myself. What would Eric talk to Eric about? There would be much to discuss, but might as well start with the important stuff: television.

Eric: I'm looking for a new show to watch on DVD - any recommendations?
Eric: How about "NewsRadio", Season 3? To me, the quirky sitcom about a radio station's eccentric owner and staff is television's underappreciated gem of the 1990s. The show was slotted in 11 different time slots, and was perpetually on the brink of cancellation, but I'll remember it for its phenomenal cast, offbeat writing and absurdist sensibilities. The stellar ensemble cast was highlighted by Dave Foley (Kids in the Hall), Maura Tierney (ER), Stephen Root (Milton from "Office Space" - if you've only seen him in wimpy "Dodgeball" roles, you're in for a treat) and of course, the late, great Phil Hartman. In a way, "NewsRadio" was simply ahead of its time. "NewsRadio", with its brisk-paced, absurd, almost out-of-control humor feels much more at home in a world where "Zoolander" and "Anchorman" have broken down some of the barriers between "funny ha-ha" and "funny ridiculous". Season 3 was my favorite season - it's out on DVD with some great commentary, check it out if you can. Here's a clip where the staff discovers a horrible secret about Dave - he's Canadian.


Eric: I've seen "NewsRadio" before - how about something I've never heard of?
Eric: Check out the one and only season of "Undeclared". Before Judd Apatow was producing hit comedies like "40-Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up", he was getting unlucky in the sitcom world, putting together great shows that no one watched. He's more famous for "Freaks and Geeks", which is a better show with richer characters, but "Undeclared" is simply funnier, a great take on starting college. Seth Rogen of "Knocked Up" is downright hilarious - here, the guys try to induce a game of truth or dare with the girls.


Eric: Thanks for all this useful information, Eric! Who knew someone so good-looking could also posess so much worthwhile knowledge?
Eric: I surprise myself even.

Eric: I am eating some jambalaya. What else should I know?
Eric: My, that sounds delicious. If you're an Aaron Sorkin fan ("The West Wing", "A Few Good Men"), check out "Sports Night", which is a lot like the ill-fated "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip", if Studio 60 didn't suck. "Sports Night" is like Studio 60, except they run a pseudo-Sportscenter instead of a pseudo-SNL, and more importantly, the show is only 30 minutes, thus forcing Sorkin to pare down his endless preaching and moralizing. Felicity Huffman is good in it, as is the guy from "Six Feet Under". The show was never hysterically funny, but the characters were touching and there was a steady stream of light laughs - I can't post any clips because it won't make any sense, but trust me, if you're a Sorkin fan, you'll like "Sports Night".

Eric: Well thanks for all the TV advice. We'll talk again soon.
Eric: Yes, let's. I'm hungry. Jam-ba-la-ya!