My Boys Blog Week Nine

Brendan Smith is one of the writers on 'My Boys.' He is a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and lives in Silver Lake, CA with his dog Ozzy. He likes Iron Maiden, green chili cheeseburgers, and The Big Lebowski.

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Notes from the Writer's Room, Week Nine

Hello, boys and girls. Big week, huh?

Luke & Laura. Ross & Rachel. Joanie & Chachi. And now Kenny & Stephanie. Our Kids have finally joined the pantheon of great TV hook-ups, and it only took 'em thirty episodes to do so.

But you felt that comin' like the Q-train from Brooklyn, didn't you?

I can't wait to read the "Fan Forum" today, because I know that there will be A TON of comments re: Kenny & Stephanie. (You should know that they were very nervous about shooting that last little bit because they've become such good friends "in real-life.")

Have at it!

RANDOM NOTES:

A. You might've noticed that Mr. Gaffigan was "light" in this episode. That's because Jim was off shooting a few scenes for an upcoming, top-secret movie. Our Fearless leader made the necessary story adjustments and gave Jim a few extra days during the middle of our shoot to go work with a very well-known director. So there you go.

B. Two very awesome guest-stars in this episode. First, Christopher McDonald, who I call, "Hey, that guy." Because he's been in about three zillion movies and TV shows. (Yes, Christopher was Geena Davis' boorish husband in Thelma & Louise.) He just works constantly, and seemed to have a blast playing "George Newman."

And then there's Mimi Rogers. Simply put, Mimi is elegant, beautifulŠ professional. On-srceen and off. She's one of those actors that just has that "thing," that presence that makes you go, "Oh, yeah, she's special." So what a coup for us. And what a coup for Jamie Kaler!

(Sorry, we did not ask her about "Tom" while she was on-set. That would've been lame. Very lame. Still, a boy can wonder, can't he?)

Last thing: Get ready for "Bobby's mom."

C. I'll tell you more about the estate we used for episode #208 next week but I can tell you that a) it's massive, b) it's on sale for 75 million bucks, and c) it's near a section of Southern California that is usually on fire at this time of year.

That shouldn't stop you from buying it, though assuming you've got the cash. The stable is basically nicer than most of the houses I've ever been in.

D. This is definitely a "you had to be there" kind of thing, but I'm gonna share it with you anyway because it was arguably the funniest moment in the writers' room this year. The great Ethan Sandler did the blues dance ­which was originally a jazz dance - and the bit killed. Destroyed.

But you had to be there, so yada yada.

E. Brando is wearing a Sonic Youth shirt (one of my top five bands of all time, BTW) when the gang arrives at the ranch. Before the end of the day, though, dude wears about four or five other tees including a Bob Seger shirt.

I'm just saying.

F. If you have to day-drink ­ you know, like at a tailgate or a Cubs' game or Lollapalozza or something - DO NOT take a nap when you're done. If you do, you'll be disoriented for the rest of the day. Seriously.

G. Here are some great lines for episode #208:

KENNY - "You don't want that one. She's evil." GEORGE - "Well, that's the way I like them."

"And no hat. It makes your puny little head look even punier."

"Dude, wine tasting is really just a classy way for people to get day-drunk."

"You know, Milwaukee is actually the New York of Wisconsin." A lot of people don't know that."

"Fifty bucks on Jack!"

H. Hey! We got a nice little nod on Entertainment Weekly's website (EW.com). We made their "Must List: What's Hot for the Week of July 27th, 2008," and I think that's pretty cool.

I. Well, we're finally here. The final episode of our latest run airs next week. I've said this before but I'll say it again: Just recruit one more person to the cause.

Let's finish this thing on a high note.

Peace out.
Brando


The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer/speaker and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Turner Entertainment Networks, Inc.”