NBC Seeks to Block "Dharma and Greg" Seinoff Episode

[email] writes:

Well, at least you and I are talking about how there's nothing to talk about.

Seemingly, but within that basic framework there are many subtle variations only discernible to an acute observer that reflect the many moods, the many shades, the many sides of George Costanza.

But I'm disturbed! I'm depressed! I'm inadequate! I got it all!

Oh listen, before you go, would you mind changing my diaper?

It may be time for the dreaded apparatus.

Looking for the quotes. Gotta check the quotes. Love a good quote.

"Nobody knows what to do. You just close your eyes, you hope for the best. I really think they're happy if you just make an effort."

NBC Seeks to Block "Dharma and Greg" Seinoff Episode

By John Littleton

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - There were signs Tuesday that NBC isn't overly thrilled with everyone's enthusiasm over the much-hyped "Seinfeld" season finale, set to air May 14th.

Amid "Seinoff" celebrations, party plans, incredible media exposure and the endless yada, yada, yada, NBC execs quietly filed a motion today to block the May 13th episode of ABC's "Dharma and Greg". The episode in question is based around the central character's scheme to have sex in a public location while the rest of the city is watching the final episode of "Seinfeld".

While it may seem to be a funny tribute for one of the best comedies in television history, sources indicate that NBC isn't laughing.

"What ABC has done is a tacky attempt at capitalizing on the popularity, efforts and talents of one of the greatest shows in television history. It's a disrespectful act against our product," one NBC exec remarked, adding that the show's depiction of the main characters turning San Francisco into their own naughty playground was insulting.

"I'm offended by the show's casual, care-free representation of recreational sex," he continued.

Fans of "Dharma and Greg" won't know until the last minute if they'll get to see the Seinoff episode as ABC is prepared to challenge NBC's motion until the very last moment.

"This program was not meant, in any way, to cash-in on the hype over the final Seinfeld episode," one ABC exec was quoted as saying. "Instead we've simply attempted to pay homage to a series that, I think, we all appreciate."

When asked what he thought about the "Dharma and Greg" tribute episode, Seinfeld simply grinned and said, "There's too much urinary freedom in this society. I'm proud to hold it in. It builds character."

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Reuters/Variety
^REUTERS@

15:30 05-12-98

[email] (NetAbuzer) wrote:

Hi Net...if you weren't so freaking lame, some of that might have been funny...back under you rock.

High five, WT

[email] (WT Pfefferle, Ph.D.) writes:

Oh, don't worry, you'll crack. Cracking's inevitable. First you crack, then you chuckle.

<snip>

Now THAT'S a funny comment coming from an NBC executive. The protagonists on "Dharma and Greg" are (here's a quaint term) ...married. None of the four main protagonists on "Seinfeld" is, yet they openly discuss their sexual escapades. In "NBC-speak", judging someone "sponge-worthy" is less "offensive" than getting married. And, lest we forget a previous "Seinfeld" episode, George's parents had a rockin' good time in the back of someone else's van.

The NBC executive reminds one of Claude Rains' character in "Casablanca": The gendarme (Rains) remarks that he's "Shocked, shocked" to discover that there is illegal gambling at Rick's Cafe Americain, shortly before receiving and accepting his gambling "winnings" (actually a payoff) for regularly looking the other way.

---Alvin H. Nichter

The ironic thing is that Dharma & Greg episode was VERY funny, while the Seinfeld finale had about two half-laughs in its entire duration.

Eb