This has been my first pilot season on the demand side (instead of the supply side), and as with most years there's more fat than steak. But what hurts more than anything is the great show that DOESN'T make it. We're a while away from finding out what makes it. But I want to tell you about two shows that didn't make it and the world is a sadder place because of it.
Heat Vision & Jack, Fox, 1999
Jack Black plays a former astronaut who, during an exploration, gets too close too the sun. This is actually a positive as the sun gave him super human intelligence. This occurs whenever the sun is down, however. Aided by Jack, a friend of his who died in a motorcycle crash and was reincarnated as a talking motorcycle (voiced by Owen Wilson), the duo ride the back desert highways fighting for justice, namely Ron Silver (as himself). Ben Stiller produced it.
I want you to read that one again. OK. It's FUNNIER than that. It's simply amazing. Unless the joke went over everyone's heads there (and they decided to instead air such winning comedies as Holding the Baby, Costello, or Getting Personal) this would have made everyone stars. Of course, that happened in time anyway...but just to see that cast when they were younger (JB still had the gut, naturally) is a thing of beauty.
Lookwell, NBC, 1991
Adam West is an actor who starred on a 70s cop show...problem is not only are roles dry, he continues to "help" the LAPD with crimes. Written by Conan O'Brien and Robert Smigel.
I think anyone would agree with me that West is quite possibly one of the best dry comedy legends, right there with Fred Willard. To see him screening episodes of the 70s show (titled "Banagan") for his acting class, and his delivery of lines such as "Used to...play detective...mind...can't help but make...deductions."
NBC...well, why pick this when The Adventures of Mark & Brian (LA radio DJ's real life escapades) or Flesh 'n Blood (A stuffy lawyer takes in her 'country' family members) sit right on the shelf?
These are rare occasions, and I don't want to give the impression that there's tons of gems in the hills. But every now and then, you can see the gold. Just gotta...grab.
