11.00 The Famous Teddy Z
The Famous Teddy Z. Episode 12. "How to Make a Television Show" Teddy helps two writers sell a TV series to the network.
Wow. One of the very best episodes. Teddy Z was the third great show from Hugh Wilson, the guy behind WKRP In Cincinnati, and - in common with WKRP - it is set behind the scenes in the world of entertainment. In this episode Teddy Z (who is still getting used to being an agent) meets two acclaimed writers (who have a track record of making documentaries) who want to sell a TV series.
When the episode starts the writers are pitching a series about two undercover agents working in Nicaragua whose work there causes them to question American involvement in the country. And by the end of the episode, thanks to interferance from network executives, it has become a show about two hot FBI chicks, living in LA, one of whom has a child with a magical invisible friend that only she can see.
It's a wonderful, wonderful episode. Not very funny, to be honest, but incredibly biting and intelligent. Written, one feels, from a place of experience. And wonderful because, despite the fact that it paints the network executives as myopic dullards, it does no great favour to the writers either. While they certainly start out with noble intentions, and a great idea, they are more than happy to 'sell out' and go for the lowest common denomenator when the almighty dollar is waved in front of their faces.
So, for all it's venom, one feels that Wilson and his team are more intent on attacking the system rather than one side of it.
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