Writer’s Strike: Ground Rules

Do you know Frank? That’s the question this morning as we read that 2.9 people tuned into last weeks’ debut of TBS’ new series, Frank TV, starring Frank Caliendo. We know we’re relatively late on this news, but there’s been a lot of TV to watch. We also had to keep up on the writer’s strike. And we went into a food coma midway through our third helping of pumpkin mousse on Thanksgiving. Now, after awakening, something about the show’s title and that it is another sketch comedy series following successful launches by TBS of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and The Bill Engvall Show made us pay attention and ask, who is Frank?

Ouch! That was us smacking our head. Caliendo is the plump comic from MADtv whose masterful and hilarious impressions got him an even better gig on Fox NFL Sunday, doing George W. Bush and John Madden. WE KNOW WHO HE IS! He’s good. After realizing he was Frank TV, we went back and looked at some clips. Frank says the show is going to continue to be something like: The Muppets meets SCTV, meets Saturday Night Live, meets the Simpsons.

His Nicholson, Pacino and DeNiro are as good as his Charles Barkley. How can one man be so many? See for yourself. Consider this new show update a service from your pals at Fancast.
Both sides in the writers strike are meeting this morning. The Late Show With David Letterman writer Steve Young posted ground rules on the blogs started by his show’s writing staff, LateShow WritersOnStrike.com:

– Each side may bring one giant inflatable animal.

?– No hot-dogging or show-boating.

?– During the 15 minute break, there will be a musical performance by the National Labor Relations Board ’s “Rappin’ Mediator.”?

– The AMPTP must withdraw excessively unfavorable proposals if the WGA team chants “Hey hey, ho ho, corporate greed has got to go.”?

– Each negotiating team member must bring a covered dish.

?– To determine the final internet residuals formula, the WGA will pick one of 26 silver briefcases held by models.?

– The session will begin with an attempt to resolve a minor negotiating issue: the WGA wants to be able to sit at the table, while the AMPTP is demanding 100% of the chairs for themselves.

[Click here to watch Letterman full-episodes and clips.]