This isn't based on any internet rumors or speculation, tips to TV Squad headquarters, or even reading of mystical tea leaves by a strange mystic in Chinatown. Just a thought that occurred to me while I was watching Studio 60's "Nevada Day, Part 2." What if all the stuff in Pahrump with Judge Bebe was a backdoor pilot? Does that seem like something you'd be interested in?I like the idea for a few reasons. First, John Goodman was very good as Judge Bebe, and it would be nice to see him back on our TV in a weekly gig. And while I think we might have our quota for serialized drama filled right now, there is still room for a quirky ensemble comedy. Pahrump would be the perfect setting for that. Aside from Judge Bebe, the D.A., and the smarter than he seems deputy that we have already met, there are all kinds of directions they could go with the rest of the cast.
Of course, there has to be a brothel. Since we are just making up a show, I'm seeing Paula Marshall (she needs a gig, right?) as the sharp and sarcastic madam. Maybe add in someone like Kaylee DeFer (Fox won't renew War At Home again, will they?) as the not so sharp, but well meaning, protege. And if you really want to ramp up the quirky, Pahrump is/was home to Art Bell. I'd love to see occasional bits with Art playing himself, assuming he returns from the Philippines, but even a fictionalized version could be really fun.
Add in a dimwit mayor for Bebe to butt heads with, an eager young prosecutor, maybe a tough as nails Sheriff, and you have a pretty good start. And hey, the folks over at Las Vegas are always up for a cross-over opportunity. It's got potential, and sounds better than a lot of the stuff currently filling up the schedules.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-20-2006 @ 10:11AM
Jim said...
No.
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11-20-2006 @ 10:23AM
Missy said...
I would watch that but they would have to be careful not to run into the same stories as Men in Trees. That show had a town prositute on it for awhile and is all about the small town stuff.
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11-20-2006 @ 10:33AM
Tim UF said...
I'd give it a chance... sorkin or prodigies should have some influence though... the Judge Bebe character could be floated for a bit with Goodman's ability, but the writing still needs to be there
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11-20-2006 @ 10:45AM
Porchland said...
Not sure I like this idea necessarily, but the networks miss a lot of opportunities to start or grow shows by using other shows a la Marvel Comics. The "CSI" and "Law & Order" shows are the closest to this, but they don't cross or move characters among shows very often.
Why didn't NBC and WB ever spin of a "West Wing" show about a senator, the defense department, etc.? Why haven't they done an "ER" spinoff by following a character to a new city and setting up a family practice?
"The Office: Scranton"?
"The Costanzas"?
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11-20-2006 @ 11:14AM
bnr said...
Maybe, if it was smartly written, rather then the "look how quirky these small town people are" comedy. I'd like a few more comedies- I can only follow so many serialized dramas in one season. And anything would be better than another "Friends"-like comedy or the "funny man with hotter wife" comedy. Both of those are so played out.
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11-20-2006 @ 12:07PM
Jean Prouvaire said...
> Why didn't NBC and WB ever spin of a "West Wing" show about a senator, the defense department, etc.
I've never seen it but according to imdb "Mister Sterling", about a new Senator, was (or was supposed to be) set in the TWW universe.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348966/
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11-20-2006 @ 12:37PM
Dana Graves said...
I'd really to see John Goodman in another comedy too. He was great in both Studio 60 NV eps. Also liked the other law enforcement/courtroom characters. Very well drawn for such short "lives."
How about a speeding/crimes on the highway passing through Pahrump, NV set up? Lots of quick sketches, great opps for guest stars, the humor can be found with JG, Pahrump itself, how people get into & out of trouble....
Regardless, it seems a shame to waste both the very funny name "Pahrump" & Goodman's remarkable comedic talents!
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11-20-2006 @ 12:55PM
Jean Prouvaire said...
Incidentally, for anyone who's interested, have reviewed "The Option Period" here:
http://www.worldinprogress.org/wip/archives/2006/11/studio_60_on_th_5.html
and "Nevada Day" here:
http://www.worldinprogress.org/wip/archives/2006/11/studio_60_on_th_3.html
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11-20-2006 @ 1:08PM
Sam said...
Interesting you should mention Paula Marshall ... didn't she guest as a pornstar on Sports Night - another Sorkin show?
P.S.: I'll bet you a sicilian pie from DiFara's Pizzeria in Brooklyn (best pizza in NYC!) that Fox renews The War At Home.
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11-20-2006 @ 1:16PM
mike m said...
I'd be willing to watch that...if it were a Sorkin show.
Speaking of Sorkin and his way of wording...this weeks Studio 60 is CLASSIC.
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11-20-2006 @ 2:05PM
J Sim said...
Considering that's what I called for after "Nevada Day,Part I", I would definitely have to watch it. Although I'm not sure about your casting ideas beyond Paula Marshall. Like bnr in #5, I wouldn't want it to be a "look how quirky these small town people are" comedy.
http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/11/06/studio-60-on-the-sunset-strip-nevada-day-part-one/2#c2605226
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11-20-2006 @ 2:27PM
Sam said...
I like the War at Home....
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11-20-2006 @ 8:44PM
Jean Prouvaire said...
In an ironic twist of TV fate, Pahrump has just confirmed every redneck, narrow-minded stereotype that Sorkin tried to repudiate in "Nevada Day" by making it illegal to fly a foreign (read: Mexican) flag unless an American flag is flown above it, and by making English the official language of the town.
More details:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/20/navarrette.flag/index.html
http://www.pahrumpvalleytimes.com/2006/Nov-17-Fri-2006/news/10864250.html
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Nov-14-Tue-2006/news/10812842.html
Mind, the votes certainly weren't unanimous and there are officials and citizens who argued against these measures, and these should be commended.
I'd love it if Sorkin followed up on "Nevada Day" in a future episode based on this development.
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