TVSquad

Whenever I think of Robert Wuhl, I'm reminded of that scene in Bull Durham where he's playing a coach meeting on the mound with the pitcher and the catcher -- Tim Robbins and Kevin Costner -- and they're arguing about what's an appropriate wedding gift. It's an inane, silly, funny moment, topped by Wuhl's suggestion that candlesticks always make a nice gift.

It's also nice to report that Robert Wuhl has agreed to remain with HBO. It's been his comic home for 12 years, including Arli$$ which ran for season seasons and poked fun at the world of professional sports. The show wasn't a water-cooler comedy like Entourage or Curb Your Enthusiasm, but it was consistently funny and I enjoyed it.

So now Robert, who's just signed an 18-month deal to create a new series for HBO. He already has the concept, and like Arli$$ it will be a single-camera comedy. The deal also includes other possible projects, like the specials he's done of late, Assume the Position With Mr. Wuhl.

Considering the current unsettling atmosphere and change at HBO (like chief Chris Albrecht's exit), it's no doubt reassuring that a veteran comic like Robert Wuhl has not defected. The tide has seemed to be turning in the cable wars of late, with Showtime getting the upper hand. HBO needs its stars to stay put.

Mr. Wuhl clearly showed his loyalty when he said, "HBO has been my family for a long time. With the changeover, they've seen me as one of the few people still there. I think I know what an HBO series should be. And I've always been on time and under budget."