Actually, the show is something I’m fond of. We had a great time making it. Two of my favorite writers on the show, young bucks at the time, were Russel Friend and Garrett Lerner. They helped me out of many a narrative jam. If you’re a fan of House M.D. you owe some thanks to those two.
Anyway, if you’ve got Chiller in your cable package (there’s an awkward phrase) check out their schedule and sample yourself some Freakylinks. My favorite episode, the creepiest by far, is “Three Thirteen.” A nice little ghost story. That, by years, predated The Ring.
Most awkward moment: At the Television Critics Association gathering in Pasadena, CA, exec. producer Tommy Thompson was on stage with the actors, including Dennis Christopher, extolling the virtues of the yet-to-be-aired series to hundreds of reporters from around the country. Asked by a reporter how he saw the characters carrying the show, Tommy replied with (and I’m paraphrasing), “I have no idea what we’re going to do with Dennis Christopher’s character.” He was completely serious. You could see Dennis’ stunned reaction on stage. The other actors resembled headlighted deer. Afterward, Dennis, in total actor meltdown, practically tackled me demanding to know, “What the hell did that mean?” I was left to smooth some very ruffled feathers. Tommy left the show shortly thereafter. So did Dennis’ character.
PS: David Goyer was so pissed at Fox for screwing him over he pulled his name off the show. He slipped the name “Ricardo Festiva” in there instead.