Harry wrote a lot more eps than I thought... - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

McFly121 · 12-03-2005, 02:22 AM

Always did a great job, like tonight's he he kind of did an essay on the unknown. Death and mental illness and when our time comes. Harry seems like a pretty spiritual guy.

He co-wrote some other good ones like when Christine's boss harrassed her and I want to say Mac Snacks, because he always knew how to write great Dan sub-plots where he'd be chasing after some girl.

nitcrt1 · 12-03-2005, 03:20 PM

Harry Anderson is a very intelligent and very talented individual. He did a lot of directing too. From interviews I've seen with some cast members, they had a lot of respect for him. Extras on the show also had great things to say about him. I agree that he's a great writer and he had a very keen sense of the show. One of the things cast members loved about working on "Night Court" was the freedom to provide creative input. They could question a scene or a line and they were allowed to play around with it. They could also write episodes, direct, etc.

Getting back to Harry though. I think that he was never given the credit he really deserved. I think many people, especially critics, took his presence for granted. I don't think that the show could have been done without him. He truly was the quarterback of that team. He was "absent" from a whole episode in season nine and to me his absence was very obvious. You knew something was lacking in the episode and it was his presence. I think he was quietly on the sidelines while John's character stole the spotlight. This was something that never bothered Harry because Harry had a great deal of respect for John and had said that he learned the art of acting from him. Also, from what I understand, Harry and John are close friends to this day. I absolutely think John is very talented, but I also think Harry is very talented in many ways too.

McFly121 · 12-04-2005, 07:49 PM

Yeah I'd say Harry was one of the more underrated actors who used to be a comic/magician. He seemed genuine when trying to help a character on the show.

True, Dan couldn't have carried the show. Most of his great stories were throwaway sub-plots that would've lacked seriousness. Harry and the others were given the emotional stuff while Dan and his lifestyle were comic relief.

nitcrt1 · 12-04-2005, 09:19 PM

I always thought he was underrated. Maybe it was because no one really saw him as an actor. They just saw him as magician/comedian. In reality, I thought that Harry was a natural when it came to acting. I mean, he must have been doing something right to be nominated three times for best actor in a comedy series. He had tough competition those years. I at least would have liked to have seen him win once. He also did some of the craziest things on that show...like being propelled through the cafeteria by a fire extinguisher strapped to his back and roller skates on his feet. I still don't know how he pulled that off. I always wondered how the cast reacted when they saw him do that stunt for the first time. The audience sure ate it up.

I love Dan Feilding too. That character is an absolute classic, but I don't think that character could have carried the show either. One of the great things about Harry's character is that he always brought Dan back to reality. Also, both characeters were funny together. Harry though was like the voice of reason for everyone. He was also given the duty of problem solver. Let's think about this for a second. Could you see Dan giving Christine advice on her problems with Tony or comforting Bull over his "Bully The Dragon Story?" You could probably see it but not without some smart aleck comment.

judgestone · 12-12-2005, 08:58 PM

Yes Harry is very good writer and directors of what I have seen the show.I hope that I can see him soon on tv. I miss him on tv very much.

nitcrt1 · 12-13-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by judgestone

Yes Harry is very good writer and directors of what I have seen the show.I hope that I can see him soon on tv. I miss him on tv very much.

Harry Anderson really is talented in many areas. However, his first love is magic and entertaining audiences with it. Therefore, don't count on him returning to TV. From what I understand, the California life was not for him. He's quite content now having his shop and his night club in New Orleans in spite of the recent events concerning Hurricane Katrina. I have to say that I miss him on TV too. He actually left television at the height of his career. Because of his personality both on and off screen, critics praised him. He was a great television actor and very natural. He also had a likability factor with audiences, but He was tired of TV. Even though it's highly unlikely, I'd still like to see him play Judge Harry T. Stone one last time in a reunion movie to clean up the loose ends left by the series finale.

ekkostar · 12-13-2005, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McFly121

He co-wrote some other good ones like when Christine's boss harrassed her and I want to say Mac Snacks, because he always knew how to write great Dan sub-plots where he'd be chasing after some girl.

I thought that 'Attack of the Mac Snacks' was excruciating to get through. For some reason all the characters were a more over-the-top than usual.

I was really surprised by last night's episode 'Alone Again, Naturally'. Dan actually saying that he was horny and then saying he was gay after, not to mention that he actually said "condom". It shows that in the 1990s, you could get away with a lot more on network TV than you could in the 1980s. I actually thought Dan being direct about his sexual needs kind of took away from what made his character so great: double entendres. In an earlier season, Dan would allude to something deliciously kinky and my reaction wouldn't be so much as a laugh as it was a squeal. Now watching the later episodes, I get little chuckles out of the jokes, but the humor isn't as strong, it's too modern. I'll roll my eyes if I hear Dan, Harry, Bull or any of the other characters say a word like "sucks" in one of these last episodes.

Now that I've seen all the seasons, I have to say the strongest are all of the 1980s seasons up until the 1989-1990 season. I think this show kind of suffered from whatever Roseanne suffered from in later seasons.

Many will disagree with me and many around here seem to love the last three seasons.

nitcrt1 · 12-13-2005, 09:27 PM

I thought the concept for "Attack of the Mac Snacks" was good. I thought the addition of Christine's Uncle Floyd was cruddy though. He was a dull character. Harry has written better episodes though.

As for your observations on Dan, Dan had used the terms "horny" and "gay" in episodes prior to the nineties. However, I'd have to think about "condom". I want to say that I don't think I heard him say it before this episode. The others have been used though. I do agree that Dan's double entendres did enhance his character. That's one of the great things about "Night Court." As far as sexual exploits are concerned, it was more humorous hearing about them rather than seeing them like you do on today's shows. Unfortunately, after Reinhold Weege left, the show did lose its charm and did become more modern and grown-up. This was a complete detraction from what the show had been. As far as the last three seasons were concerned, here's how I honestly felt. Season seven had its moments mostly due to the input given by Reinhold Weege before he left. ( He just served as a consultant for this season. Then, he left for the last two.) Season eight had its moments but I wasn't crazy about the addition of Margaret Turner. Dan turning into a "humanitarian" was a stupid idea and Harry "growing up" and tossing his Mel Torme picture in a drawer for Margaret's was so not his character. And Christine having a one night stand with a 24-year old artist...what the hell was up with that?!!! I didn't hate it though. The last season was by far the worst season ever in the history of the show! The characters were totally not what they used to be, storylines did not follow circumstances that happened during the show's nine year run and this put a wound into the continuity of the show, Harry becoming a professor to a bunch of reject students was stupid, the humor in the show departed and the series finale was a mess!!! Instead of going out with a bang, the show went out like a balloon losing air quickly and falling flat. So, I was not a great fan of the last three seasons...especially season nine.

You're right the seasons in the eighties were the best. Of course, they were good because Reinhold Weege was in the driver's seat.

judgestone · 12-15-2005, 10:29 PM

I read one of Harry's interview journals saying that the all cast member was sooo mad at Richard Moll on 8th or 9th season for some reason It didnt say anything or no explaintion on why cast member was soo mad at Richard Moll on Harry's interview journal does anyone know why cast member was mad at Richard Moll during 8th or 9th season?

I guess that spoiled 9th season becasue of Richard. Also during 9th season Harry lost a lot of weight at that time that was fast. Well it doesnt matter what Harry look like today but I still like him the way he is just to be himself.

The only reason why NBC want to renewal 9th season is becasue of Seinfield and Night Court same day Wednesday during 8th season & the rating went up for a short time what else. Nbc ask the cast if they would to renewal for 9th season they agree to renewal then bang something happen with Richard Moll.

MikeLutton · 12-20-2005, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by judgestone

I read one of Harry's interview journals saying that the all cast member was sooo mad at Richard Moll on 8th or 9th season for some reason It didnt say anything or no explaintion on why cast member was soo mad at Richard Moll on Harry's interview journal does anyone know why cast member was mad at Richard Moll during 8th or 9th season?

I guess that spoiled 9th season becasue of Richard. Also during 9th season Harry lost a lot of weight at that time that was fast. Well it doesnt matter what Harry look like today but I still like him the way he is just to be himself.

The only reason why NBC want to renewal 9th season is becasue of Seinfield and Night Court same day Wednesday during 8th season & the rating went up for a short time what else. Nbc ask the cast if they would to renewal for 9th season they agree to renewal then bang something happen with Richard Moll.

one think always botherd me about Mr Moll how they always gave him stupid lines to and storylines worse i saw he had choice pick 123 from a game show like plan house or a car he picks a damm wig like how stupid is that omg i couldnt even watch that episode anymore he schould left the show r something i dont blame them for being mad at him.

hazlenut · 12-26-2005, 07:53 PM

Somewhere along the way I missed this, why was the cast mad at Richard Moll? From what was said above, it sounds as if they were mad about Bull's lines being stupid? Is this right? Could someone please clarify this for me. Thanks!

rjb182 · 12-27-2005, 01:37 AM

Harry Anderson's one of my heroes... his character, especially from the early days of this show, is just one of the coolest ever. I think you can tell from his portrayal just how well he understood this show... a very underrated performer.

MikeLutton · 12-27-2005, 03:05 AM

yeah Harry Anderson one of my heroes 2 very great actor i wonder where i could get copy of his Interview Journel someone metioned he got sounds real intresting to read. And i would really like to see a Night court renioun to kind give us real final or see what everyone up2 today.or him in another comedy be good2.really wish he would got a emmy for his work on Night court he really deserved one.while JOhn got 4 which is also great.

do u think they could done without Richard Moll Bull.

nitcrt1 · 12-27-2005, 10:09 PM

Let me respond to what I've been reading on this post. I don't know anything about an interview journal regarding Harry Anderson. I'd like to know myself where that came from. From what I understand or have heard about the Richard Moll story all I can say is that it had nothing to do with stupid lines being written for his character. Let's just say character personas aren't always what the person is like in real life. Could they have done without Richard Moll? In the begining maybe if problems had developed right from the start, which they did not. From what I gather, problems did not develop until later in the shows years. Therfore, it would have made it virtually impossible to get rid of him because he was a prominent character.

judgestone · 12-28-2005, 07:57 PM

Please check into Harry Anderson fan sites from Ellen Kotzin click "archives"
there is an article "Harry's interview with Lynn Wilson fan's question".

That is where I found the article about it.I hope that helped.

12-03-2005, 02:22 AM	#1
McFly121 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 18, 2004 Location: calif Posts: 812	Harry wrote a lot more eps than I thought... Always did a great job, like tonight's he he kind of did an essay on the unknown. Death and mental illness and when our time comes. Harry seems like a pretty spiritual guy. He co-wrote some other good ones like when Christine's boss harrassed her and I want to say Mac Snacks, because he always knew how to write great Dan sub-plots where he'd be chasing after some girl.
	__________________ "That was Bob's donut!"

12-27-2005, 03:05 AM	#13
MikeLutton Mike Lutton DVD Legend! Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 05, 2005 Location: usa pennsyvania Posts: 6,888	reply yeah Harry Anderson one of my heroes 2 very great actor i wonder where i could get copy of his Interview Journel someone metioned he got sounds real intresting to read. And i would really like to see a Night court renioun to kind give us real final or see what everyone up2 today.or him in another comedy be good2.really wish he would got a emmy for his work on Night court he really deserved one.while JOhn got 4 which is also great. do u think they could done without Richard Moll Bull.

12-03-2005, 03:20 PM	#2
nitcrt1 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 22, 2003 Posts: 482	Harry Anderson is a very intelligent and very talented individual. He did a lot of directing too. From interviews I've seen with some cast members, they had a lot of respect for him. Extras on the show also had great things to say about him. I agree that he's a great writer and he had a very keen sense of the show. One of the things cast members loved about working on "Night Court" was the freedom to provide creative input. They could question a scene or a line and they were allowed to play around with it. They could also write episodes, direct, etc. Getting back to Harry though. I think that he was never given the credit he really deserved. I think many people, especially critics, took his presence for granted. I don't think that the show could have been done without him. He truly was the quarterback of that team. He was "absent" from a whole episode in season nine and to me his absence was very obvious. You knew something was lacking in the episode and it was his presence. I think he was quietly on the sidelines while John's character stole the spotlight. This was something that never bothered Harry because Harry had a great deal of respect for John and had said that he learned the art of acting from him. Also, from what I understand, Harry and John are close friends to this day. I absolutely think John is very talented, but I also think Harry is very talented in many ways too.

12-04-2005, 07:49 PM	#3
McFly121 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 18, 2004 Location: calif Posts: 812	Yeah I'd say Harry was one of the more underrated actors who used to be a comic/magician. He seemed genuine when trying to help a character on the show. True, Dan couldn't have carried the show. Most of his great stories were throwaway sub-plots that would've lacked seriousness. Harry and the others were given the emotional stuff while Dan and his lifestyle were comic relief.

12-04-2005, 09:19 PM	#4
nitcrt1 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 22, 2003 Posts: 482	I always thought he was underrated. Maybe it was because no one really saw him as an actor. They just saw him as magician/comedian. In reality, I thought that Harry was a natural when it came to acting. I mean, he must have been doing something right to be nominated three times for best actor in a comedy series. He had tough competition those years. I at least would have liked to have seen him win once. He also did some of the craziest things on that show...like being propelled through the cafeteria by a fire extinguisher strapped to his back and roller skates on his feet. I still don't know how he pulled that off. I always wondered how the cast reacted when they saw him do that stunt for the first time. The audience sure ate it up. I love Dan Feilding too. That character is an absolute classic, but I don't think that character could have carried the show either. One of the great things about Harry's character is that he always brought Dan back to reality. Also, both characeters were funny together. Harry though was like the voice of reason for everyone. He was also given the duty of problem solver. Let's think about this for a second. Could you see Dan giving Christine advice on her problems with Tony or comforting Bull over his "Bully The Dragon Story?" You could probably see it but not without some smart aleck comment.

12-12-2005, 08:58 PM	#5
judgestone HELLO Frequent Poster Join Date: Nov 19, 2005 Location: MINNESOTA Posts: 135	Yes Harry is very good writer and directors of what I have seen the show.I hope that I can see him soon on tv. I miss him on tv very much.

12-13-2005, 09:27 PM	#8
nitcrt1 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 22, 2003 Posts: 482	I thought the concept for "Attack of the Mac Snacks" was good. I thought the addition of Christine's Uncle Floyd was cruddy though. He was a dull character. Harry has written better episodes though. As for your observations on Dan, Dan had used the terms "horny" and "gay" in episodes prior to the nineties. However, I'd have to think about "condom". I want to say that I don't think I heard him say it before this episode. The others have been used though. I do agree that Dan's double entendres did enhance his character. That's one of the great things about "Night Court." As far as sexual exploits are concerned, it was more humorous hearing about them rather than seeing them like you do on today's shows. Unfortunately, after Reinhold Weege left, the show did lose its charm and did become more modern and grown-up. This was a complete detraction from what the show had been. As far as the last three seasons were concerned, here's how I honestly felt. Season seven had its moments mostly due to the input given by Reinhold Weege before he left. ( He just served as a consultant for this season. Then, he left for the last two.) Season eight had its moments but I wasn't crazy about the addition of Margaret Turner. Dan turning into a "humanitarian" was a stupid idea and Harry "growing up" and tossing his Mel Torme picture in a drawer for Margaret's was so not his character. And Christine having a one night stand with a 24-year old artist...what the hell was up with that?!!! I didn't hate it though. The last season was by far the worst season ever in the history of the show! The characters were totally not what they used to be, storylines did not follow circumstances that happened during the show's nine year run and this put a wound into the continuity of the show, Harry becoming a professor to a bunch of reject students was stupid, the humor in the show departed and the series finale was a mess!!! Instead of going out with a bang, the show went out like a balloon losing air quickly and falling flat. So, I was not a great fan of the last three seasons...especially season nine. You're right the seasons in the eighties were the best. Of course, they were good because Reinhold Weege was in the driver's seat.

12-15-2005, 10:29 PM	#9
judgestone HELLO Frequent Poster Join Date: Nov 19, 2005 Location: MINNESOTA Posts: 135	I read one of Harry's interview journals saying that the all cast member was sooo mad at Richard Moll on 8th or 9th season for some reason It didnt say anything or no explaintion on why cast member was soo mad at Richard Moll on Harry's interview journal does anyone know why cast member was mad at Richard Moll during 8th or 9th season? I guess that spoiled 9th season becasue of Richard. Also during 9th season Harry lost a lot of weight at that time that was fast. Well it doesnt matter what Harry look like today but I still like him the way he is just to be himself. The only reason why NBC want to renewal 9th season is becasue of Seinfield and Night Court same day Wednesday during 8th season & the rating went up for a short time what else. Nbc ask the cast if they would to renewal for 9th season they agree to renewal then bang something happen with Richard Moll.

12-26-2005, 07:53 PM	#11
hazlenut Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 24, 2001 Location: Newark, DE Posts: 147	Somewhere along the way I missed this, why was the cast mad at Richard Moll? From what was said above, it sounds as if they were mad about Bull's lines being stupid? Is this right? Could someone please clarify this for me. Thanks!

12-27-2005, 01:37 AM	#12
rjb182 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Dec 26, 2005 Location: Cape Cod, MA Posts: 97	Harry Anderson's one of my heroes... his character, especially from the early days of this show, is just one of the coolest ever. I think you can tell from his portrayal just how well he understood this show... a very underrated performer.

12-27-2005, 10:09 PM	#14
nitcrt1 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 22, 2003 Posts: 482	Let me respond to what I've been reading on this post. I don't know anything about an interview journal regarding Harry Anderson. I'd like to know myself where that came from. From what I understand or have heard about the Richard Moll story all I can say is that it had nothing to do with stupid lines being written for his character. Let's just say character personas aren't always what the person is like in real life. Could they have done without Richard Moll? In the begining maybe if problems had developed right from the start, which they did not. From what I gather, problems did not develop until later in the shows years. Therfore, it would have made it virtually impossible to get rid of him because he was a prominent character.

12-28-2005, 07:57 PM	#15
judgestone HELLO Frequent Poster Join Date: Nov 19, 2005 Location: MINNESOTA Posts: 135	Please check into Harry Anderson fan sites from Ellen Kotzin click "archives" there is an article "Harry's interview with Lynn Wilson fan's question". That is where I found the article about it.I hope that helped.