Bob: Drawing a Blank / by Mark

From Newhart's early 90's TV series "Bob" (see my recent entry)--

The second episode of the series really establishes Bob's new comic book partner and antagonist Harlan Stone, plated by John Cygan. Harlan is essentially playing Todd McFarlane who led the charge for "grim and gritty" comics in the 90's.  He's an egomaniac and bi-polar at the same time.  I'm surprised Cygan never went on to bigger things (he's doing voice work for Pixar, Warner, and video games now).

The episode spends most of it's time in their office as they try to hammer out the first issue of the new "Mad-Dog" comic. They run into writer's block and come up with various excuses to avoid working, including repairing an air conditioner. At one point, Bob has to literally talk Harlan off the ledge of the building. In the end, they are forced to improvise a story when Bob's wife and daughter arrive to see how things are going.

The Complete Series DVD is available on Amazon.