Michael Kramer on “A Tale of Two Kidneys”

Airdate: 3/26/08

WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!

Hello Elmoians,

This was my first script for "Men In Trees," so therefore, my first blog.  Although I've written on a couple of live-action shows in the past, I've spent most of my career writing animated series.  So it was nice to see actual humans saying my lines again. 

A quick word about the title -- my original one was something so bland and boring I can't even remember it.  Jenny Bicks asked me to come up with something better.  As a joke, I titled it, "A Tale of Two Kidneys," figuring I'd replace it once I thought of a better one.  But the other "Men In Trees" writers liked it and that was it. So after years of writing animation, I finally get on a great live-action show, only to name my first script something that sounds straight out of Bugs Bunny.

As a poker enthusiast, I was excited to have a poker scene in my script.  Mostly because I'm hoping I can now write off my gambling losses as "research" on my taxes.

Since Ivan Palacinke appears in my episode for the first time, I had the dubious task of having to come up with a realistic-sounding Croatian name for him.  I looked up "Croatian first names" on the internet and found Ivan. I thought that sounds hockey player-ish. (Of course, the only activity I do that involves ice is drinking, so what do I know.)  But I couldn't find a Croatian last name that worked.  Then I remembered that on "The Honeymooners" (one of my favorite shows of all time), Ralph had an Italian neighbor named Mrs. Manicotti.  I always loved that they didn't even bother giving her a real Italian last name.  So I went back to the ol' Information Superhighway, but this time looked up "Croatian foods."  And voila!  Palacinke is a Croatian pancake.  When Jenny Bicks read in my outline that Ivan's nickname was "The Pancake," she asked me what that has to do with hockey.  I said, "Nothing.  It has to do with 'The Honeymooners.'"  She said then I'm missing a joke opportunity in which someone assumes it has something to do with hockey, only to discover that it doesn't.  Hence, when Annie learns that Ivan's nickname is “The Pancake,” she says, "Because he flattens people into the boards!" Then Buzz says, "No, because in Croatian, his last name means pancake."  To which Annie replies, "Oh. Then it's not really a nickname.  It's his real name."

In this episode, Annie gives Marin a homemade clay replica of Marin's house as an anniversary present. In real life, my friend Meg makes those for people. (Not the one in the episode though.)  Meg works for "Judge Judy" and once excitedly showed me the clay replica she made of Judge Judy's house.  I compared it to the photo of her house and instantly pointed out, much to Meg's chagrin, that she forgot the garages.  Hence, Jerome asking Annie, "Where’s the chimney?" (Since Marin doesn't have a garage.)

We filmed "A Tale of Two Kidneys" in October of '07, and the other writers warned me (practically begged me) to pack tons of warm clothing.  But I figured it's October, how cold can it be?  So I opted out of bringing long underwear and fleece, etc.  And I was fine the whole time and mocked their advice… until we filmed inside a hockey rink… for an entire day.  I spent most of it cursing the day I was born.  In the future, I will heed their advice.

And that’s about it.  I hope you enjoyed watching it as much as I enjoyed making it.

Michael

Comments

[vivien]

it would be stinkin' great if ABC could decide on and Keep the same day they want to air Men In Trees. Its my fav show and I've been looking for it to come back on since December, every FRIDAY I've been looking for it. Only to randomly stumble upon it today on a Wednesday of all days, and now I find out I've missed FOUR new episodes!!! I'm so mad. Please don't change the day again ABC!!

[Kristin Calhoun Stockinger]

I just wanted to write and thank you for highlighting someone on your show who is on dialysis and on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. After 2 and 1/2 years on dialysis, on August 17, 2006, I gave one of my kidneys to my husband. It has been a long road, but we are both now doing well. Please continue to keep your story line on this topic true to life. Thank you again for bringing this very inportant topic to prime time TV.

[Jennifer]

Indeed I enjoyed watching this episode. I say this every time, but somehow this show keeps getting better and better! Thanks again for another awesome episode. I laughed so hard when I saw how Terry had decorated Cash's hospital room! And I love how Jack and Marin are really pulling together. As always with this show, there was the perfect blend of funny, witty, heartwarming, and thought-provoking. Keep 'em coming!

[Jenny]

Great ep, as always! I simply adore Cash more and more every time I see him. :D

vivien, there are multiple sites that give you the tv schedule. TheFutonCritic.com is great. TVIsMyPaficier.com (my site :) ) is good, too. There are many many others. Use them. It will save you a lot of grief when you don't miss shows!

[Felmoberman]

Well done! Loved the details, like the missing chimney and the pancakes. The scenes between Marin and Jack were excellent, especially the ending. Very touching. I'm looking forward to more!

[DEE]

Michael I totally thought you were going to make Marin be pregnant, and I was all soap operish thrilled about it, oh well.
Love this show, it stinks that ABC doesn't seem to.

[MARYANNE]

It is wonderfull to see a
primetime character who is Croatian but could the writers do a little more research and use the actual language rather than resorting to some made-up mumbo-gumbo!!Take a clue from "ER" and get it right!
If you need help let me know!

[Dick in Ct]

another wonderful episode -funny, yet touching ... especially the interaction between Marin and Jack ... Thought Marin was absolutely stunning with her short hair and that cocktail dress in the previous NY episode - I really think I'm having a love affair with her and her sultry voice ... she makes me melt !!! Can't wait for the next episode ... BRAVO !!!

[Shari]

I am so happy to be able to watch my favorite show on a regular basis once again. I love this time slot and hope that it stays the same. Great show once again!! Keep up the good work.

[Nora]

Thanks for some interesting tidbits on how the show was written. Your blog was very fun to read! And the show last night was another great episode of MIT! :) It was nice seeing shades of the "old Patrick" back. :)

[Ava]

Sorry Michael I don't want to be mean but this episode was horrible. There was so much potential here for another great episode and it just did not deliver on any level. Last week showed so much depth in all of the characters and this week, nothing. Also after no Cash last week, I was so looking forward to some quality interaction with him and Marin especially since this was the episode she found out how ill he is. Instead I got Terry dressing up his room like a luau. What the heck was that? There was so much potential to deepen the Cash/Marin relationship last night and what we got was Jack being a self absorbed jerk as usual, Marin standing up to Jack, which I loved, only to cave into him in the end and like I said I don't know what the heck you were trying to do with the Terry and Cash thing but it absolutely did not work. Marin said she would be there for Cash (and that doesn't mean bringing a potted plant by) and she should be there for him, after all, Cash has always been there for her. After seeing a clip of Terry and Cash in the preview of next week's show, for the first time I am not looking forward to the next episode. Marin and Cash have unfinished business, forget Terry and Cash. I was also looking forward to seeing Ivan's interest in Annie irritate Patrick but instead Patrick gives him a thumb's up and then Ivan turns out to be nothing more than a spoiled brat. Okay I need to stop, you get it, I was disappointed.

[Cassandra]

Great episode!!

[victoria nyc]

thank you for an awesome
episode, i can't ask for
more......
one thing i love about MIT
you always end up with feel
good ending !! bravo
more more more
jack and marin gorgeous !!

[Mel]

Dear Michael,

That was a very witty, intelligent, rainy (?) '!) and heartwarming episode.

I agree with Jennifer, somehow this show is getting better and better.

Mission accomplished, Michael, congratulations !

Mel

ps Can't wait for next week

[Sabrina]

I LOVE THIS SHOW!! Welcome Michael, another great episode. Love the new character,Ivan. The interactions with all the actors and their lines, so funny, witty, and heartfelt. I love that Jack is coming out of his stoic shell. Looking forward to next week.

[Nina]

Vivien and anyone else who misses an episode... you can watch all the episodes on the net at abc.com...I haven't had a TV for two months now but watch all my favorite shows on line....You can catch up anytime you want and an add bonus...it is all High Definition...Men in Trees is the best show to come along in a very long time.
Happy viewing..

[Rosie]

How can I find out where to buy Theresas cool grey sweater with the pink rose on it?

[Corinne]

I think this is the best show on tv, I HOPE HOPE HOPE it's renewed and promoted properly for a change. Last night's episode was interesting but I'm still waiting for something "more" to evolve between Marin and Cash, I kind of get the feeling he's in love with her but realizes her heart belongs to Jack now. As for the Annie/Patrick thing, I'm wondering if Patrick will grow jealous of "The Pancake" when/if he decides to go after Annie (looks like he does just that in next week's episode. It's all very intriguing and my fingers are crossed that ABC decides to renew so we can watch how this wonderfully emotional and heartwarming show plays out. Keep on writing great episodes, Michael, good luck!!!

[Debbie]

Finally! A T.V. show that shows compassion and information on the need of kidneys. I like 78,000 other Americans are waiting on the gift of life,(a kidney transplant) Kudos to you and ABC on how you chose to present it on Men in Trees. When Marin "stepped up" to help a friend. Now Terry stepped up because he needs a person like Cash. All of us need a person (just one) to step up! Keep it real and true and maybe your story line will reach out to America even if one person will think I can do one small thing to save a person's life. Thanks again to you and ABC.
Waiting on the Gift of Life!

[Betty]

Dear Michael,
You are a fine addition to the writers' room and I hope your services will be required in SEASON 3. My enjoyment of every moment of MIT is blighted only by the grave possibility that the end is nigh. ABC - please promote MIT during Monday night DWTS and Bachelor.

[MIT Fan in MT]

I had mixed feelings about this episode, and after reading that it was a new writer, it explained the differences I felt. Not that I didn't like it, but it just felt different. I'm not crazy about obnoxious Ivan - I think we have plenty of great characters already on the show that we don't get enough of (ie Sarah, Theresa and Ben, Jane and Plow guy, Jerome, etc). I can see Ivan being a pawn in waking Patrick up to Annie, but I'm hoping we don't spend a lot of time on him as a new character. And speaking of Annie, I LOVE her new haircut - absolutely beautiful! She is definately one of my favorite characters - she always lights up a scene - she is so sweet and funny. I liked the poker night and the rules - and Dick - what a hoot! And I really liked Buzz's line about giving Patrick his kidney and how Celia would give Patrick both her kidneys and her heart. I loved Terry's line to the nurse about "good, then you know how to lift with your legs" - very funny! I'm liking the blossoming friendship between Terry and Cash - they both need more airtime. And I really liked the ending, with the return of Celia's plate with the note from Patrick - very touching. See, I enjoyed the show very much, even with the different feel.
Note to Jenny: I'm hoping ABC doesn't pick you up this fall so you can shop it to other networks, who would be much more apt to give you (and us) the love this show so deserves! This terrifically written and acted show deserves so much better than ABC!
Looking forward to my next visit to Elmo :-)

[Loretta in Michigan]

Another wonderful Wednesday night watching MIT. It really is great watching new episodes every week.

[Stacy]

Michael,

Thanks for writing and congrats on your first MIT script. I really enjoyed it.

I'm falling in love with Jack all over again.

I loved seeing more of Terry and I look forward to his relationship with Cash.
Cash sure looked good in that hospital gown.

So much I loved about this episode... Annie's new hair cut, Dick winning at poker, Marin and Jack talking their issues out. The only thing I didn't like was Ivan. I hope Annie doesn't fall for him. Loved the pancake thing.

Great show. Please ABC give us another season.

[Shannon]

Well, Michael, I LOVED the episode. You did a great job for it being your first time writing scripts for real people! I don't know Croation language, but I see someone here and another person on the message boards said the language Ivan spoke wasn't exactly right. That's ok, I know that your first time is not going to be perfect, but it was pretty darn close. I love the title of this episode too. I liked it from the very beginning when I saw it in a spoiler on tvguide.com. So, great job on your first writing job for our beloved show Men In Trees, and you sound like a very funny person, so I look forward to more funny interactions that you will write in the future.

[Barb]

Hi: Just wanted to say I loved the show. Why does ABC keep it a secret when they promote other shows like the terribe Bachelor. There is no comparison and yet that has been on for years. Please keep MIT going. Maybe you will be lucky and get picked up by another network.