Why Dave, Our PA, Hates Us.

A few weeks ago, I almost jumped off the Brothers & Sisters ship for good.  I was about to commit career suicide and I was ecstatic about it.  Luckily I was talked down from the ledge by the Buddha-like figure of the office, Carl (Greg Berlanti’s Assistant). What was I going to do, you ask? I was going to march into Greg’s office and demand that he fire me. It seemed like the greatest idea at the time. You see, if I quit I would have more time to write, but the problem is that I would then have no income. But if he fired me, I would have time to write AND be able to collect unemployment. It made sense. Sure the plan was half-baked and I was able to realize it before making a huge error.

What caused this irrational impulse? Pure and total frustration.  The job is annoying in nature and I’ve been doing it for over three years. I keep working on canceled TV shows. The specific demands are just so tedious. For example, one producer wants 1 and a half Splendas in their non-fat soy latte, and I am forced to care and watch over the baristas at Starbuck’s to make sure that each and every drink is poured to perfection. So all of my day at work is spent on these menial tasks and I get to watch all of my bosses do the job I’ve dreamed of doing since I was 15. Hence the hatred, which is really more jealousy than anything.

So what stopped me from quitting? Two reasons. One, I’ve worked too hard for too long to quit now and burn bridges with all my contacts. Two, every writer on the show is friendly and appreciative of what I do. You can’t hate that. They disarmed me with their kindness. Damn them. And frankly the producers are right. Soy does taste great in coffee and it’s better on your stomach. In addition they are not only fantastic writers, but interesting individuals that inspire me. I walked into Robbie Baitz’s office one day to find him writing scenes with finger puppets. You don’t question the genius, you just have to accept it.

So is this blog a cop out? Yes. You really thought I was going to tell you how each and every writer irritates me to no end. Well, think again. I want to work in this town and writers are sensitive. I’ve ran too many scripts, done too many coffee runs, almost died twice and was attacked by a raccoon and all of that in just the last six months. I’m not going to throw it all away cause I’m angry. I’ll hopefully use it in my writing if I can ever find the time.

Keep believing in America,

Dave, the PA.

[Thanks Dave, but we take this with a grain of salt.  Although you may SAY kind things, in actuality, we know you hate us.  Oh, and by the way, my soy-latte had TWO splendas in it today.  Damn you.]

Comments

[Dan]

An insightful and honest testament to overcoming the failure of positive thinking. You are an inspiration to us all, and a fine writer.

[Big Fan =]]

Hey! just wanted to say i love the show..last week was awesome!

also, could you ask the actor who plays Justin who killed Samantha on Reunion? it was one of my favorite shows and then it kind of vanished off the face of the earth. that would be awesome. thanks, and keep up the great work!

[Good Show]

This show is excellent. It keeps me on the edge of my seat every Sunday night. The casting couldn't have been better. I was surprisingly shocked when I say Matthew Settle on the first episode. He's an actor who hasn't gotten his due. I'm so glad you had the sense to cast him...but disappointed his stint is done. I'll still be watching. Keep it up!

[Wally]

The show is pretty damn great. By the way, as a shout-out to Josh Hopkins, why don't you mention his new video 'Feigning Interest' on YouTube? Maybe you could ever provide the link. Thanks.

[luce]

Last nights episode was so great. Tommy's wife Julia is so sweet I felt so bad for them.
I have a question about the photo of Laura Jordan that Dan posted cause that is the one who plays Fawn right? When did he take the pictures from the interview?
And Dave, you will not be getting other peoples coffee much longer I have a feeling;)

[Janice from L.A.]

It's about damn time you stepped up to the plate there, Dave. I've waited quite some time to hear you side of the story. And, I can't believe you even let the "I'm gonna get myself fired" bug into your mind!!! Your place awaits you, and all your coffee runs are not for not (hmmmm....well, whatever, you know what I mean!). One day we'll see your name up there at the opening of the show.

Written by: Dave...(well since I don't know your last name) the P.A.!

[Shaina]

Yes, but really, the raccoon was a bit of a freak occurance.

[Paco]

I am glad u didnt give up on the show, life seems hard but we us humans with determination like u always seem to get over those obstacles, and also on a funny note, soy is better when u order a drink at Starbucks, when I go I ALWAYS order something with soy milk in it, and of course people look at me like a damn snob but hey it helps my stomach better!

[Christian G. ontario, canada]

I look forward to every sunday night to watch Brother's and Sisters.
I hope that it has a very, very long run.

[Sandy]

Love the show so far. Missed you tonight. When will you be back?????

[Brittany]

The show always keeps me thinking throughout the day...throughout the week. At work, I use the issues it raises as topics of conversation. The show's premise: family, commitment, fear, forgiveness are all topics we need to see portrayed on TV. Thanks and I hope the show excels.

[Wilma Flores]

Love this show, a few of us at work watch it and discuss it on our lunch hour, its awesome with very great actors. I have my 14 year old daughter watching it now, but confused when our tivo did not record one show. We were NOT too happy about this. Keep up the good work!!

[Jenny]

Love the show. i am desprately wanting to know who sang the end song on the last episode, "light the Lights". i swear i heard her sing a song on grey's anatomy and still have not found out who it is. please help me out!! keep up the good work. i look forward to watching every week!!

[Song? Anyone know?]

The name of the song that played while Calista Flockhart and Rob Lowe were at dinner? I've been looking all over and can't seem to get an answer on it...

Thanks!!!