TV RIDES THE RED-BLUE DIVIDE

My plan was to write a scathing, demeaning commentary on Brian Lowry's latest column. In which he quoted me out of context and labeled me the "inane broadside from the left". But after re-reading it a few times I have to admit, it's a smart article and pretty insightful. And if I get really honest -- his parenthetical assessment of a TV creator is pretty accurate. When you work your ass off on a project for over two years, put your heart, mind and creative guts on the line, you have NO perspective. The premier of a show is a one time shot. It's the hour you spend 90% of your advertising budget on, your talent does countless hours of interviews and press tours, the network endlessly finesses the right time and day, and you can NEVER get that 60 minutes back. I was quoting my wife's emotional response about how many people watched Sarah Palin the night SOA premiered. She said she felt like "we were 9-11'd". Meaning that people watched the RNC like disaster coverage. She was right, they did. And for the record, I don't think the other 240 million people who didn't watch my show were part of a right wing conspiracy to undermine my success. But I do stand behind my political assessment of Sarah I'm the what? Palin. McCain-Palin is a lazy ticket, playing to the dumbest common denominator. And if TV trends are any indication of the political acumen of this country, McCain will probably be our next lazy, dumb president. Anyway, it's a smart read. I'll get you next time Mr. Lowry...

I REMEMBER

Altered Flickr Photo -- bear_inters

FOR THE RECORD...

For the record, Sons of Anarchy is pure fiction. Pure fucking fiction. The characters, the club, the world, the mythology all sprung from the dark recesses of my twisted little imagination. The show is NOT based on any individual, any specific organization, any book, any article, or any pitch. Any similarities (and I don't know of any) to anyone or any group is unintentional and purely coincidental. I do have two technical advisers who are outlaw bikers. Thier affiliations are confidential and no business of mine or anyone elses. They are not posers, or TV bikers or bullshit Harley enthusiasts. They haven't written tell-all books or worked in Hollywood before. They are the real deal. And I have enormous respect for them. But their influence is that of any other TA. They simply advise on the parameters of the world. That's it. The same way our LAPD TA advised on The Shield. I'm just a storyteller, kids. And it's a TV show. Sit back, crack open a beer and enjoy the fiction. Hopefully it'll be a good ride.