Wings For Wheels

The Larry Sanders Show, one of the defining comedies of the 90s, is returning to DVD.  Right now, only the first season is available.  But according to an article in tomorrow’s New York Times, a four-disc, 23-episode compilation, “Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show,” will be released on April 17.  The piece also sheds light on what Garry Shandling has been up to since the show ended its run in 1998, and why it has taken so long to get the other episodes available to the public. 

Save for two gigs as host of the Emmy Awards and scattered movie roles, Mr. Shandling has kept a low profile. “It’s very similar to — what is it? — the seven stages of grieving,” he said recently, during the first extended interview he had granted in several years. “First there’s the shock,” he said, at ease in a soft leather chair in his living room. “Now I’m going to head for something funny here. Then there’s denial, acceptance and,” he paused, “masturbation.”

As it turns out, the wrenching process of producing as many as 18 episodes a season was so grueling for Mr. Shandling — who was not only the star but also the head writer and so-called show runner — that he never really gave the show a proper goodbye. Meanwhile, in the midst of ending the show, he filed a spectacular lawsuit against his manager, Brad Grey, whom he accused of cheating him.

Hence there was no real wrap party for the cast, and even years later Mr. Shandling was still too exhausted to contribute much to a DVD of episodes from the first season. “It was unfortunate the show couldn’t end with a higher spirit,” he said.

 

Here are some clips…

Paul Westerberg sings “Ain’t Got Me” (with Tommy Keene on lead guitar!)

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Hank embraces his Judaism to the dissatisfaction of everyone.

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Finally, the show ends, and the three leads say their goodbyes, on and off camera

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