The TV Zone

Naturally, the big question as CBS launched its portion of the press tour this morning could be phrased thusly, "Mandy?" Or - if you prefer greater detail, "Mandy Patinkin?"

Or even greater detail still: Why did the lead actor in CBS's hottest almost-new drama, "Criminal Minds," drop out just as production began and literally hours before CBS was going to trot out its top executives to talk about just how great the new series are but instead are now forced to answer just one question:

And that would be…Mandy?

Of course, Nina Tassler, CBS Entertainment boss woman, had her story down, and it was this: He left for "personal reasons." She refused to elaborate beyond that, but for the record, here's her complete answer the first time Mandy came up:

"First of all, Mandy came to us and came to me and asked to be released from the show and we were able to accommodate that request on his part, and right now, you know, it's a personal issue, and I think the show is accommodating his needs. The creative on the show is very strong...People come to that show for the E ticket, for the white-knuckle ride you're getting every week. It's like 'ER'...The show goes along."

Alas, the ornery critics persisted: But for gosh sakes, Nina. This is the second time he's walked way ("Chicago Hope;" early '90s; remember?) What makes someone do that?

Nina: "You know, I only hope that in the very near future that Mandy will be able to handle those questions."

Someone reasonably asked, is he OK physically?

Nina: “I just don't think he wants me to discuss it."

Perhaps inauspiciously, Tassler also had to deal with big-stinking-controversy-number-two as well, notably the public blowup between Mark Harmon and show-runner, Don Bellisario on "NCIS," in which Harmon forced out the well-known producer - quite possibly averting another Patinkin.

Nina called the departure part of "the natural evolution of the show. You groom your writers to take over so he can move along to develop other shows, which is what we're looking to do...It's part of the changes that happen in many of the shows [and] personality aside, it was time for him to do something else for us, and the show will go on."

Oh, you're good Nina. You’ve very good.

An astute writer in the audience just couldn't shake loose that Mandy business, however, and pointed out to Nina that the press release announcing his departure had in fact cited "creative differences." Nina then issued what may go down as one of the classic lines in press tour history - a line that will be repeated fondly decades from now, and perhaps even wind up as the title of some book, maybe her autobiography.

"'Creative differences' is a euphemism for 'personal differences.'"

Beautiful. You couldn't come up with a more perfect response. Congratulations, Nina. You're good. You're really good.

Meanwhile, there were some more news tidbits and we get to those now:

Rosie O'Donnell: Tassler said that Fremantle have held conversations with her about another show, but offered no further details. The significance of this? Fremantle is the "American Idol" shop - yeah, they do a lot of biz with Fox – but that suggests that this particular project, if green light is conferred, will in fact head to CBS.

"Price is Right:" Yes, as widely reported, Drew Carey is "in discussions" - something they do in Hollywood a lot, along with "take meetings" and "do lunch." But Tassler refused to handicap his odds and remarkably, still no guestimate from CBS on when the formal decision will be announced. Bob Barker's shoes are "the biggest shoes
in Hollywood to fill." And the fall seasons approaches...

"Kid Nation:" Lots of little fires have already popped up around this toddler reality newcomer, notably reports that the producers may have violated child labor laws in New Mexico, where it is being shot. Nonsense, said Nina. No laws were violated, but - yes indeed, sparking a little controversy is good. "It's is an extraordinary group of kids [but] in order for a reality show to really...change the landscape of television, you have to stir public debate [you have to] create some controversy.

Now, onto "Jericho"...

Mr. Intensity quits and Nina has to mop up.