This week’s episode began with Andrew and David upset about the last State of the Union. Maxine and Stan agreed that Andrew and David do not want to take their direction. With 14 days until taping, Andrew and David, in this episode try to incorporate the notes they were given—and they approached the executive producers about the notes they will fight.

By Christine Blackmon
Reality Reel Media
08.15.05

Winning the last State of the Union, Mark and Shoe chose props for their set at OMEGA Studio Props. With help from production designer Glenda Rovello and set decorator Peter Gurski the task was painless. As a set decorator Peter’s role is to give the set character. Glenda and Peter asked Mark and Shoe to make a wish list of everything they want for their set. From the list they are then given a quote and from there they see what can be worked out.

The game plan for week was writing. The scripts were due out to network in three days and if the network doesn't like the scripts, they will have to start over. The challenge for the writers was to come up with two or three jokes for each character. According to Maxine and Stan the scripts have to go to next level—the writers will have to come up with good jokes and they have only two days to do it. Stan and Maxine gave notes; the writer’s revise and the scripts are forwarded to the network.

The writers found it difficult phrasing the jokes. When Shoe and Mark pitched jokes to Stan and Maxine in their draft it was immediately tossed back for revision—in fact they had to start over. The jokes were not “network quality jokes.”

Meanwhile, Andrew and David fought with Stan and Maxine on a joke containing: “my boyfriend would shank you." They tried to explain to Andrew and David that there is a difference between being passionate and off putting when arguing a point. Andrew and David have to realize that Stan and Maxine's reputations are on the line. Whether Andrew and David liked it or not, Stan sent the script to the network with the current jokes.

The writers of Stephen’s Life have not found their "Stephen.” Looking forward to viewing casting tapes from New York—they explained that they’re looking for “ a little pit bull.”

The Sperm Donor writers had casting callbacks. According to Sean Hayes “casting is the most important task.” They chose two candidates for each character to send to the network. For the role of Dalton, the preppy brother they choose Ritchie and John, for Clyde its Eric Allen Kramer and Dave Deluise, and Ashley and Lauren are called for Brooke.