Ep. 4 - Hoodlum Rock

November 21, 2014
(sorry for the delay - computer problems)

Writer: Hugh Wilson
Director: Michael Zinberg
Original Air Date: October 9, 1978

The main selling feature of this new box set is the re-licensed music - having the original songs put back in their proper places in the show. But something just as great is the getting the full performances of songs that have been trimmed for syndication.

I have never seen the full two minute plus performance from "Scum of the Earth" and it's a lot of fun to watch! It is equal parts a Michael Des Barres time capsule, and example of filming within budget constraints and a strangely quaint opinion of what Punk Rock (excuse me, Hoodlum Rock) looked like to the producers of the show.

Let me draw your attention to the first scene in Andy's office, in which Mr. Carlson comes in to speak with Andy, who is sitting at his desk. The modern viewer, who is experienced at spotting product placement, will immediately see the album cover for the band Detective. It couldn't be more blatant if the band's name were Pepsi. It will also make the modern viewer ask: who is Detective?

I'm glad you asked!

Detective was a band in the mid-late seventies made up of former members of Steppenwolf and Yes, but fronted by newcomer Michael Des Barres. For fans of a certain age (like the age you would have been if you grew up watching WKRP) Des Barres became best known as either the guy who replaced Robert Palmer in the Power Station or the ex-husband of famous groupie Pamela Des Barres. Detective was signed to Led Zeppelin's label and that's pretty much what they sounded like. How do I know this? Remember that performance from Scum of the Earth I talked about before? THAT is Detective.

Here's where the budget constraint stuff comes in. You hear the MUSIC of Detective, but Scum of the Earth is played by two actors and Des Barres (in the role of "Dog"). Watch the performance again. After each Scum insults the audience, the camera focuses almost entirely on the lead singer. When we do see the band, they are obviously not really playing anything. It's a rock spectacular that barely shows the band.

Such a band! Even Andy. Venus and perpetual man-child Johnny have to shake their heads at the kids these days and what passes for music. Imagine insulting the radio host or spraying the audience with a fire extinguisher! Shocking!

This is a TV show whose central conflict is old vs young and now, only FOUR EPISODES IN, Andy is talking about music back in his day. They literally have to beat some sense into these young whipper snappers!

Movies and TV shows will often cast a piece of music in a role, no differently than an actor. The role might be "showstopping ballad" or "proof singer has gone crazy." The trick is, with bad casting, you're taken out of the performance and you just end up wondering how this person got the role. So when we are given a song that sounds like Led Zeppelin lite (aka Bad Company), and are told it's "several grades below punk rock" our ears tell us something isn't right. And what THAT is, is that the producers don't understand this new "punk" movement any more than Mr. Carlson does.

One last thought. I loved the Jennifer/Herb banter when he asks "Where have you been?" and she takes full control by answering "Out with other men Herb." Loni Anderson lights up the screen in five seconds flat!

Roy