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« Men in Trees Blog
Bed, Bat and... the Bears!
I think I've used up all of my good karma for a long while, what with Men in Trees getting picked up and moved to after Grey's Anatomy, and the swift and crushing Bears victory on Sunday. To be honest, I'm not a huge football aficionado in general, but I am from Chicago, so I really have no choice but to be a rabid and unquestioning Bears fan. Our producer, Rick Wallace, also hails from the Windy City, so we've been spending a lot of Sundays at the local Vancouver sports bar, along with John Amos, who plays Buzz. Here's some Men in Trees trivia for you: John Amos used to play football for the Kansas City Chiefs!
You don't have to wait until the Super Bowl to see some Bears action, because we have a very special appearance by a bear on tonight's episode of Men in Trees, "Bed, Bat and Beyond." From the title you may be able to guess that a certain winged creature will also be making an appearance. I know I've been talking about how much we all love each other up here on the show, but the bear might have taken it too far. James Tupper went for a "meet and greet" session with the bear a few days before he was going to be shooting. Apparently it was good for the bear to get a good smell of James so he'd be familiar with him. Derek Richardson requested that we did this before we worked together, but I said no. (He doesn't read this blog, so I can make up whatever I want about him.) When James and the bear got together, the bear got up on his hind legs, put his paws on James' shoulders, and licked him in the face, actually sticking his tongue in James' mouth! I think the bear should have been included in the sexual-harassment seminar Warner Bros. gave us all when we started shooting Men in Trees.
In this episode, Patrick is having money troubles, which I'm sure we can all relate to from some point in our lives. With Marin moving into her new house and Lynn moving in with Jack, not a whole lot of revenue is coming in. The other day I was thinking about how our show is one of the few shows on TV that represents working-class people. Sure, Elmo has a celebrity like Marin (Anne Heche) and a millionaire like Ben (Abraham Benrubi), but most of the town are working regular jobs, making a regular wage. Look at almost all the TV shows out there, and they're about doctors, lawyers, fabulous people.... Where are the people who make up most of this country? OK, I'll get off my soapbox, but I'm glad to be on one of the few shows that isn't just showing us what it's like for the rich people.
Last week Sara (Suleka Mathew) returned to Elmo, which I'm sure everyone's dad is very happy about. We have discovered that men in general, but particularly dads, seem to love Sara. Jane (Seana Kofoed) also returns to Alaska to spend a little more time with Plow Guy (Ty Olsson). I love both Sara's and Jane's story lines because they're about how two female friends deal with a new man coming into their lives. In Sara and Theresa's case, it's a genuine love triangle, and you don't see scenes very often where two women talk about it as honestly as they do. With Marin and Jane, they have to deal with Jane having less time for her best friend because of her new romance with Plow Guy. I think every woman has experienced this — when you start up with a new boyfriend, you're not around all the time for your single girlfriends anymore, and it can be hard to negotiate that transition.
Can I take a moment here and thank all of you again for your kind words about my blog? To be honest, I still have a hard time believing that people are reading it, but apparently you are. Regarding the Men in Trees show-commentary blog that's been taken down, I have passed along your comments to the folks at TVGuide.com, and I am happy to report that the mystery has been solved. The staff writer who wrote the commentary each week on Men in Trees is no longer working there. They are, however, in the process of finding someone else to write it, so it will return. Until then, I'll be holding up my end of the blog here, although please don't use my blog to post comments with subjects like "Annie sucks!" because I do actually read them. (The rest of the stuff out there on the Internet I stay away from.) Every actor has to learn the lesson not to Google themselves, because even if everyone out there loves you, there's always going to be someone who really, really hates you, and that's all you're going to remember. So I think I'll stick with you guys.
See you in a couple of weeks.... I need to save my energy to root for the Bears on Super Bowl Sunday!
ABC's Men in Trees airs Thursdays at 10 pm/ET.
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Jan 24, 2007 11:37 AM
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Hi, Emily, yes we read your blog! I cannot say with enough emphasis how much I love this show. I write to you a lot because I want you to know how much I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to write this blog. Your insiders view is always welcome and on the mark. One question that my co-worker and I have: How is Ben a millionaire? We must have missed it if they ever said how he came to be one. Thanks!! Donna, JCMO
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Jan 24, 2007 2:38 PM
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Donna,
I think Ben made his money when he sold his software (or some other tech) company in Seattle.
Emily,
Thanks for the update regarding the show blog. I was wondering what had happened to it. Keep up the good work with your blog. It's a good read and has provided welcome distraction as I am trying to finish my master's thesis.
Jen
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Jan 24, 2007 4:34 PM
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Wow! I can't believe I have found this blog! You have no idea how excited I am that you are blogging about the show. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to do this! I read a few of your previous blogs and they are just so interesting. It's nice getting some "back-stage" insight. Not to mention a little insight on what is coming up. The most impressive part of this blog is that you are actually writing it, not some random person who thinks they know about the show.
Lately, I haven't been able to get enough of the show. I'm trying to figure out what is going to happen, and I wait impatiently every week until the next show airs. I saw the preview for next week's show, and it literally makes me crazy. I threw my hands up in the air, not believing that Jack went in for a kiss with Marin! Of course, that is what it seems. Last week, it seemed like Stuart proposed to Marin. Those previews can be so decieving.
I know you are shooting in Vancouver, but are the outside scenes of Elmo also somewhere in Vancouver? Or is it an actual small town outside of the city? It looks so cute.
And now I seem to be rambling because I am so excited about this site. By the way, I am also from Chicago, and can't believe we made it to the Super Bowl! Go Bears!
~Jennifer
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Jan 24, 2007 8:36 PM
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Emily,
Thanks for keeping up with the bolg, as it totally gets me psyched for the show every Thursday night. Plus, it gives me a nice break from my job, but let's not let my boss know i'm surfing the net!
You and the rest of the crew are doing a fabulous job on the show, so anyone who says otherwise is just a total tool. It's nice to have quality programming on TV with shows like MIT and LOST to keep my interest!
Best of luck to you and thanks for keeping it real!
-Stephanie 
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Jan 25, 2007 10:56 AM
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I think it was in the pilot that they mention that Ben invented wetnaps. Of course, I could be making that up.
I absolutely LOVE this show. It is great how everyone here has to deal with real life issues and they play real life characters.
Of course, I love Justine Bateman but she has GOTTA go. I thought for sure that Jack was gonna dump her a the end last week, but instead he had set the mood for seduction. NOOOO!
Anyway, I'm from Indianapolis. Care to make a bet?
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Jan 25, 2007 11:52 AM
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Hi Emily!
I want to thank you so much for taking the time to share this blog with us!
You are a very talented actress and I just love the show!
Donna
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Jan 25, 2007 11:55 AM
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Whosures is right - Ben invented those. I always find that funny because it reminds me of Romy & Michele's high school reunion where they say they invented Post-its.
Sorry to go off-topic there. Emily, I have always loved and appreciated your blog. For those who miss having a watercooler MIT blog, visit the community blogs where there's always a few MIT blogs you cna comment on.
Thanks again, Emily, for taking the time to write every week.
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Jan 25, 2007 12:38 PM
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Hi Emily,
I hope no one writes anything mean here, but if they do, remember, the rest of us love you and Annie!
I'm looking forward to tonight's ep, although it's on too late for me so I tape it and watch it on Friday.
I am not loving Jack choosing Lynn over Marin, but I loved it when Marin told him what for. And yeah, she finally got her own place! I think she should get a dog to keep her company. Although, it looks like her publisher may be applying for that job.
How come there aren't any dogs on the show? You'd think there'd be some in Alaska!
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Jan 25, 2007 2:49 PM
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Hi Emily! I think you are so adorable on this show. My husband and I totally root for you when you have to deal with Patrick's mom. And let me say, the snoring problem you had on the show was hilarious! You two seem to have great on-screen chemistry and make fans fall in love with you two. We've been addicted to the show since the first episode.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this blog. As you can see by the other postings, we are very appreciative and can't get enough scoop. I loved your blogs from your Alaskan trip too. It kept me laughing. Good luck with the show and keep the laughter going!
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Jan 25, 2007 2:55 PM
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Hi Emily,
You are a godsend by having this blog! I just love you and Men In Trees is the most charming show on TV!
I just wanted you tell you that you're on the best show on TV and I hope you guys are around for years to come!!
I love all the guys are your show, especially Jack (and Plow Guy, too)!! Let's hope Jack sees the light soon and gets on his knees and begs for Marin's forgiveness. You and Patrick are beyond sweet! You make us all think of our youth and how it should be, keep up the great work!!
Thanks again and keep warm up in Vancouver (like we here in Seattle do)!
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Jan 25, 2007 6:53 PM
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Love Men in Trees. Love your blog. I don't believe your story that James and the bear had any close contact. Must be your sense of humor. Very cute!
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Jan 25, 2007 10:31 PM
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I have really gotten into this program after it began following Grey's Anatomy. I am also a native from Illinois and a Bears fan, and a Cubbies fan - go Cubs go! Men In Trees has grown on me and I find it so funny. Thank you for doing your blog on this show. I lived in a church camp and have actually dealt with some of the issues of critters in places you don't want them to be and it is so funny to see the characters handle those situations. The dynamics between the characters is fabulous. I look forward to this show each week now. Keep the blog coming!
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Jan 25, 2007 11:43 PM
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Hey pretty lady
Thanks for taking the time to talk about behind the scenes it makes the show so much more intresting, if that is possible. Its an awesome show already. anywho take care and keep up the wonderful blogs
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Jan 26, 2007 2:35 AM
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Loooooove your show! It's so nice to watch a lighthearted show at the end of a long week. You stuck out to me immediately when I saw my first episode--I remember you from your days as Francie on Gilmore Girls. What a 180 Annie is from Francie!
I've been telling lots of people to tune in, I hope for many more seasons of your show. Thanks for the blog, it's fun to read about life on a TV set.
And how can I forget, GO BEARS! Here in Chicago, everyone is going nuts with Bears love!
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Jan 26, 2007 12:07 PM
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