Action

If you like the current FOX TV series "Arrested Development" (perhaps even "Dream On") you would have liked FOX's "Action." Set in the intensely high-stress environment of Hollywood, this show had the same tone, feel and cynicism of "Arrested Development", but with humour a touch more risque - perhaps too risque for a 9:00 pm timeslot.

Critically well-received with decent reviews, the show was also aired on Bravo's "Brilliant But Cancelled" showcase. "Action" was simply too edgy, too offensive, and too jaded for its time, with wickedly dark humour and remarkable wit. In time it would have found its audience, but the plug was pulled too soon.

Those involved in the entertainment industry would, in particular, enjoy the loathsome humour and cynicism.

Rumour has it, it may be released on DVD.

I've been working in Hollywood since 1990 and Action is hands down the best written show I've worked on. Jay and the other cast members kept us laughing on the set every day. Lee Arenberg was fantastic as the semi-closeted, ego maniacal Studio Head. Jack Plotnick, Jarrad Paul, Fab Filippo, Buddy Hacket, and Richard Burgi were all pleasure to work with and terrific in their roles. Don Reo, Chris Thompson, the Hamburger brothers and the other writers are every talented. Unlike many of the shows I've worked on, I was sad to see this one end. Too Hollywood? I don't think so. It just wasn't ever understood by Fox and was therefore poorly marketed. Watch it on DVD. It is still great.

I've read almost all the other comments on this wonderful, black, well-written series and for the very first time on IMDB, I agree with almost all of them! That must mean something. 'ACTION' is certainly one of the funniest shows I've ever seen, particularly the episode where the closeted gay actor considers coming out and Peter Dragon goes the extra mile to keep his star.

"ACTION" makes pointed and very deliberate fodder of Hollywood's appalling treatment of gay characters. I (as a full self-aware, well-adjusted MASCULINE gay male) found the constant juxtaposition of on-screen attitudes versus off-screen reality wonderfully funny. It explains why writers and actors who know many gay people and have dozens (or hundreds) of gay friends can write horribly insulting trash like 'Will and Grace' -- for them, it really is just a job, with no connection with reality!

Wow! That's all you really need to say about this too-short-lived series.

But since I have the space, let me say this too: I don't think a funnier satire exists or has ever existed on TV. I pray for the day an uncensored DVD is released - this show has me laughing my @ss off for just about the entire time I'm watching it. It's amazing that it ever got made at all, what with all the jokes ripping on the Hollywood community, and everyone gets an equal dose - producers, actors, writers, you name it, this show makes fun of it. Jay Mohr is funnier in this series than in anything else I've ever seen him do, and Ileana Douglas is, as always, fantastic.

Watch it! And to the execs at Fox - put out the DVD, already!

This show is amazing. It breaks my heart to know, that people didn't have the humor for this. I mean is a show good only when there's an audience laughing in the background?! Maybe some people just don't know when to laugh without it. Anyway, I admit that for people who don't perhaps know much about the film making process, this could be somewhat of a question mark, but for any filmbuff, I would recommend this in a heartbeat! Jay Mohr is my favorite comedian and this is no question his best work. The way he portrays the sleezy film producer Peter Dragon is an enjoyment in itself. Add to that the body language, the cunning jokes and a terrific supporting cast and we're really onto a winner. That said, forget Boston Public. Forget C.S.I.. Forget Ed. These are just some of my favorite shows and even put together they couldn't measure the respect I have for this one. Bravo!