He was quietly killed off behind the scenes because (according to what I remember of the commentaries) the character wasn't funny enough to justify the strain on the Harry Shearer's voice.

"when David Mirkin (who really was awful on all the commentaries he did)"

"Although, I'm not sure I buy your notion of "off-model" writing. If anything, the characters hadn't yet fallen into their cliched roles yet, so there was a little more room to explore character"

I'm Troy McClure, and I'll leave you with what we all came here to see: hardcore nudity!

The angelic family
"then looks at a rival family and sees a quorum of angels ascending to "heaven."

They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care;
They pursued it with forks and hope;
They threatened its life with a railway-share;
They charmed it with smiles and soap.

Actually, that's not true mad - she's on a few of them. Paul Simms - on that same commentary track where she told the "what a black woman would say" story I believe - essentially apologized to her for not incorporating her into the show more. Khandi basically laughed it off. She spoke very affectionately to Simms so I…

Hey, that's awesome. Thanks for posting that Bfred. I don't think the US will get past the second round but I'd be happy to be proven wrong!

jonnieboy: Aw, no worries!
Bender: You're most welcome.

The SGI computer lab at my college - read about it on cnn.com. I remember telling my friends later that day and everyone being shocked by the news.

Actually Matthew hit on Beth when they were tending to "Bill's" apartment in "Airport". And Bill did fantasize about seducing her in "Daydream" (Ok, that doesn't really count…but still, it shows he obviously notices her womanly charms). Plus there was the whole "Max/Beth" thing from season 5 if you're counting season…

Alright. That's it. This question always seems to come up so here, for posterity, are all the important places in intertube land where you can get your Newsradio fix. Enjoy.

staircar, that was a great bit of subtle acting by Kevin McDonald. Loved his cameo in this episode. It's really a shame the producers couldn't get the rest of the Kids to appear on the show. From the commentaries I got the impression that there was still a bit of residual burnout and animosity from the end of their…

Get theses goddamn farting pidpuds off my lawn!

Bill "directing" Beth
I loved the scenes with Bill and Beth rehearsing for the talent show. "Sing it pretty, PRE! TY! Like me!" It was a great callback to Bill's obsessive and obnoxious teaching style when he was trying to help Dave with his introduction speech.

I think there are some really good, highly rewatchable episodes in season five. Leaving aside "Bill Moves On" (which is superb but too sad to rewatch regularly) I'd say "Noise", "Lucky Burger", "The Apartment", the first leg of the Johnny Johnson arc, and the one where Dave is trying to make a video presentation for…

"are there additional people I can blame?"

I know it's a bit early to start quoting "Chock" but it's one of my favorite episodes:

@Anonymous37: That's an interesting bit of trivia regarding Hartman. I've never heard that before. Just out of curiosity where did you hear about this?

I have to go with the majority here and say it was a great scene and very good _subtle_ drunk acting from Dave and Maura. The tiny little nonsensical errors (like the "neither did you" pointed out above) were perfect. I also like the overhead shot that pulled back to reveal the 'binocular outlines" and then Matthew…