I actually like the generosity that PJ and crew demonstrate in showing us the fuck-ups, and almost-fuck-ups.

Lordy, yes. I have a feeling that filmmakers for years to come are going to draw valuable lessons from that stuff.

There's always you, hon. You're our own personal rep.

::poses dramatically:: Maybe I'll phone in sick and we can get Pip.

Actually, I've always thought of Sean Connery as The Scot. Except in my world, where it is Billy Connolly.

I was just about to say, "It could be worse--it could be Billy Connolly."

Just remember that, ten years ago, the definitive Aussie was Paul Hogan, so it can always be worse!

Billy Connolly's riff on the Scots as being blue people was hysterical. Plus the tale of the swim trunks.

Billy Connolly's riff on the Scots as being blue people was hysterical. Plus the tale of the swim trunks.

Also what to say if you get caught "wanking" (and why it's so appropriate to call it wanking).

And with typical Buffista synergy, Billy Connolly was on tonight's Daily Show rerun (from just before Christmas?) and he was fucking brilliant. Jon was suffering from a terrible cold, and Billy had him paralyzed with laughter, using some of his great old urinal routines. What do urinals have to do with promoting Lemony Snicket, you might ask? Dunno, but Piss Hockey was discussed.

Just remember that, ten years ago, the definitive Aussie was Paul Hogan, so it can always be worse!

And before that? Jocko from the energizer battery commercials. I'd say Jackman is a definite improvement.

Sean Connery's accent is so much his own, though, and quite different from Billy's. Whatever reaction I have to Connery's (and they are all good), it doesn't make me squee!

I loved the bit about the Gondorian helmet, where Billy says, "You'll notice I take that helmet off a lot, because, you know [looks at camera] it was right for the scene." Great comic sense.

And after watching the horsey bit, I am convinced that Viggo is a kook, but that the world needs more kooks just like him.

And after watching the horsey bit, I am convinced that Viggo is a kook, but that the world needs more kooks just like him.

Yeah, that's my take. Also, he inspires tremendous loyalty and affection which you have to respect.

he inspires tremendous loyalty and affection which you have to respect.

Nah, you don't have to. I've seen some nasty pieces of work that can do that too. Not that I even remotely think Viggo is a bad person. He seems to be nobility made flesh.

Just that adoration doesn't have an intrinsic good or evil setting. It depends on who, and how, and to what end.