HBO and Israel Stole my Idea - February 5, 2008

The New HBO series In Treatment began last week. Here is an adapted description of it from hbo.com:

'An innovative and emotional new series, 'In Treatment' brings dynamic focus to a staple of modern society - the psychotherapy session. The show follows psychoanalyst Paul Weston through his week, capturing a session before concluding each Friday in the office of Paul's own therapist, Gina. Stepping inside the tangled mind of a man who counsels others for a living, 'In Treatment' renders an intricate portrayal of the experts we rely on for perspective.'

Sound familiar? You're Goddamn right it does: that's my idea! That's ShrinkTalk.Net on television starring not Rob Dobrenski, but the less affable and much less wise-looking Gabriel Byrne.

Considering that few people in the entertainment industry knew about my idea until I came to RudiusMedia.com, I wasn't sure how HBO could have pulled off such an ingenious cozening of my mind. I had this idea back in 2002 when I first started my practice and people began asking me what it was "really like" to be a Psychologist. Compounding my disgust is the fact that In Treatment is actually based on an Israeli television program, Be 'Tipul, which started in 2005. How can this be?!

And the "tangled mind of a man?" Please. Unless you spend time with Dr. Gail on a regular basis, you have no idea what tangled is.

Do not watch In Treatment. It is neither funny nor insightful. I know this without even needing to see it. Furthermore, it is a violation of Dr. Rob's Intellectual Property (DRIP) Law and I will not stand by idly while HBO and Israel get famous and make millions off of my ideas. I will have my revenge.

My plan is simple: I will write a polite but firm letter to both "creators" of Be 'Tipul and In Treatment, demanding a cease and desist of all past, present and future episodes of their respective shows. If that is ineffective, I will fly to Jerusalem AND Los Angeles and make similar demands in person. Again, in a polite but firm manner. Should that not achieve the desired results, I will stab the creators in the ear with a sewing needle.

How is that for "a tangled mind?" Damn straight.

Posted by Rob Dobrenski at 8:45 AM

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Comments

I've watched it...its really boring. It isn't shocking and I feel no attachment to the characters...I'd rather watch the situations they go through then just get to listen to them tell their lame side of the story, thats what TV is for, I can get the same satisfaction this show provides calling my friends and talking to them for 30 minutes.

Posted by: Mike at February 5, 2008 12:52 PM

shrinks on tv? surely you thought of that first...

Dr. Rob Note: You better not be the real Dr. Phil. Even though you are 6'6'', 250 lbs. and bald, I'll still kick your ass.

Posted by: Dr. Phil at February 5, 2008 12:57 PM

Um..."stab the creators in the ear with a sewing needle"? Isn't that a bit hostile? Does someone need a hug?

Posted by: Tina at February 5, 2008 01:06 PM

No, no, no! You should demand royalties so you can rake in the cash for virtually doing nothing other than making a kickass blog. Then you could rub your success in Dr. Steve's face, and become HIS landlord, ahahaha!

Not really. You'll most likely end up in a bar that'll happen to be playing an episode of that show, then exclaim you thought the idea first and the companies screwed you. Naturally, everyone will think you've had a little too much to drink and eye you suspiciously.

Posted by: Blank at February 5, 2008 06:35 PM

Dude, I'll provide the sewing needles. I'll also take care of "Dr." Phil's sorry a$$ for you.

Posted by: Wayland at February 5, 2008 08:54 PM

ROFL...you would have been SO much better, I'm sure! Go for the royalties, long term checks are so much better than short-term sewing needle revenge! ;)

Posted by: Alainne at February 5, 2008 09:59 PM

Wow...I say you go to HBO and pitch them a show WORTHY of actually watching and get Gabriel Byrne (who reminds me of the boring 'Clear Eyes' commercial guy) out and you in.

Posted by: Jen at February 6, 2008 08:36 PM

I have been watching In Treatment, and though I'm an avid fan of psychology (my fandom of this blog as a shining example), I am only vaguely interested in In Treatment. It is too "produced". I'm not looking for a show with reality television-like camera shooting, but this show looks like a show that happens to beabout a psychologist, rather than an example of what actually happens in an office. In Therapy is to real therapy, as Saved By The Bell is to high school.

Posted by: Raeann at February 10, 2008 01:18 AM

I really like In Treatment. I checked if I could watch Betipul, but I don't know if subtitles exist for that show.

HBO shows are often about characters, not actions, which I like.

As per your claim, I found it funny enough.

Posted by: range at March 1, 2008 07:08 PM

I know this was ages ago but your recent post reminded me of it.
I really enjoy your blog but just to give you some constructive criticism this post almost made me unsubscribe, but I decided to hold off as everything else you've done is quality. It felt whiny and childish, easily your worst post.

I know some people - espicially any fanbois - will have a go at me for this comment but I'm just trying to be honest and give you an insight to one of your readers feelings. I don't know why but this post invoked quite a strong negative emotional reaction from me and I felt it underminded your credability.

cheers,
Jack

Posted by: jack at April 11, 2008 05:17 AM