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