The Truth About Katz...

The funniest patient in an upcoming episode is one portrayed by Dave Attell, who refers to Katz with Carlinesque contempt as "Dr. Pause-a-lot." At one point, Katz grows exasperated with patient Dave's rambling chatter and says, "Do you want to play games or do you want to talk about what's troubling you?" The patient responds, "Um, a little of both would be good." Exactly. It's that combination — larky foolishness as a way into real problems — that makes TV psychology intriguing. This fall, another drama will take a stab at the profession, when Robert Pastorelli (Murphy Brown's Eldin) stars in an Americanized version of the British series Cracker, about a crime-solvin', heavy-drinkin' shrink. I put my money on Dr. Katz having a longer life.