I've worked in network and cable on and off for a number of years, and you just understand what your parameters are. A lot of times, I think the best work that my team has come up with comes from having to deal with certain boundaries.

You can make a good show, but you still need some magical alchemy to get people to watch.

I don't ever want to have a weak episode of television with my name on it.

I don't want my writing to be recognized.

Cheers was one of the first shows where I paid attention to the writers because their [work] was better than everything else I was watching. The writers weren't afraid to let a joke fall slightly flat if it advanced the characters.

I'm perfectly happy to color within the network lines when I have to.

The payment for sins can be delayed. But they cant be avoided.