The episode (filmed in March) is not the last episode of the season. It's the last episode they filmed before they wrapped for the season. Zach has been part of the show all season as a member of the football team. He was one of a handful of kids (both on and off the team) considered for the speaking role. He went to the Paramount lot for his audition and landed the part two days before they began shooting the episode.
After a few months of waiting for the episode to be scheduled by Nickelodeon, it aired on Saturday the 23rd. This was a big deal for Zach since he's been working at the Nick on Sunset lot all season. What better way to celebrate his speaking debut than having a viewing party at our place?
The evening started with Zach's regular Saturday night gig as a member of the "Detention Hall" performance troupe at Second City Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd. After the show, we ran to North Hollywood to watch a concert by one of Zach's best friends at Republic of Pie. A good portion of the kids (and their parents) from Republic of Pie made their way to our place to watch the episode.
I was one of the last to arrive home for the viewing party. I had to stop and pick up 8 pizzas to make sure everyone had enough to eat during the show. The episode aired at 8pm but we finally had a chance to watch it around 9pm. Armed with pizzas, chips, hummus, vegetables, sodas and adult beverages, we settled in to watch the show.
After a brief introduction from Zach (kind of a in person commentary track), we started the show. How was the experience of watching it with around 30 friends?
Wonderful.
The Artist has a large group of friends who are all very supportive of each other. It's a collection of actors, singers, YouTube stars, writers, directors, dancers and improv performers. They all clapped, cheered and laughed while watching the show. All of the parents and kids gathered on the main floor of our place and watched the show together. It was heartwarming to see his pals support him on his big night.
Plus, it gave all of the kids an excuse to hang out in our basement after the show. The basement is filled with a big screen TV, a pinball machine, video games and a giant llama rug. The room is affectionately known as "The Llama Room".
Here are some screen shots from the episode:
Quiet Chris is happy with his plate artwork.
The horror! Quiet Chris discovers he has to make a speech.
After a season of silence, Quiet Chris speaks.
Zach's name in the closing credits of the show.
It was a great night made even more special by the love and support shown to Zach (as well as Dana and myself) by our friends. It just drives home the fact we've been lucky enough to build a nice community of friends here in Los Angeles.
Some of our friends asked me last night if Zach is anything like the character on the show.
I laughed and said he has never been accused of being quiet in his life.
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