Attack Of 'The Show'

A Look Into The Mind Of Mullin

By: Edward DiPrimio

Posted: 4/9/07

The scene opens with roommates Jeff and Greg at a bar in their apartment. Jeff offers Greg a pre-party shot of vodka and Greg politely declines, before their third roommate, "God," appears ready to party. "I'm pretty sure it's a sin if you don't take that shot right now," God says to Greg.

After some banter with God and Jeff, Greg takes the shot.

Later God offers the following explanation to the meaning of life. "When the boulders of time are rolling down the hill of your life," God said, "Open up wide and swallow."

Greg becomes so infuriated with this explanation and calls God an "asshole." In response God assigns Greg a penance of "500 Hail Mary's, 600 Our Father's and [Greg's] liver."

This four minute long skit is part of a much larger program simply named "The Show," a comedy program on UCTV Channel 14 at UConn. "The Show" is written, directed, edited and stars Greg Mullin, an 8th-semester psychology major.

"The Show" is a fast-paced sketch comedy program where Mullin and his friends perform short skits and crazy stunts. Most of the skits average about three to five minutes in length, but the writing, production and execution usually take far longer.

"When I come up with an idea, I usually sit down for an hour and write up a rough draft of what I want," said Mullin. "I'll go back and read it over and over, tune it up, make sure it's funny - it's usually a two or three day process."

Mullin is a native of Massachusetts where his family owns a video store. Thanks to the family business, Mullin has always been fascinated by television and movies. At UCTV, Mullin has had the opportunity to grow as a writer, actor and director. He has created five episodes of "The Show," with a sixth and final show in production.

"I make a point to write and edit and direct everything myself," Mullin said. "Acting is the thing I love to do the most, I love being something that I'm not."

Mullin's on-screen persona often appears brash, insensitive and outlandish. But when not in front of the camera, he is laid back, goofy, personable and sensitive to other's feelings. This is a side of himself he says his TV fans don't usually get to know.

"No one wants to see that side of me on TV. I'm a lot deeper and more sensitive than when I am on camera," Mullin said. "I have morals and don't want to hurt people's feelings."

There is no doubting the popularity of "The Show," but Mullin is quick to pass along thanks to friends who appear in most of the skits. "I couldn't do without my friends. The show isn't much without them," Mullin said. "They pose ideas and when I write my skits I always think of my friends as the characters."

Mullin's friends have performed many different stunts on "The Show", including taking shots of dry spices, diving into Swan Lake and jumping off of an awning at Gampel Pavilion. They also have dressed as southern hicks and female prostitutes.

Mullin has become a recognizable face in the campus community, with "The Show" airing twice daily, at 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. As a result Mullin acknowledges he does receive much more attention, both good and bad, from people he encounters on campus.

"Sometimes people come up to me and say something to me, sometimes I just get dirty looks from people," Mullin said, "Sometimes I like it, but I get uncomfortable and embarrassed too. The stuff I film is not the most normal stuff."

Having many peers as fans might be a thrill for Mullin, but he stresses that his biggest fans are his parents. "When I come home they always ask if I have a new episode," he said. "They are really supportive."

Although Mullin is graduating this May, he plans to be around UConn for a few more years. He has been accepted to the graduate program at UConn in hopes of one day getting a Ph.D. in educational psychology, a goal that Mullin describes as a "backup plan" to having a career in television.

"The Show" will no longer be in production in the fall because many of his friends are graduating, but Mullin expects to be back at UCTV when the school year begins.

"I'm inspired by people having a good time," Mullin said. "I love to make people laugh."