• by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, May 1, 2023

An embargo imposed by Peacock prevents me from expressing an opinion until later this week about the new Pete Davidson comedy called “Bupkis” coming to the streaming service on Thursday.

My interpretation of the embargo, however, is that it does not enjoin me from expressing an opinion on the embargo itself.

Whenever I write about these kinds of issues in this way, I am usually struck by the same thought: Why, oh, why didn’t I go to law school? 

Specifically, the embargo represents a request given in the form of a command, which states: “Review embargo – Wed, May 3 at 8 am PT [11 a.m. eastern].”

The TV Blog’s interpretation (opinion) of this embargo is that it is un-American, and possibly unconstitutional because it seeks to regulate or “abridge” the free expression of opinion, particularly as it pertains to the press -- freedoms that are affirmed prominently in the United States Constitution.

Herewith, the First Amendment (portions relevant to this TV Blog in italics): Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

NBCU might counter that citation by pointing out that the Peacock p.r. department is not Congress and a review embargo is not a law. To which I say: Let’s see what the United States Supreme Court has to say about that.

In the meantime, as we wait for TV Blog Vs. Peacock to be slotted onto the SCOTUS agenda, here are some facts about this TV show called “Bupkis” that nobody should misinterpret as opinions.

To wit, the title of this show, “Bupkis,” is a word generally defined as literally “nothing.” 

One of the most famous situation comedies in the history of television, “Seinfeld,” was also positioned as a “show about nothing” in a 1992 episode, 31 years before “Bupkis.” These are facts, not opinions.

Nothing in the press materials for “Bupkis” that I looked at acknowledged this title’s connection, if any, to “Seinfeld.” That is a fact.

Another fact, not an opinion: On Friday, I watched the first three minutes of Episode 1 of “Bupkis.”

This scene had to do with the Pete Davidson character -- also named Pete Davidson (above photo, center) -- preparing to masturbate as he watched internet porn with a pair of VR goggles.

It is a fact that this is the very first scene of “Bupkis.” Also a fact: I stopped watching Episode 1 at this point. 

I then looked at the online menu of “Bupkis” episodes that were provided for preview and my eyes lit on Episode 7.

It is titled “Borgnine” -- the same name as an actor, Ernest Borgnine, who won an Oscar in 1955 and then starred in the 1960s service comedy “McHale’s Navy.”

In this episode, which I watched in its entirety, there is a dead dog named “Borgnine.” No mention is made of Ernest Borgnine, however.

I am not enjoined from sharing my opinion of Ernest Borgnine. He was a great actor whom I loved in “Marty,” the movie for which he won his Oscar; and other classics such as “From Here to Eternity,” “The Wild Bunch,” “Ice Station Zebra” and “Emperor of the North.”

More facts about “Bupkis”: The cast includes Joe Pesci and Edie Falco, whose hair is brown, about which I have no opinion.

The “Borgnine” episode features separate appearances by Brad Garrett and Ray Romano -- a fact -- who once co-starred in “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which in my opinion was a landmark TV comedy.

Here is a fact: The TV Blog will not be coming back to the topic of “Bupkis” later this week for a review. As far as the TV Blog is concerned, this is the last word on “Bupkis.” That’s a fact, Jack, said Bill Murray in “Stripes.” 

“Bupkis” starts streaming on Thursday (May 4) on Peacock.