• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, August 3, 2006

A drunken Mel Gibson blames the Jews for starting all wars--but has said nothing about those Jews that green-lit his movies.  Those are some real business wars.

All the more reason Gibson should humble himself in doing some low-rent TV entertainment.  The process is underway, as this lazy TV summer has turned on a dime like a Lexus changing lanes zipping down California's Pacific Coast Highway. 

Gibson's drunken adventure is complete with Jewish hatred attached--and one weird Hollywood resume-looking Los Angeles Police booking shot that all the TV news shows are running. (What is that glam picture all about? Did someone need an autograph?)

Gibson actually should be spreading around different blame--to himself and that bottle of tequila in his car glove compartment. Will the man get a fair trial now that TV has put him in this negative light?

No matter, there is TV profit to be had. In a few days cable news shows, as well as all those syndicated tabloid shows, will know whether there is any ratings bounce from the story. Of course, that would play into Gibson's hands and possible beliefs--more Jews will profit from selling TV advertising.

The story has legs. In true California form, Gibson was not arrested last Friday, the day the incident took place, but yesterday--five days later. It was on Friday when he was flying down California's Pacific Coast Highway in his Lexus at 85 mph. When stopped by police, he delivered his rant against the Jews, as well as an inappropriate remark to a female officer--something to do with sugar and a part of the female anatomy.

Right there you probably have a sequel: "Lethal Weapon 9: The Day the Sabbath Went Wrong."

But it might be a long time before Gibson makes a movie again. So he should think more modestly, writes commentator/radio host Al Franken on The Huffington Post.com. Penance for Gibson is that he should be sentenced to doing small actors roles, five lines or less. The first role should be that of a busboy.  I would add he should have subservient lines such as, "But, of course, Mr. Steinberg" and "Right away, Mrs. Goldfarb." 

Later on, after recuperating, he would be sentenced to starring only in traditional TV sitcoms. Bloggers suggest titles such as "William Wallace and Grace" and "Everybody Loves Christ."

His PR machine, already in full-force, had him quickly making apologies all over the place, as well as extending a hand to Jewish leaders. Some of those same leaders believe "The Passion of the Christ" is anti-Semitic.

This talk probably won't help; neither will a promised sequel from Gibson: "The Passion of Murray."  This movie could be considered a make-good for the Holocaust miniseries dropped by ABC that Gibson was to produce.  Of course, now it'll be tough for any advertiser/marketer to buy into any Gibson movie--either theatrical or for TV.

And, for Gibson, there'll be more people to hate and blame.