Plot

Johnny looks at rejected TV pilots. James Garner (The Rockford Files (1974)); Ellen Burstyn (Same Time, Next Year (1978)); David Letterman performs stand-up and is interviewed; former traffic officer Rod Dornsife (book "The Ticket Book").

In the comedy segment, Johnny lists real shows that are going to be mid-season replacements, then describes various shows that were not chosen, with pictures. James Garner opens by talking about the party he attended for the 20th anniversary of Johnny and Ed's partnership. He then talks about how he devotes all his time to work nine months a year, so he doesn't go out much. Asked what he would do if not acting, Garner answers pro golfer (noting his five handicap) or race car driver. Johnny asks about his earlier series "Maverick", and that leads to a discussion of his reluctant appearance on "This Is Your Life", where he found out in advance the show was profiling him. His commanding officer from the military was on that show, which leads to him telling how he was wounded twice in the Korean War: Once by the North Koreans and once by a US Navy jet. Johnny, a Navy veteran, says he can understand that happening; Garner expresses mock resentment over the fact that the military never presented with him the two Purple Hearts he was awarded. Ellen Burstyn first talks about when she worked with Garner in a play eighteen years earlier when he was mobbed by fans of "Maverick", noting they had not met since then. She then talks about her film "Same Time, Next Year". A clip from the film is shown. Asked about another ideal profession, she says she would like to go into space. David Letterman, in his first appearance on the show, does a stand-up comedy routine. During his interview, he tells jokes about his work on TV and growing up in Indiana. Rod Dornsife is a former San Diego police officer and author of "The Ticket Book". He talks about what to do when pulled over. He says about 30% of tickets are worth fighting in court, as officers issue so many tickets that they might not remember your citation if you don't irritate them during the stop. He also talks about the legality of radar detectors.—lenab9011