DR. PHIL MAKES HIS "BONES"

Sorry, but the following dialogue exchange is paraphrased....

Agent Booth:
You're a regular Dr. Phil, aren't you?
Dr. Brennan:
I don't know who that is. Who's Dr. Phil, some kind of expert?
Agent Booth:
He likes to think so.
('Bones')

In just a few years, since he first gained nationwide recognition from his appearances on 'Oprah!', Dr. Phil has become a pop culture reference. He now has his own daily TV show and has done prime-time specials as well.

'Bones' isn't the first series to recognize Dr. Phil's place in the TV Universe, but it's probably the first one to make fun of the guy. Perhaps it's a sign that Dr. Phil's status in pop culture has begun the inevitable shift into becoming a national joke, as so often happens.

Just ask Michael Jackson.

But if he's lucky, Dr. Phil will ride it through as William Shatner and Adam West did; embracing the ridicule and scorn until once again he's re-established as "cool".

Like Shatner and West, Dr. Phil has certified his presence as a fictional character in Toobworld via appearances on 'Frasier', 'The Norm Show', and 'The Bernie Mac Show', as well as in a 'Sesame Street' special and in blipverts for Match.com. Having met the requirements, he's now eligible for entry into the TV Crossover Hall of Fame, League of Themselves wing.

Once there, he can talk shop with Dr. Joyce Brothers, a member since 2000.

BCnU!
Tele-Toby