I haven't listened to the 2/25/03 Tompkins call in a while, but I think there is likely some discussion of
The Reggae Kid there.
Samir is referring to
this recap, and here's the relevant text:
Tompkins says he has a long history in television, including a stint as the Head of Programming for The Shout! Network from 2001 to 2004. He actually called Tom back in early 2003 to talk about the network's new spring lineup. Tompkins says he brought the thunder during his tenure, developing shows such as
Jerry Van Dyke’s Crime Crunchers,
Sex Camp,
Madmen & Mann,
Buried Alive,
Kidnapper of Hearts, and
The Other Side of the Music, a behind-the-scenes look at bands such as Wire Train, JoBoxers, GG Allin and The Texas Ns, Darren Robbins, and Chrome. His big projects were the controversial
The Reggae Kid and the late-night show
The Van Morrison Variety Two Hours. Tompkins says that Van Morrison filled the two hours by singing songs, dancing (soft shoe and tap), and appearing in sketches. He initially tells Tom that the show lasted for seven episodes, but he then admits that only one episode was shot. Tompkins says that they shot everything except the portions of the show that were supposed to feature Van Morrison. He didn't really want to be a part of it. Tompkins informs Tom that Van Morrison is a cranky guy who earned the nickname "Dr. Upset" because he was always mad and yelling unintelligibly. Tom is not surprised to hear this. He remembers that people protested
The Reggae Kid for being offensive and taking advantage of its young star. Tompkins says that was the show that launched him into the big leagues, riding the protests rights into an office on the ABC lot. He thinks Tom is belittling him by putting quotes around this "success". He says that he worked hard for his prominence in the industry and has eight or nine houseboats to show for it. Tompkins thinks you kind of lose track of them, but Tom says he wouldn't know because he doesn't have any houseboats. Tompkins is surprised that Tom doesn't have at least one houseboat.
