[In contrast, the non-Baxter will simply go with his gut:] he has a spontaneous, 'Hey, what's that thing across the street?' thing, ... And, of course, it's perfect.

I went to college thinking of maybe pursuing a career in film criticism.

[Showalter, 35, came up with the moniker for the arrested-development archtype because he wanted it to sound universal. But Shlomo Why not? It couldn't hurt!] You know who he is, ... Baxter is the Mensch. He's the Pickle Guy from [the film] 'Crossing Delancey,' that nice Jewish boy who the girl discovers is not really the one she had in mind.

I'm not sure why I like cats so much. I mean, they're really cute obviously. They are both wild and domestic at the same time.

Given the current state of publishing, I think it helps to have a brand name on the cover of your book. Comedians are proven commodities with built-in audiences. They may not have the writing chops of a Dave Eggers, but they're salacious and funny and self-reflective.

I've always loved going to see Broadway shows. I've seen 'em all: Rent, Chorus Line, Cats, West Side Story, Guys & Dolls, Wicked, you name it!