Just Shoot Me!

Like "Rescue Me", this episode was written and directed by creator Steve Levitan. Levitan had been pitching this idea to his staff for quite some time. They rejected the idea as being too potentially offensive. Only when someone came up with the idea of having David Cross play the character was it approved. They were familiar with Cross, and realized he was possibly the only person who could portray this character in both a humorous and non-offensive way. In fact, it was agreed that the episode would be done if and only if they could get Cross for the role. They had to wait several months for Cross to come free of some commitments, but when he finally did and agreed to play the part, the show was promptly filmed.