Spike Unleashed: The Wonder Dog Returns by Bill Boggs
In a world filled with dog-centric tales, from classics like Lassie to modern tales of inspiration like Marley & Me, Bill Boggs adds another layer of fun with Spike Unleashed: The Wonder Dog Returns (Post Hill Press). Boggs brings keen observations, wit and a bit of social commentary to this entertaining tale of Spike and Bud’s foray into movie making.
While this book is the second in the Spike series, it reads as a standalone with a few wry references — and encouragements to read — to the first novel, its characters and events. Spike is endearing from the beginning, and his take on the humans in his life is what drives the humor of this sharp, absurdly funny read. We got a chance to speak with Boggs about his refusal to be pigeonholed in his career and where Spike might be headed next.
Q: Why did you choose a dog as the primary vehicle to write a satire about our times and our culture?
A: I had the general idea that revolved around a dog I once owned. He actually was Spike the Wonder Dog who was a regular on my TV program, “Southern Exposure,” that was syndicated in the South. He was very funny on the air and wildly popular. Tragically, he was killed by a speeding drunk driver shortly before I went to NYC for my big break, hosting “Midday Live with Bill Boggs.” The germinating essence of the idea was the question, “What if Spike came to New York in today’s world with a TV host sort of like me and became a huge TV and social media sensation?” But as a vehicle for satire, something about having a non-human presence narrating the story enabled me to write in a voice I’d never written in before.
Q: How would you describe Spike as a character and personality?
A: Indomitable, heroic, ribald, irreverent, astute, quite civilized and very funny. Maybe a mash-up of Rocky, Michael Phelps, Phillipe de Montebello, Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld and my favorite TV star, Stewie Griffin from “Family Guy.”
Q: Do your commentaries and jabs at people and society somehow take on a different tone with a dog at the helm? Does Spike somehow “protect” the real Bill Boggs or rather “expose” the real Bill Boggs and his opinions?
A: Yes, for sure. As a vehicle for satire … (Thud, hear that? That’s the sound of name dropping) … as comedian Bill Maher said to me, “You can always blame it on the dog if people try to cancel you.” Something mystical about having a non-human presence narrating the story enabled me to write in a voice I’d never written in before. I can sit down to write in my journal and never reach the level of observational wit Spike provides me as an imaginary source. I can just about access Spike at will. So, in a way, I actually have a dog talking to me but with a better result than what happened with the “Son of Sam” killer. and the dog in his head. Of course, under all that barking I’m hearing, the material certainly exposes much of my thinking about the state of our culture today.
Q: Do you think this book reveals a side of you that most people were not aware or would find surprising?
To the extent that someone would have me pigeon holed only as a TV talk show host, not an irreverent satirist capable of unleashing absurdist humor and creating complex colorful characters designed to make you laugh out loud, yes, they would find it surprising. But I began my career working with two brilliant comedians and comedy writers for four years. I’ve been performing comedy and writing humor in many forms — most of my life. That started in 8th grade.
Q: Can you tell us about some of the inventions like Angry Men Meals or others that you’ve included in the book and how they reflect your view of people’s sometimes strange preoccupations, beliefs, or foibles?
A: Celebrity preoccupation led me to create “Celebrity Breath Strips.” These are like those green Listerine strips, except inputted with the scent of your favorite celeb. “Yes, you have the kissing-sweet breath of Taylor Swift.” There is titanic anger in America today, particularly among men, so to serve the emerging Anger Market, I created Angry Man Meals, ‘HEY GUYS, come on down. This is really bad food with terrible ingredients and just enough testosterone to keep you in a state of chest-pumping fury all day!” There’s the new SexBit, which a woman wears on her wrist like a watch that gives her partner a score on his performance after sexual relations. Tony the Talking Trophy is an app for a kid’s phone that enables him to get unwarranted praise anytime he wants it. “Sure you struck out with the bases loaded three times in today’s game, Joey, but they were all good swings — you deserve a trophy for that.” There are many more, and, I think the inventions reflect my views of the “foibles.”
Q: What do you hope readers take away from this book?
A: Memories of many laugh-out loud moments. Insights into the excesses in our society, a look behind the scenes at the TV business and a genuine respect for Spike the Wonder Dog and his view of the way things are.
Q: What’s next for Spike and for you?
A: Once the writers and actors strikes are over, we are going to sell both of my Spike books as the basis for a streaming adult cartoon series. Be on the lookout for that. And there could be a third Spike book, I was thinking of titles, End of the Tail or End of the Tale. What do you think? Spike isn’t sure … but first, we get the option on the cartoon.
Bill Boggs is an Emmy Award–winning TV talk show host, producer and author who began his career in comedy. His books include the comic novel, The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog, a self-help book, Got What It Takes? and At First Sight, a love story optioned by Hollywood.
His TV credits include the long-running Midday Live out of New York City and programs on Food Network, PBS, CBS, NBC, ABC, ESPN, Travel Channel and Showtime. He served as the executive producer of the groundbreaking The Morton Downey Jr. Show and was the co-creator and host of the syndicated series Comedy Tonight.
BillBoggsTV on YouTube features hundreds of Bill’s interviews with some of the most notable personalities of our time. He lives on the tranquil island of Manhattan in East Hampton and Palm Beach with longtime girlfriend, “Lady Jane.”
