Illustration by Tony Tye and Curt Chandler, Post-Gazette TV Editor Rob Owen goes behind the scenes of the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Los Angeles with this journal, written exclusively for post-gazette.com. Click photo for larger image. L.A. Confidential Index to Press Tour journals

Executives from The WB today announced the passing of the network's original mascot, Michigan J. Frog.

Mr. Frog, who used to march across TV screens singing, "We're the Dubba, Dubba, Dubba-ya B-eee," died because he no longer fit the network's image.

"In my opinion, the frog is dead and buried," said Garth Ancier, chairman of The WB.

Entertainment president David Janollari attributed Mr. Frog's demise to the need for an image makeover.

"That was a symbol that -- especially in the extensive testing we did -- perpetuated the young, teen feel of the network, and that is not the image we want to put out to our audience," Janollari said. "Services will be held."

The WB decorated the ballroom where press tour news conferences are held with placards bearing "The WB" over a slapdash of green, yellow and blue splattered paint. At least it looked like paint. One critic asked if the signs were painted using the remains of Mr. Frog. Janollari and Ancier acknowledged that Mr. Frog was used to make their decorations.

WB's Michigan J. Frog

But by the end of the press conference, WB publicity executive Brad Turell muddied the waters. Turell said he had spoken to a Warner Bros. Animation executive who insisted that Mr. Frog was not dead.

"Michigan J. Frog is alive and well," Turell said. "He's living in Bolivia under the witness protection plan."

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr. Frog is asked to contact local animal control authorities.

So here's where it becomes tough to do this job: You watch a new TV show. You hate that show. And then you get cornered at a party by a pushy publicist who wants you to talk to the stars or creators. I'm a terrible liar and have an even worse poker face. So when someone asks me what I think of their show, I try my best to be courteous, but I'm pretty sure how I truly feel is written all over my face.

Now it's one thing when these folks are from Hollywood, but when they're Pittsburghers or former Pittsburghers or they still have family in town, that makes it even more of a challenge. This fall there are four shows starring people with Pittsburgh connections. Two of the shows I actively disliked. The other two I didn't hate, but I wasn't wild about them either. That puts me in an awkward position come review time, but it's bound to happen when one person is asked to be both reporter and critic, which is what most newspapers ask.

But my first allegiance is to the honesty of the critic's role, so I'll have to write those negative reviews anyway, just as I do when it's how I feel about local news. Then I'll just have to hold my breath and hope the actors understand it's not personal, it's just my job. We'll see.