Book excerpt: Television is one of the most significant and notable inventions of the Twentieth century. Over the years, people have seen an overabundance of glitz and glamour on television. Homo sapiens used to turn on televisions in their living rooms to enjoy their TV dinners while watching the early movie, now we are pulverized by news and fluff. But what is really going on behind the camera? Stage manager Daniel Morgan gives you his insight into how the production crew works together to run and direct a show. From the shadows of the set, he shares newsroom shenanigans, attempts to explain the producer’s indecisions, and offers up tasty vignettes of the talent’s foibles. Finally, Morgan reveals the true nature of broadcast television and how it works (sometimes). Last Stage Manager Standing exposes the trade secrets and the politics behind the television industry. Working with some of my colleagues that ran the show was like a typical day in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.