The first press conference, and I've already stuck my foot in my mouth. Good thing I savor the taste of my toes.

Yes, it's time for the 5,6782nd TV Critics Press Tour in Los Angeles and, once again, I'm swimming in hot water. We visited the set of "Community" on Friday and when it came time for the press conference, I placed myself in the front row, just 15 feet from Chevy Chase and Ken Jeong, which is a little like standing in front of a firing line without a blindfold, especially if you're going to ask tough questions - which I did.

I kicked things off by saying that, despite the fact that the show was an early critic's darling, the ratings have not caught on fire and the show has not gotten as much attention as "Modern Family." This triggered a round of one-liners from the cast that essentially labeled me as the group's Debbie Downer. It got worse. By my third question later in the conference, creators and cast ordered me to leave the room and fly back to Minneapolis. They were joking - I think. Wisely, I didn't try to go jab-for-jab with a group that also includes the quick-witted Joel McHale. Sometimes you just have to admit that you're outmatched and take your licks. BTW: Answers to those questions will be featured in an upcoming story on the state of "Community." Look for it in a few weeks.

I'm not sure why, but whenever I see a TV show featuring an office, I always ask myself: Why isn't Abe Vigoda in this series? The other question: "What's really in those files?" I got the answer, at least for the show "Flash Forward." During a set visit, I poked around in a file that viewers would be lead to believe included super-duper important papers that might breakdown the future of the world. Instead, the file was stuffed with information about the Carnie Wilson Obesity-Coping Media Campaign. Now you know the REAL secret behind the brainteaser drama, which returns in March.

At the hotel bar Friday night was none other than Robert Wagner, looking as dapper as he did in his "Hart to Hart" days. I mentioned to him how much I adored "Prince Valiant" when I was a kid. "Yeah, I should have worn that wig tonight," said Wagner, referring to the girly moptop that probably inspired the Beatles. Wagner is guesting on "NCIS."

Showtime just keeps getting better. At least it looks that way based on some exclusive clips we saw of the upcoming series, "Episodes," in which Matt LaBlanc plays...Matt LaBlance and "The Big C," starring Laura Linney. It looks tremendous - and it's set in Minneapolis (unfortunately, it's being shot in Connecticut). "The Big C," which also stars potential Oscar winner Gabby Sidibe from "Precious," should hit the air in summer. "Episodes" comes out in the fall.

Favorite press conference line:

Journalist: "Diablo, what are you currently developing?"

Diablo Cody: "RIght now I'm developing a rash from answering questions."

Heading out now for a "Bloody Mary" cocktail party for "The Vampire Diaries," in which I will strain to recognize anyone from the show. Then, a "Survivor" get together that will feature more than 200 former contestants. I'll give you a report tomorrow.

For now, I'm Neal Justin and you're not.