Is Julie Chen’s defense of her husband, Les Moonves, pathetic stand-by-your-manism or admirable personal loyalty? A surprising analysis from the creator of the darkly comic films “Welcome to the Dollhouse” and “Happiness.” This fall he makes his playwriting and stage directing debut with “Emma and Max,” described as “a satire of tragic dimensions,” at New York’s Flea Theater.

• •  PERSON: Les Moonves
  •  PLACE: American Dream Megamall
  •  THING: Neuticles
  •  RANDY’S THING: a George and Tammy 45