Bob stands before the canvas, his eyes forward. As the cameras begin rolling, he begins his introductions. Grand in his presentation, the words slip into the background of the program. His hands wind around the canvas with a string as his small monologue comes to a close. Silence permeates the studio and everyone's awareness of the warmth is evident. Bob finishes with his wrapping and presents a completely covered canvas, tracing his fingers along the surface as he directs his body toward the camera.

"You see, I found out a neat little bit of information today and I thought I'd share it with you all... so let's just jump right in."

He expertly pulls from his spindle a piano string, hidden in the hollow center.

"The human body needs oxygen to survive and to deprive anyone of that necessity, well, that's just... such a bad thing, you know?"

Off-camera, a young woman whispers to her friend. Brows raise with heightened nerves, but their job rests on staying in this studio. Surely they would be safe, they agree quietly.

Bob wraps the piano string around both index fingers, testing its strength.

"But sometimes, true happiness really depends on more than just painting. There are things that fulfill you more than your job or career... your aspirations, folks."

He turns away from the camera and shakes his head as another person asks if he's alright. Silence.

He suddenly wraps the piano string around his neck, bringing the ends around to the front with a tight squeeze. Within seconds, crew members swarm the set but Bob ducks out of the way after loosening his grip. He coughs and rushes off camera. The pattering and movement of metal alerts the crew, but they're too late. Bob, having planned this event in advance, swings from the above rafters with a tightly wrapped noose. As they scramble to climb the ladder and get to the railing, he's no longer moving. His feet dangle and hang in the frame of the camera. They immediately cut to commercial and The Joy of Painting is cancelled indefinitely.