As if the Obama administration needed any other potential P.R. obstacles this week, along comes self-absorbed Hollywood to perform special effects that look remarkably like terrorist attacks on the Potomac River, near the Key Bridge. The DDOT is distributing this message:

Please be advised CBS Paramount will be filming for a television pilot titled “Washington Field” in the District for one day on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. This is a new television series about the elite Washington field office of the FBI and a team of agents with exceptional and diverse skills who are called together for only the most critical cases.

The first shot they will be shooting in the District takes place on the Potomac River just north of the Key Bridge and Jack’s Boathouse (K / Water Street, NW under the Whitehurst Freeway). In the scene, there will be six (6) sculling boats on the Potomac River and one of them blows up. The special effect simulating the explosion will occur on Wednesday March 25th between 9:30am and 12:00pm (noon).

NOTE: It will NOT blow the boat into a million little pieces. Instead there will be a 20′ to 30′ high fire ball that will last approximately two (2) seconds. All material will be vaporized and there may be a small plume of smoke. The sound will be a low thud; not a loud bang.

A 20-30 ft. fireball. Surely there will be people in office buildings on either side of the Potomac who did not get the memo.

According to IMDB, "Washington Field" seems to be yet another TV show about an elite crime-fighting squad, likely featuring quirky personalities delivering overworked banter, and starring no one of note. Also, stuff explodes. Tune in!