Televizzle.org

Last night on American Idol, the theme was musicals. I wasn't sure what to think. In the end, I'm not sure that it was a very good choice. Rather, I think that the song choices were not particularly good. I was disappointed, as I actually like (at least some) musicals. The song choices, as Randy might say, just didn't do it for me.

As usual, Carrie Underwood demonstrated her amazing voice, and it was quite a performance, though she didn't really perform so much as sing. If she could channel a bit of Constantine Maroulis into her own energy and stage presence, I think Carrie could win easily. Bo Bice may very well be her only real competition, but that's only if he can do a bit better job at choosing his songs.

Read "Shows: The Quest to be an Idol" »

Last night also saw a new episode of The Amazing Race. Perhaps the best line came from Boston Rob, saying that "the gloves are off". Now he's racing for real. Makes you wonder what he's been doing thus far?

As I mentioned previously, he makes for great television. I wonder if he's going to show up on The Apprentice after the race is over?

Read "Shows: Racing and Boston Rob" »

Last night on American Idol, Constantine Maroulis gave us an excellent rendition of Queen's classic, Bohemian Rhapsody. Even judge Simon Cowell seemed impressed, giving us just one word for his verdict: Astonishing. Well done, Constantine.

I have to say that I haven't particularly cared for Constantine, instead preferring fellow contestant Bo Bice, but of late, Bo has seemed to be, well, Bo, and Constantine has really stepped it up. I rarely agree with "judge" Paula Abdul, thinking she is too much of a cheerleader, but last night she said that Constantine is the one to beat, and I can't say that I disagree, based solely on that performance.

Read "Shows: Channeling Freddie Mercury" »

We missed the first three performers (Carrie, Constantine and Scott) on American Idol last night, and only saw half of Anthony's performance.

Read "Shows: Wednesday Idol Watch" »

On to The Amazing Race and what appears to be the longest leg ever. It's apparent now that the "background theory" is invalid, since Lynn and Alex came up short in this leg, meaning the sunset background is no longer "untouchable". Guess it's back to the drawing board for spoilers everywhere.

Meanwhile, it was very impressive to see Meredith and Gretchen overcome the boys and make it to the finish line before they did. Those two are pretty incredible. Though I can't say that I think they'll go much farther. The other three teams seem to be much more competent and competitive than Lynn and Alex. Still, that could all be editing - all of the teams are to some degree at the mercy of their drivers, so it could happen to anyone.

Read "Shows: Amazin' Racin'" »

So our friend Dubya was on the air again last night. And when I mean "on the air", I mean on the air. I counted either 11 or 12 stations that were concurrently running his broadcast. Isn't this a bit extreme?

I can understand that CNN and MSNBC and CSPAN might broadcast. But that's three.

I can understand that in their day, the same might be said for the largest US broadcast networks - ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. Actually, it's the first time I've noticed Fox broadcast such an event, but it's understandable. The other four or five channels? I don't even know who they were.

Read "Shows: Reality and the President" »

A bit of a surprising week this week on the reality shows.

First we saw Meredith and Gretchen finish somewhere other than last on The Amazing Race. Great job, and Uchenna and Joyce looked good too, indicating they may be the team to beat. In the same episode, we saw Rob take a really moronic approach in trying to fake out the other teams.

Then they found the phantom flight he mentioned and beat him to the finish line by a good margin. Unless Rob and Amber can catch a break and get back up with the group, they might be beaten soundly. Even if they do catch up, I think I like Uchenna and Joyce for the win. I just don't think Meredith and Gretchen have it in them if the end results in a sprint (and it does with some regularity).

Read "Shows: An Update on Reality" »