On Wednesday, the National Baseball Hall Of Fame, dedicated to presumably honor the greats in Major League Baseball and American Baseball at the highest levels, announced the results of the vote taken late last year by the BBWAA. The BBWAA are the organization of sports writers devoted to covering MLB and making their slack-jawed opinions known whether we want them or not. Every year, a select number of recently retired ballplayers who have been inactive for at least five years are voted by these writers to receive this prestigious honor. And in most cases, ballplayers that deserve the honor are routinely denied the honor of having a day devoted to them and a permanent plaque in Cooperstown, NY.
For 2016, only 2 ballplayers will receive a plaque. These players are Ken Griffey Jr., one of the better center fielders of the 1990s and early 2000s who totaled more than 620 home runs and a slew of personal records; and Mike Piazza, perhaps the best hitting catcher of his era with over 420 home runs and 2600 hits. Being from New York, most of the attention is on Piazza getting in; more so now since he will go in as a Met. By the way, Junior Griffey is going in as a Mariner, but that was a given. It is all well and good, until you realize the amount of ballplayers and off-the-field leaders who are not in the Hall of Fame, either still alive or since passed away.
I was going to provide a list of these oversights, yet that will be for another time. Suffice to say, these oversights, brought forth by a collection of sportswriters and self-proclaimed moralists who think only the purest of pure shall be granted induction, have greatly delineated most people's interest in the Hall of Fame beyond a regional level. I will have more to say about this one day. It might though be a multi-part examination of the Hall of Fame which I know few of you have interest in reading about now, so perhaps in the summer this will suffice.
Now, onto a more lively and exciting Hall of Fame discussion. One day after the Baseball Hall of Fame announced their inductees, the Pro Football Hall Of Fame announced the 18 finalists for their Class of 2016. The 8 inductees will be revealed at the NFL Honors one day before Super Bowl 50, February 6, 2016. Now right then and there, the reveal carries a lot more weight in the NFL than MLB cares to be involved with. As well, the 18 finalists are of such great importance that any of these finalists could be inducted this year and no problems would be had for who went in and who did not. The 18 finalists are:
Morten Andersen
Steve Atwater
Don Coryell (1924-2010)
Terrell Davis
Edward DeBartolo Jr.
Tony Dungy
Alan Faneca
Brett Favre
Kevin Greene
Marvin Harrison
Joe Jacoby
Edgerrin James
John Lynch
Terrell Owens
Orlando Pace
Ken Stabler (1945-2015)
Dick Stanfel (1927-2015)
Kurt Warner
With that in mind, discussion these next few weeks will turn to who gets inducted, when we are not following the playoffs and being armchair quarterbacks. As I mentioned before, 8 of the 18 finalists are likely to be inducted. 4 of them are certain locks. These would be Brett Favre, Ken Stabler, Dick Stanfel and Edward DeBartolo Jr. Stabler and Stanfel made it to be Senior Committee nominees, and Debartolo Jr. is the Contributor nominee; that means three of the eight slots are to be reserved for these specialized candidates. I am certain all three will go in. It also goes without saying that Brett Favre is a certain lock, and I need not explain why.
So that leaves 4 finalists to be inducted. Here is how I see the direction this will go. From what I gather, the four I would choose to go along with the obvious locks are as follows:
Kurt Warner: I do realize we are talking about inducting three quaterbacks getting in one year. However, there have been no quatrerbacks inducted since 2006; so the Hall of Fame is in need of ending the quarterback drought. Warner's backstory and accomplishments speak for themselves I believe.
Kevin Greene: when Kevin Greene retired after 15 years following the 1999 season, Mr. Greene amassed 160 quarterback sacks. Not only was it the third best total of that era; it was and still is the most sacks by a linebacker. Only Lawrence Taylor came closest with 142 sacks. Nine times during his career, Kevin Greene led his team in sacks, and had been a pivotal component in being a defensive leader for playoff teams. It is often hard to pick which team Greene made the most impact for, though I think it was the LA Rams. None the less, Kevin Greene was clearly one of the more consistent linebackers and defensive play makers of his time, and should finally get the long sought induction this year.
Tony Dungy: starting as an effective assistant coach, and then becoming a most impressive head coach with the Bucs and Colts; Tony Dungy had an impressive track record in turning around piss-poor teams and making them playoff contenders. The results are impressive: 148 wins, 10 seasons of 10 or more wins, only one losing season, only two seasons not making the playoffs, three conference championship games, and in 2007 winning Super Bowl 41. With that, Dungy became the first African-American head coach of a Super-Bowl winning team. Not only that, Tony Dungy was and still is an important mentor and role model to his players and active in numerous charitable activities; not to mention his impressive transition to NBC's football coverage and analysis.
Marvin Harrison: never the flashiest player, Marvin Harrison went on to become one of the better wide receivers in the game. Along with perhaps the best wide receiver in Colts history. To this day, Harrison holds the record for the most receptions in one season, set in 2002 with 143. He also had nine seasons of 10 or more touchdowns and 1000 receiving yards, 4 seasons of 100 receptions, only one season in playing less than 10 games, 188 starts out of 190 games played, 1,102 receptions, 128 touchdowns and 14,580 yards. Harrison is also part of the most accomplished quarterback to wide receiver tandem in NFL history along side Peyton Manning. And yes, he did win a Super Bowl as well.
Once again, I presume these will be the eight inductees announced next month. I do think there will be five finalists that could also get selected this year which would not surprise me.
Terrell Owens: though having never won a Super Bowl, and not as consistent in his later years than his 49ers tenure; Terrell Owens was quite the good wide receiver. Owens was also one of the best characters in the game as well, complimenting his 153 touchdowns and numerous records of importance.
Terrell Davis: he only played 7 seasons, and then only the first four were fantastic. Yet I keep mentioning this opinion: the Denver Broncos do not win back to back Super Bowls without Terrell Davis, who came and went as if he were a bright comet. Very comparable to the shortened career of Gale Sayers, whom by the way went in the Hall of Fame on the first ballot though never appearing in the playoffs. If Sayers is in, Davis should go in one day.
Alan Faneca: a great Steelers offensive lineman similar to Mike Webster and Dermontti Dawson. Faneca also had 11 fumble recoveries and started 201 out of 206 games played. As well, for a retired player, Alan Faneca looks much better today than in his playing years.
Orlando Pace: Pace was the leading fulcrum in guiding the greatest show on turf during the halcyon era of the Rams. He started 165 out of 169 games played and recovered 9 fumbles along the way.
Morten Andersen: the all time leader in games played, points, field goals, points after touchdowns, field goals of at least 50 yards, and holds the team records for kicking in both the Saints and the Falcons. Andersen became the prototype for the idea of the kicker to be the deciding factor in not only a win for a team, but also an identity.
I think Steve Atwater may be waiting at least another year. Don Coryell might get a posthumous induction, though Coryell not having been to a Super Bowl is a bit of a damper. John Lynch will get inducted one day, though it may take a few years. Edgerrin James will likely go in one or two years from now. And Joe Jacoby is a candidate that could be a surprise inductee, though I am just not seeing it this year.
Well, those are my thoughts on the two different Halls of Fame. Truthfully it is really only the Pro Football Hall of Fame that my focus was on; not a surprise since I am more interested in football than baseball.
I have also been informed that this marks one year since I started this weblog page. To all that are continuing on this journey with me; I offer my heartfelt thanks and appreciation. 2016 is promising to be a very intriguing year and one full of newer possibilities and avenues to show my opinions. I hope you will like what is coming next.
More coming; stay tuned,
Robert
Showing posts with label cancellations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancellations. Show all posts
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Sunday, May 17, 2015
American Idle: Decline and Fall
Amazing, is it not, that only three years ago (2012) winning American Idol or even being a finalist was cause for celebration. Yet, since Philip Phillips won and arguably became the third most successful Idol winner after Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood; the past three seasons have been at best tepid shadows of its former glory. At worst, the populace has realized that the emperor is not wearing any clothes. As I type this, The 2015 Billboard Music Awards are on; nowhere in the MGM Grand are to be found the last three Idol winners. That is because at this time none of them has had a hit record or album on the charts.
So what happened to a series that was once such a juggernaut that now few people give the time of day to? What has made American Idol a series that has now a stop date next year? I can think of a number of reasons this has come to be this way. Much of them appear obvious when all is said and done.
First and foremost, the need for a fledgling singer to go on American Idol to make it big became a bit redundant. As I mentioned yesterday, Kanye West, Arcade Fire and LCD Sound system broke through when Idol began; and I can certainly tell you not one of those artists would have even made the semi-finalist round of any season. Do you know who else would not have worked well on Idol?
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
The National
Lorde
Animal Collective
Blake Shelton
Pharrell Williams
Hozier
Florence Welch
Katy Perry
Iggy Azalea
John Legend
Sam Smith
Paramore
Nicki Minaj
MGMT
The Black Keys
Ray LaMontagne
Charli XCX
Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis
All of these artists have become substantial figures in the music scene these last 12-13 years. And not one of them also needed an Idol or like minded singing reality show to get famous. The music buying public are, I think, more in tune with authenticity and uniqueness as listed above. You rarely find it nowadays on a show where getting a recording contract is considered entertainment.
Here is another thing that made the show lose its credibility. As the years went on, it seemed to me that Ryan Seacrest wanted American Idol to be more like American Bandstand. In particular, the results show and the Idol Gives Back show would be more interested in established artists performing live than promoting the results of the votes for who would stay and who would be kicked out. In a roundabout matter, the introduction of the judges' save and the occasional weeks in which no one left I think cheapened the voting process and altered the idea of the best singer winning. You might remember the idea floating a few years ago to vote for the worst. I was totally against that idea, and still am.
What else has made American Idol lose it all? So darn much.
The Voice; not exactly a success in finding the great new artists; but the more honest and reasonable approach to finding a winner.
The X Factor; did not do too well in America; yet it has completely supplanted the Idol format in most other countries.
Got Talent; much more varied and interesting, due in large part to not discriminating upon age.
Simon Cowell leaving Idol.
Paula Abdul leaving Idol.
Randy Jackson leaving Idol.
That one season where it seemed more people cared about the animosity between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj than who was auditioning.
19 Entertainment and Fremantle Media altering the show noticeably every year after Simon left.
Not one celebrity judge willing to go negative on a contestant.
The proliferation of country music artists getting more votes than most other genres; not a bad thing in and of itself. Yet not everyone likes modern country.
Walt Disney World ending The American Idol Experience some two years ago.
Ryan Seacrest effectively phoning it in these last couple of seasons.
The Coca-Cola Company ending its sponsorship; not to mention PepsiCo neglecting to pick up the contract.
The rejects weeks effectively ending; replaced with showcasing every Idol contestant that came from hardship and doing what it took to go to Hollywood.
Many past Idol winners and finalists not even bothering to mention American Idol as their springboard to superstardom.
And my personal pet peeve: not once did Idol ever utilize Pink Floyd! Yes, it pisses me off that Pink Floyd has not had one of their songs covered by a singer on the show. Not even something more accessible like Wish You Were Here. By the way, it is the same feeling I have regarding the Songwriters Hall Of Fame: where the heck is Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Richard Wright at least in their hallowed halls?
Honestly three straight seasons of American Idol being the patron saint of mediocrities is enough to negate the first 11 seasons as mere flukes. I guess in the end, it mattered and yet it did not matter. There is one more season to go; we shall see if Nigel Lythgoe, Simon Fuller, Ryan Seacrest and others will be willing to go out on top and not on a languishing whimper. A word of caution though: do not hold your breath for that to happen.
Talk to you all later with more interesting observations,
Robert
PS. Dick Whitman is Don Draper is DB Cooper. We will find out if this theory holds in a few minutes from now.
So what happened to a series that was once such a juggernaut that now few people give the time of day to? What has made American Idol a series that has now a stop date next year? I can think of a number of reasons this has come to be this way. Much of them appear obvious when all is said and done.
First and foremost, the need for a fledgling singer to go on American Idol to make it big became a bit redundant. As I mentioned yesterday, Kanye West, Arcade Fire and LCD Sound system broke through when Idol began; and I can certainly tell you not one of those artists would have even made the semi-finalist round of any season. Do you know who else would not have worked well on Idol?
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
The National
Lorde
Animal Collective
Blake Shelton
Pharrell Williams
Hozier
Florence Welch
Katy Perry
Iggy Azalea
John Legend
Sam Smith
Paramore
Nicki Minaj
MGMT
The Black Keys
Ray LaMontagne
Charli XCX
Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis
All of these artists have become substantial figures in the music scene these last 12-13 years. And not one of them also needed an Idol or like minded singing reality show to get famous. The music buying public are, I think, more in tune with authenticity and uniqueness as listed above. You rarely find it nowadays on a show where getting a recording contract is considered entertainment.
Here is another thing that made the show lose its credibility. As the years went on, it seemed to me that Ryan Seacrest wanted American Idol to be more like American Bandstand. In particular, the results show and the Idol Gives Back show would be more interested in established artists performing live than promoting the results of the votes for who would stay and who would be kicked out. In a roundabout matter, the introduction of the judges' save and the occasional weeks in which no one left I think cheapened the voting process and altered the idea of the best singer winning. You might remember the idea floating a few years ago to vote for the worst. I was totally against that idea, and still am.
What else has made American Idol lose it all? So darn much.
The Voice; not exactly a success in finding the great new artists; but the more honest and reasonable approach to finding a winner.
The X Factor; did not do too well in America; yet it has completely supplanted the Idol format in most other countries.
Got Talent; much more varied and interesting, due in large part to not discriminating upon age.
Simon Cowell leaving Idol.
Paula Abdul leaving Idol.
Randy Jackson leaving Idol.
That one season where it seemed more people cared about the animosity between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj than who was auditioning.
19 Entertainment and Fremantle Media altering the show noticeably every year after Simon left.
Not one celebrity judge willing to go negative on a contestant.
The proliferation of country music artists getting more votes than most other genres; not a bad thing in and of itself. Yet not everyone likes modern country.
Walt Disney World ending The American Idol Experience some two years ago.
Ryan Seacrest effectively phoning it in these last couple of seasons.
The Coca-Cola Company ending its sponsorship; not to mention PepsiCo neglecting to pick up the contract.
The rejects weeks effectively ending; replaced with showcasing every Idol contestant that came from hardship and doing what it took to go to Hollywood.
Many past Idol winners and finalists not even bothering to mention American Idol as their springboard to superstardom.
And my personal pet peeve: not once did Idol ever utilize Pink Floyd! Yes, it pisses me off that Pink Floyd has not had one of their songs covered by a singer on the show. Not even something more accessible like Wish You Were Here. By the way, it is the same feeling I have regarding the Songwriters Hall Of Fame: where the heck is Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Richard Wright at least in their hallowed halls?
Honestly three straight seasons of American Idol being the patron saint of mediocrities is enough to negate the first 11 seasons as mere flukes. I guess in the end, it mattered and yet it did not matter. There is one more season to go; we shall see if Nigel Lythgoe, Simon Fuller, Ryan Seacrest and others will be willing to go out on top and not on a languishing whimper. A word of caution though: do not hold your breath for that to happen.
Talk to you all later with more interesting observations,
Robert
PS. Dick Whitman is Don Draper is DB Cooper. We will find out if this theory holds in a few minutes from now.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Idol...Out!
I remember the day 13 years ago like it was yesterday. A high school friend of mine, Danny Kean, was being interviewed on Fox and Friends in an early June day in 2002. The previous May, Danny was in Hollywood auditioning as one of some 40 semi-finalists for a show on Fox premiering that night named American Idol. Now, I knew Danny was pretty darn good at the craft, having written his own songs and being able to play the piano and sing quite well. Of course, being interviewed in New York City where he resides to this day meant that he did not make it to the live finalist telecasts to be voted on by a viewing audience. Fortunately, Danny Kean has done well for himself ever since.
So that night, I watched the premier of American Idol in the hopes that Danny would be featured. He was not, either that week or the next week. What was featured were for the most part rejects that first week. They were being looked at by three record industry bigwigs, for which two I knew about (Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson) and one I had become aware of his reputation and his track record (Simon Cowell). It was hosted by two Los Angeles radio and/or stand up guys that I had no idea whom they were; although one of them looked uncannily like MTV personality Rikki Rachtman. In any case, the rejects were the highlight of the show.
There was the one female that was clueless of her rejection that she came back.
The kid named Derek that looked dejected and was told that he sucked by Simon and other people at the New York audition.
The one guy that wanted desperately to make it into the business; to as he put it "be somebody's product."
The African-American female that when rejected told off Simon.
The one guy who auditioned by singing Silent Night and forgetting the lyrics (Silent Night; I said a Silent Night)
The one young man that deadpanned American Pie that made Simon mention that the music (as it were) just died.
To their credit, it got serious as the weeks went on. Indeed, numerous celebrities became fans of the show; enough to fill the Dolby Theater for the season finale. More importantly, it was on Idol Season 1 that we were introduced to an artist that I think is perhaps the successor to Linda Ronstadt in her varied talents. That of course would be Kelly Clarkson; who has done extremely well in the 13 years since winning the first American Idol.
It was Season 2 which began in January 2003 and ended that May when American Idol hit its stride. That year, the rejected weeks were extended and were possibly even funnier than the year before. I mean, who could ever forget that one woman who tried to sing Unchained Melody as the seasons went by?:). More notably, it was the first year that I felt torn between who should win, as did many fans. Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken and Kimberly Locke were the top three that year; and any one of them could have won and there would not be an outcry. In the end, all three got recording contracts, and Ruben Studdard won the title of American Idol. This was also the first year when the non winners, namely Clay Aiken, made a greater impact than the winners. In fact, it happened again the next year. Fantasia won, and deservedly so. Yet, Jennifer Hudson became the Oscar winning singer and actress that shined brightest.
One year after that, American Idol introduced us to a highly successful artist in Country Music. Arguably, Carrie Underwood has had along with Kelly Clarkson the greatest success of any Idol winner. To do that while basically sticking to a field of music true to her core was and still is rather ballsy and brave. That was in 2005. 2006 was I think the start of things getting rotten. While that year brought artists such as Katherine McPhee and Daughtry to the forefront; the winner that year was Taylor Hicks. Hicks basically copied Joe Cocker move for move; an idea which I was not personally interested in. Taylor Hicks also became the first Idol winner to not entirely have that great of a success as the years went by.
The next year, Jordin Sparks took home the title of Idol; and for that year, she was the best. In 2008, American Idol had one of its best seasons; David Cook won that year in one of the more closely watched seasons for finalists. I think 6 of the top 10 went on to get recording contracts and enjoy comparative success. Personally, I felt David Archuleta was more deserving; yet I have no complaints.
2009 I think was the last great year for American Idol. I along with many others became impressed and instant fans of Adam Lambert; definitely one of the best performers and showmen to grace the stage of the series. Much of the top 12 were pretty darn good themselves. And while I was not too impressed with Kris Allen; he did alright for himself. Sadly, I do not think much of America were ready to accept Adam Lambert's lifestyle and theatrics at the time. That of course has since changed. This was also the year Paula Abdul left. That was quite a loss; I had like the banter Paula, Simon, Randy and Ryan Seacrest had going at that point.
I was not impressed with the following year. Many of the finalists seemed mediocre compared to past years. Though I really liked Crystal Bowersox and had hoped she would win. That of course did not happen. Lee DeWyze was the winner that year; a good singer who has done okay, yet it could have been a lot better. I knew Lee DeWyze would not live up to past winners when his ending signature song was a cover of the U2 anthem Beautiful Day. More importantly, Simon Cowell left after that year to focus more attention on The X Factor; as well as developing an American equivalent, producing the Got Talent series, leading his production company Syco, and becoming an innovative and on demand producer and talent manager. Artists like One Direction, Cher Lloyd, Susan Boyle, Leona Lewis, Jackie Evancho and Fifth Harmony got their starts from these Simon Cowell produced shows.
Not only did Simon leave, so too did Kara Dioguardi; who I thought made a damn good fourth judge. As well, Ellen DeGeneres left American Idol so as to not exhaust herself from her other programs. When that happened, American Idol changed. Probably not for the better.
The next year felt more like American Country Music Idol than anything else towards the end. Not a bad thing; I do like Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery, the latter of whom won that year. Indeed, McCreery has become I think the successor to George Strait in the new traditionalist mold. However, I am not much of a country music fan nowadays. You all know how much I loathe bro-country, so I will leave it at that. 2012 though was better; the year we were introduced to the rather interesting singer songwriter Phillip Phillips. He has done well for himself; indeed I think he was the first Idol winner to have his ending signature song be one he wrote, Home. Much of the time then and now, Phillip Phillips reminds me quite a bit of Dave Matthews. Yet, he is unique. That year though saw the departure of Randy Jackson. It was that departure that sank Idol into the abyss, I think.
So, the first 11 Idol winners and the many runners-up are well known. Since 2013; admittedly, who the heck cares. Not many in my family, myself included, were satisfied with Candace Glover winning. Caleb Johnson has done virtually nothing. And only time will tell if Nick Fradiani stands the test of time. Which brings us to now. Next year will be the 15th and last season of American Idol. So much has happened particularly since 2012 that has caused Idol to end, to say nothing of losing its relevance. This of course will need to require another weblog essay just to analyze why it is now ending.
The follow-up will come by tomorrow, I hope. Let me though say one thing: Kanye West and Arcade Fire, to name two different artists, broke through also around 2002-2003. They did not need American Idol to become amongst the best artists of their time. Heck, neither did this band.
And they sold out Madison Square Garden for their final concert before breaking up!
Talk to you tomorrow,
Robert
So that night, I watched the premier of American Idol in the hopes that Danny would be featured. He was not, either that week or the next week. What was featured were for the most part rejects that first week. They were being looked at by three record industry bigwigs, for which two I knew about (Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson) and one I had become aware of his reputation and his track record (Simon Cowell). It was hosted by two Los Angeles radio and/or stand up guys that I had no idea whom they were; although one of them looked uncannily like MTV personality Rikki Rachtman. In any case, the rejects were the highlight of the show.
There was the one female that was clueless of her rejection that she came back.
The kid named Derek that looked dejected and was told that he sucked by Simon and other people at the New York audition.
The one guy that wanted desperately to make it into the business; to as he put it "be somebody's product."
The African-American female that when rejected told off Simon.
The one guy who auditioned by singing Silent Night and forgetting the lyrics (Silent Night; I said a Silent Night)
The one young man that deadpanned American Pie that made Simon mention that the music (as it were) just died.
To their credit, it got serious as the weeks went on. Indeed, numerous celebrities became fans of the show; enough to fill the Dolby Theater for the season finale. More importantly, it was on Idol Season 1 that we were introduced to an artist that I think is perhaps the successor to Linda Ronstadt in her varied talents. That of course would be Kelly Clarkson; who has done extremely well in the 13 years since winning the first American Idol.
It was Season 2 which began in January 2003 and ended that May when American Idol hit its stride. That year, the rejected weeks were extended and were possibly even funnier than the year before. I mean, who could ever forget that one woman who tried to sing Unchained Melody as the seasons went by?:). More notably, it was the first year that I felt torn between who should win, as did many fans. Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken and Kimberly Locke were the top three that year; and any one of them could have won and there would not be an outcry. In the end, all three got recording contracts, and Ruben Studdard won the title of American Idol. This was also the first year when the non winners, namely Clay Aiken, made a greater impact than the winners. In fact, it happened again the next year. Fantasia won, and deservedly so. Yet, Jennifer Hudson became the Oscar winning singer and actress that shined brightest.
One year after that, American Idol introduced us to a highly successful artist in Country Music. Arguably, Carrie Underwood has had along with Kelly Clarkson the greatest success of any Idol winner. To do that while basically sticking to a field of music true to her core was and still is rather ballsy and brave. That was in 2005. 2006 was I think the start of things getting rotten. While that year brought artists such as Katherine McPhee and Daughtry to the forefront; the winner that year was Taylor Hicks. Hicks basically copied Joe Cocker move for move; an idea which I was not personally interested in. Taylor Hicks also became the first Idol winner to not entirely have that great of a success as the years went by.
The next year, Jordin Sparks took home the title of Idol; and for that year, she was the best. In 2008, American Idol had one of its best seasons; David Cook won that year in one of the more closely watched seasons for finalists. I think 6 of the top 10 went on to get recording contracts and enjoy comparative success. Personally, I felt David Archuleta was more deserving; yet I have no complaints.
2009 I think was the last great year for American Idol. I along with many others became impressed and instant fans of Adam Lambert; definitely one of the best performers and showmen to grace the stage of the series. Much of the top 12 were pretty darn good themselves. And while I was not too impressed with Kris Allen; he did alright for himself. Sadly, I do not think much of America were ready to accept Adam Lambert's lifestyle and theatrics at the time. That of course has since changed. This was also the year Paula Abdul left. That was quite a loss; I had like the banter Paula, Simon, Randy and Ryan Seacrest had going at that point.
I was not impressed with the following year. Many of the finalists seemed mediocre compared to past years. Though I really liked Crystal Bowersox and had hoped she would win. That of course did not happen. Lee DeWyze was the winner that year; a good singer who has done okay, yet it could have been a lot better. I knew Lee DeWyze would not live up to past winners when his ending signature song was a cover of the U2 anthem Beautiful Day. More importantly, Simon Cowell left after that year to focus more attention on The X Factor; as well as developing an American equivalent, producing the Got Talent series, leading his production company Syco, and becoming an innovative and on demand producer and talent manager. Artists like One Direction, Cher Lloyd, Susan Boyle, Leona Lewis, Jackie Evancho and Fifth Harmony got their starts from these Simon Cowell produced shows.
Not only did Simon leave, so too did Kara Dioguardi; who I thought made a damn good fourth judge. As well, Ellen DeGeneres left American Idol so as to not exhaust herself from her other programs. When that happened, American Idol changed. Probably not for the better.
The next year felt more like American Country Music Idol than anything else towards the end. Not a bad thing; I do like Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery, the latter of whom won that year. Indeed, McCreery has become I think the successor to George Strait in the new traditionalist mold. However, I am not much of a country music fan nowadays. You all know how much I loathe bro-country, so I will leave it at that. 2012 though was better; the year we were introduced to the rather interesting singer songwriter Phillip Phillips. He has done well for himself; indeed I think he was the first Idol winner to have his ending signature song be one he wrote, Home. Much of the time then and now, Phillip Phillips reminds me quite a bit of Dave Matthews. Yet, he is unique. That year though saw the departure of Randy Jackson. It was that departure that sank Idol into the abyss, I think.
So, the first 11 Idol winners and the many runners-up are well known. Since 2013; admittedly, who the heck cares. Not many in my family, myself included, were satisfied with Candace Glover winning. Caleb Johnson has done virtually nothing. And only time will tell if Nick Fradiani stands the test of time. Which brings us to now. Next year will be the 15th and last season of American Idol. So much has happened particularly since 2012 that has caused Idol to end, to say nothing of losing its relevance. This of course will need to require another weblog essay just to analyze why it is now ending.
The follow-up will come by tomorrow, I hope. Let me though say one thing: Kanye West and Arcade Fire, to name two different artists, broke through also around 2002-2003. They did not need American Idol to become amongst the best artists of their time. Heck, neither did this band.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Robert
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Real Time
I mentioned in my most recent post the turn of the events surrounding the lives of Brian Williams and Jon Stewart. A process which, I think, is beginning to resemble Freaky Friday, in one wants to be the other. Yet, unlike those that we hear about recently; Bill Maher has not been like that. Indeed, for Bill Maher, it has always been him using comedy as a form of political activism and commentary that has been tapped by only a select few of the comedy greats.
And yes, this does extend to Maher's pre-Politically Incorrect and Real Time days. This also, indeed, extends to some of the more lower budget comedies Bill Maher starred in during that time frame. Perhaps Cannibal Women In The Avacado Jungle Of Death was not that explicit, or even that good. Yet I do remember being a young kid and seeing every so often on Comedy Central Maher's 1991 horror/political comedy Pizza Man. It is not readily available to view now, save some clips on YouTube. Yet, Maher's political leanings were always there.
What made me want to follow Bill Maher was his courage and gumption to say important ideas at a time when most media were censoring themselves in order to catapult the war propaganda. In that same 2001-2005 period I mentioned when NBC News and Brian Williams were no different than the Cheney-Bush people, Jon Stewart was a bit timid at best to go against the grain. Bill Maher was not like that. Indeed, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, I can remember only two people in the television media that were aghast at the responses and jingoism that were afoot from an event which we all know was not what we were told. Of course, Maher was the leading figure; the immediate result was the cancellation of Politically Incorrect. The other I can remember was Rev. Fred McFeely Rogers; whom we all knew as Mr. Rogers. You know, it has always been a quizzical coincidence to me that hostilities in Iraq by the US Military began After Mr. Rogers had died. One wonders what would have been different had he been alive.
Luckily for us, Bill Maher did not take the cancellation sitting down. Indeed, in the 12 years it has been on, Real Time with Bill Maher has been immeasurably superior. Personally, I prefer Real Time than The Daily Show due to a greater interest in interviewing iconoclasts and unique leaders. For instance, you may not have ever seen Noam Chomsky, another hero of mine, on commercial television. Yet Dr. Chomsky has been on Real Time. There is also a sense of actually attempting to bring forth change in the political landscape with Maher's ideas, including expanding horizons by executive producing Vice.
What also makes Real Time a more important show are the New Rules at the end. They usually are quite funny, with some good uses of photo shop. Maher usually ends the show with a New Rule extended commentary that is both funny and thoughtful on a medium that does not seem to do both. In point of fact, just this past night, Maher's final New Rule says it all, I think, on the current Nightly News landscape.
In short, Bill Maher has been far more valuable in giving people the news along with even making the news. There are often times when I am amazed that Maher has not become an overtly political candidate.
Yet, this is where Bill Maher falls short. They have not gone where Tom Dobbs went; seeking the office and winning the office of President. For those who do not know, Tom Dobbs was a fictional television political commentator and humorist played by Robin Williams in the Barry Levinson film Man Of The Year. Easily one of the better political satires in recent memory, alongside films like The Campaign, Man Of The Year does not get enough traction for its interesting plot and commentary. Sadly, it was hardly mentioned at all after Robin Williams died.
In a way, though, Robin Williams was more potent and politically influential than the three I mentioned. More than half of Williams' stand up was social-political oriented. Heck, go look at any of Robin Williams' stand-up and be amazed at the insight he had. There is one point in his 2009 D.C. show that looks at the ten years prior as if someone was coming out of a drug haze.
A lot of truth in those nearly 4 minutes. And perhaps a tough act and person to follow.
So I look at it this way. In speaking the truth, whichever it may be, and usually it is one's opinions and memories:
Brian Williams is a spokesperson and a guy just eager to get into the cool kids' club.
Jon Stewart is a humorist that would rather be a journalist.
Bill Maher is whom he has always been, and is one of the bravest people in the media.
Robin Williams was a brilliant man with a brilliant mind, and more of a leader than others think.
You see the differences? Looking at Brian Williams alone, his suspension came during a week when New York Times media columnist David Carr died suddenly just a day after making his opinions known on the Brian Williams matter. In that same time period, CBS News foreign and 60 Minutes correspondent Bob Simon died in a traffic accident . Two newsmen and columnists that, foibles notwithstanding, remained newsmen and columnists. And I know Stewart may fancy himself a newsman and columnist; quite the change from his non-essential MTV years (and yes I remember those years too!).
So, knowing this sea of change, what will Brian Williams do next? Would it be a surprise to anybody that he becomes someone who becomes the news for what he says than for what he does? Would it be out of the ordinary for him to be involved in, say, the fake news division of the next Grand Theft Auto game? I am not sure. I do know that while news and entertainment can and do mix (infotainment); the need to be with the entertainment side can really hurt a person who is a newsman. I do not blame Brian Williams for doing what he did. Indeed, some of these stories could fit well in a book.
Yet, just as Alison Williams has no desire to follow directly in her parents' footsteps in journalism; it does not mean Brian Williams could follow in a way the trajectory of Alison Williams. Obviously what Alison does to entertain people is not what Brian does or would do to purportedly inform people; yet the allure is there. Indeed, as Bill Maher mentioned, much of the news today described on a half hour program means little. Is it any wonder people will look elsewhere for their news and information? And is it not interesting that it takes a humorist like Maher or Robin Williams, or Jon Stewart, or going back some years George Carlin, Mort Sahl, Bill Hicks, Paul Mooney, Joy Behar or even Mark Russell to give people a more truthful interpretation of the news than most newsmen today?
In the end, for me, when the news went full jingoistic in the months and years post-911, I lost my trust in the mainstream media. That is collectively than on an individual basis. Indeed, I happen to like Brian Williams at times. Yet, somewhere along the way, he thought himself a celebrity only and not what his employment is; a newsman.
In memoriam for two newsmen: Bob Simon (1941-2015) and David Carr (1956-2015). My thoughts and well wishes and prayers go out to their families and loved ones.
Well, that ends my spiel on the news today. Though there are times when a news day is basically waking up, falling out of bed; dragging a comb across your head.
A final chord that can never be duplicated.
Catch up with you all soon,
Robert
PS. Go see Kingsman: The Secret Service. I will explain more later.
And yes, this does extend to Maher's pre-Politically Incorrect and Real Time days. This also, indeed, extends to some of the more lower budget comedies Bill Maher starred in during that time frame. Perhaps Cannibal Women In The Avacado Jungle Of Death was not that explicit, or even that good. Yet I do remember being a young kid and seeing every so often on Comedy Central Maher's 1991 horror/political comedy Pizza Man. It is not readily available to view now, save some clips on YouTube. Yet, Maher's political leanings were always there.
What made me want to follow Bill Maher was his courage and gumption to say important ideas at a time when most media were censoring themselves in order to catapult the war propaganda. In that same 2001-2005 period I mentioned when NBC News and Brian Williams were no different than the Cheney-Bush people, Jon Stewart was a bit timid at best to go against the grain. Bill Maher was not like that. Indeed, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, I can remember only two people in the television media that were aghast at the responses and jingoism that were afoot from an event which we all know was not what we were told. Of course, Maher was the leading figure; the immediate result was the cancellation of Politically Incorrect. The other I can remember was Rev. Fred McFeely Rogers; whom we all knew as Mr. Rogers. You know, it has always been a quizzical coincidence to me that hostilities in Iraq by the US Military began After Mr. Rogers had died. One wonders what would have been different had he been alive.
Luckily for us, Bill Maher did not take the cancellation sitting down. Indeed, in the 12 years it has been on, Real Time with Bill Maher has been immeasurably superior. Personally, I prefer Real Time than The Daily Show due to a greater interest in interviewing iconoclasts and unique leaders. For instance, you may not have ever seen Noam Chomsky, another hero of mine, on commercial television. Yet Dr. Chomsky has been on Real Time. There is also a sense of actually attempting to bring forth change in the political landscape with Maher's ideas, including expanding horizons by executive producing Vice.
What also makes Real Time a more important show are the New Rules at the end. They usually are quite funny, with some good uses of photo shop. Maher usually ends the show with a New Rule extended commentary that is both funny and thoughtful on a medium that does not seem to do both. In point of fact, just this past night, Maher's final New Rule says it all, I think, on the current Nightly News landscape.
In short, Bill Maher has been far more valuable in giving people the news along with even making the news. There are often times when I am amazed that Maher has not become an overtly political candidate.
Yet, this is where Bill Maher falls short. They have not gone where Tom Dobbs went; seeking the office and winning the office of President. For those who do not know, Tom Dobbs was a fictional television political commentator and humorist played by Robin Williams in the Barry Levinson film Man Of The Year. Easily one of the better political satires in recent memory, alongside films like The Campaign, Man Of The Year does not get enough traction for its interesting plot and commentary. Sadly, it was hardly mentioned at all after Robin Williams died.
In a way, though, Robin Williams was more potent and politically influential than the three I mentioned. More than half of Williams' stand up was social-political oriented. Heck, go look at any of Robin Williams' stand-up and be amazed at the insight he had. There is one point in his 2009 D.C. show that looks at the ten years prior as if someone was coming out of a drug haze.
A lot of truth in those nearly 4 minutes. And perhaps a tough act and person to follow.
So I look at it this way. In speaking the truth, whichever it may be, and usually it is one's opinions and memories:
Brian Williams is a spokesperson and a guy just eager to get into the cool kids' club.
Jon Stewart is a humorist that would rather be a journalist.
Bill Maher is whom he has always been, and is one of the bravest people in the media.
Robin Williams was a brilliant man with a brilliant mind, and more of a leader than others think.
You see the differences? Looking at Brian Williams alone, his suspension came during a week when New York Times media columnist David Carr died suddenly just a day after making his opinions known on the Brian Williams matter. In that same time period, CBS News foreign and 60 Minutes correspondent Bob Simon died in a traffic accident . Two newsmen and columnists that, foibles notwithstanding, remained newsmen and columnists. And I know Stewart may fancy himself a newsman and columnist; quite the change from his non-essential MTV years (and yes I remember those years too!).
So, knowing this sea of change, what will Brian Williams do next? Would it be a surprise to anybody that he becomes someone who becomes the news for what he says than for what he does? Would it be out of the ordinary for him to be involved in, say, the fake news division of the next Grand Theft Auto game? I am not sure. I do know that while news and entertainment can and do mix (infotainment); the need to be with the entertainment side can really hurt a person who is a newsman. I do not blame Brian Williams for doing what he did. Indeed, some of these stories could fit well in a book.
Yet, just as Alison Williams has no desire to follow directly in her parents' footsteps in journalism; it does not mean Brian Williams could follow in a way the trajectory of Alison Williams. Obviously what Alison does to entertain people is not what Brian does or would do to purportedly inform people; yet the allure is there. Indeed, as Bill Maher mentioned, much of the news today described on a half hour program means little. Is it any wonder people will look elsewhere for their news and information? And is it not interesting that it takes a humorist like Maher or Robin Williams, or Jon Stewart, or going back some years George Carlin, Mort Sahl, Bill Hicks, Paul Mooney, Joy Behar or even Mark Russell to give people a more truthful interpretation of the news than most newsmen today?
In the end, for me, when the news went full jingoistic in the months and years post-911, I lost my trust in the mainstream media. That is collectively than on an individual basis. Indeed, I happen to like Brian Williams at times. Yet, somewhere along the way, he thought himself a celebrity only and not what his employment is; a newsman.
In memoriam for two newsmen: Bob Simon (1941-2015) and David Carr (1956-2015). My thoughts and well wishes and prayers go out to their families and loved ones.
Well, that ends my spiel on the news today. Though there are times when a news day is basically waking up, falling out of bed; dragging a comb across your head.
Catch up with you all soon,
Robert
PS. Go see Kingsman: The Secret Service. I will explain more later.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
What is News?
Jon Stewart is retiring from The Daily Show after 16 years. I will have more to say on Stewart, his evolvement and what the future holds for news programs.
I do want to point out something. Why is it that Jon Stewart and Brian Williams get the attention for their news coverage? While someone more important is not given the rightful respect needed? I am speaking of course about Bill Maher. You see, Williams is a storyteller. Stewart does not take matters seriously. Maher makes people think.
In short, Jon Stewart is no Bill Maher. Then again, both of them were not Robin Williams in Man Of The Year. I will explain more as soon as can be.
Talk to you all later,
Robert
PS. Thanks, love, kindness and appreciation for all the birthday wishes I have received in the past 24 hours. It is very pleasing and humbling to know the care others have.
I do want to point out something. Why is it that Jon Stewart and Brian Williams get the attention for their news coverage? While someone more important is not given the rightful respect needed? I am speaking of course about Bill Maher. You see, Williams is a storyteller. Stewart does not take matters seriously. Maher makes people think.
In short, Jon Stewart is no Bill Maher. Then again, both of them were not Robin Williams in Man Of The Year. I will explain more as soon as can be.
Talk to you all later,
Robert
PS. Thanks, love, kindness and appreciation for all the birthday wishes I have received in the past 24 hours. It is very pleasing and humbling to know the care others have.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Channel Awesome forgetting to be Awesome (Part 4)
As I mentioned before, the five short films that made up The Uncanny Valley were amongst the best work Channel Awesome had done. Each had a theme about the drawbacks of living and dealing in an online world.
One of them, produced and co created by Phelan Porteous, was a humorous look at cats overtaking the web and most political governments as, I believe, a form of blowback from exploitation of their foibles and tricks in viral videos.
Brad Jones had done what would turn out to be a pilot for a series of his that resembled the actions of Michel Gondry's underrated gem Be Kind Rewind. I rather liked it, Jones' warped humor being of interest.
Mike Jeavons of Shameful Sequels, Informercialism and That Sock, had a very funny and yet awkward video regarding what can go wrong with online dating. In this case, Jeavons has a blind date set for him. It turns out to be Mathew Buck, of all people. Hilarity ensues.
Doug Walker, along with Rob Walker and Brian Heinz, managed to create Dragonbored, This might be Doug's most original and best work outside of the Nostalgia Critic. What would happen if your video game avatar came to life and was a better person than you, the gamer? This question is answered quite conclusively in Dragonbored. I think it is best summed up with a line given that sounds chhesy, but really is not.
Man losing everything due to playing games: You ruined my life!
Doug Walker's character: No. I lived it!
Each one of the four was quite funny. It was the fifth and final part of The Uncanny Valley that may have caused some more problems with the brass at the website.
The last one on internet etiquette involved Mat Williams and Holly Christine Brown bringing forth a serious dissertation on the issues of dealing with fans, trolls, and other travelers on the world wide web. Allison Pregler, Lewis Lovhaug, and others were interviewed where they spoke important truths that would usually not be permissible on the website. In the end, Welshy and Holly more or less told viewers to consider the fact that web reviewers, indeed, have lives and other ideas for living a securely financial life.
While there was no objection to any of the short films; the leadership at Channel Awesome might not have been too pleased with the Williams/Brown collaboration that, for me, should be required viewing for any person willing to put themselves online. As a result, more departures came forth.
Welshy pretty much decided to retire from doing web reviewing. He did however finish with one last collaboration with Julian Diaz (Sad Panda), who himself decided to focus on his YouTube account and his native French Language videos. Yet while the Sad Panda Q&A guys managed to leave somewhat on their own terms; the same could not be said for Holly. Days after having undergone a successful surgical procedure for a long standing medical condition, Holly Christine Brown was summarily terminated from the website by primarily Mike Michaud and Rob Walker. This did not and does not sit well with the long term fan base.
And yet, that was only a prelude of what was to come. The point of demarcation was January 23, 2014. It was on that day Channel Awesome changed permanently. Justin Carmical, nearly 43 and in financial difficulty, locked himself in his bathroom. Though his wife and others begged for him to come out, Carmical took out a gun he owned and killed himself. I became aware of this some two days later, while reading Brad Jones' Twitter feed. Subsequently, within moments many Channel Awesome people past and present went to pay respects to him, his wife Jennifer, the Carmical extended family, and others.
This ended a lot of things Channel Awesome had been doing up to that point. It ended the anniversary specials, many of the interlocking storylines, You Can Play This, along with far too much to even mention. I think it also became the onus for the Walker brothers and Michaud to practically remake the website to fit their ideas.
In the last year alone, those who either left or were dismissed from Channel Awesome in the post JewWario era have included:
Mike "Birdman" Dodd, Hope Chapman (jesu otaku), Andrew Dickman, Lupa/Allison Pregler, Phelous/Phelan Porteous, Kyle Kallgren, Lindsay Ellis, just about anyone affiliated with Phelous' website, and pretty much anyone affiliated with Chez Apocalypse; Lindsay Ellis' own web hosting platform. That latter section also includes Paw (Paul Schuler), Nella and Elisa, and Todd In The Shadows. Fortunately, the recent Chez Apocalypse departures were made on their own terms., with the exception of Kallgren. In that case, Kyle, along with Dickman, Lupa and Phelous were summarily dismissed last month in a terse statement. That has since revealed through Tumblr accounts and other posts the lack of communication and transparency in finances that have gone on through Channel Awesome.
It does not help that the site is starting to become more comedy sketch oriented as opposed to telling a good story and bring forth a fair analysis of a movie or series and such. Many that still are part of the website like Linkara, Bennett the Sage, and Brad Jones have not been affected in this change of attitude. However, you do see that in other reviewers like Rap Critic, Eddie Rodriguez, Some Jerk With A Camera (the guy that reviews theme parks), and others; comedy is the name of the game. Whether this is a direct reflection of the Walkers' original works, including even Doug's commentary on movies that unintentionally could border on humor, remains to be seen.
Oh, yes; one other big change. That Guy With The Glasses no longer exists. Both the website and the character. Here is how it ended. Admittedly, it is rather clever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-nac6uFUD0
So, it is now Channel Awesome. Starring Doug Walker, and created by Doug Walker. Produced by Doug Walker. Edited by Doug Walker. Written by Doug Walker and Rob Walker. Did I mention this is Doug Walker's site? Well, Doug and Rob Walker host this Doug Walker site. There are others, but you are just here for Doug Walker, right?
Hopefully, the talent searches and pilots will pay off and be shown to all. For myself, any producer could be found on YouTube, Disney/Maker/Blip, or their own websites and blogs. I pretty much check out Channel Awesome to see the new Leon Thomas piece, and if the Walkers have anything interesting in mind. Apart from that; it just has become in a way what Cinemassacre has been for a long time; a website devoted to one web producer mostly.
What will happen next to the website and the Walkers and Michaud's relationship with other producers is entirely and only in their hands. In short, I think individuality has taken hold with web series and reviewers. Obviously, this was learned the most difficult way with Justin Carmical's death. The aftermath is not one we had sought; yet here it is.
Well, that finishes my look at Channel Awesome. Perhaps in another time I will make a video on another like minded web series analysis. Thank you all again for viewing these posts.
By the way, the title refers to a catch phrase and motto the Vlog Brothers use at the end of their videos and collaborations. That would be Hank Green and John Green, both writers of considerable acclaim; John having written The Fault In Our Stars. The motto is "don't forget to be awesome." Channel Awesome has seemingly lost that credo, even if they never adopted it.
Talk to you all again soon,
Robert
PS. Creedence Clearwater Revival were Never nominated for a Grammy. That is how much relevance in awards the Grammys are. The performances are good, though.
One of them, produced and co created by Phelan Porteous, was a humorous look at cats overtaking the web and most political governments as, I believe, a form of blowback from exploitation of their foibles and tricks in viral videos.
Brad Jones had done what would turn out to be a pilot for a series of his that resembled the actions of Michel Gondry's underrated gem Be Kind Rewind. I rather liked it, Jones' warped humor being of interest.
Mike Jeavons of Shameful Sequels, Informercialism and That Sock, had a very funny and yet awkward video regarding what can go wrong with online dating. In this case, Jeavons has a blind date set for him. It turns out to be Mathew Buck, of all people. Hilarity ensues.
Doug Walker, along with Rob Walker and Brian Heinz, managed to create Dragonbored, This might be Doug's most original and best work outside of the Nostalgia Critic. What would happen if your video game avatar came to life and was a better person than you, the gamer? This question is answered quite conclusively in Dragonbored. I think it is best summed up with a line given that sounds chhesy, but really is not.
Man losing everything due to playing games: You ruined my life!
Doug Walker's character: No. I lived it!
Each one of the four was quite funny. It was the fifth and final part of The Uncanny Valley that may have caused some more problems with the brass at the website.
The last one on internet etiquette involved Mat Williams and Holly Christine Brown bringing forth a serious dissertation on the issues of dealing with fans, trolls, and other travelers on the world wide web. Allison Pregler, Lewis Lovhaug, and others were interviewed where they spoke important truths that would usually not be permissible on the website. In the end, Welshy and Holly more or less told viewers to consider the fact that web reviewers, indeed, have lives and other ideas for living a securely financial life.
While there was no objection to any of the short films; the leadership at Channel Awesome might not have been too pleased with the Williams/Brown collaboration that, for me, should be required viewing for any person willing to put themselves online. As a result, more departures came forth.
Welshy pretty much decided to retire from doing web reviewing. He did however finish with one last collaboration with Julian Diaz (Sad Panda), who himself decided to focus on his YouTube account and his native French Language videos. Yet while the Sad Panda Q&A guys managed to leave somewhat on their own terms; the same could not be said for Holly. Days after having undergone a successful surgical procedure for a long standing medical condition, Holly Christine Brown was summarily terminated from the website by primarily Mike Michaud and Rob Walker. This did not and does not sit well with the long term fan base.
And yet, that was only a prelude of what was to come. The point of demarcation was January 23, 2014. It was on that day Channel Awesome changed permanently. Justin Carmical, nearly 43 and in financial difficulty, locked himself in his bathroom. Though his wife and others begged for him to come out, Carmical took out a gun he owned and killed himself. I became aware of this some two days later, while reading Brad Jones' Twitter feed. Subsequently, within moments many Channel Awesome people past and present went to pay respects to him, his wife Jennifer, the Carmical extended family, and others.
This ended a lot of things Channel Awesome had been doing up to that point. It ended the anniversary specials, many of the interlocking storylines, You Can Play This, along with far too much to even mention. I think it also became the onus for the Walker brothers and Michaud to practically remake the website to fit their ideas.
In the last year alone, those who either left or were dismissed from Channel Awesome in the post JewWario era have included:
Mike "Birdman" Dodd, Hope Chapman (jesu otaku), Andrew Dickman, Lupa/Allison Pregler, Phelous/Phelan Porteous, Kyle Kallgren, Lindsay Ellis, just about anyone affiliated with Phelous' website, and pretty much anyone affiliated with Chez Apocalypse; Lindsay Ellis' own web hosting platform. That latter section also includes Paw (Paul Schuler), Nella and Elisa, and Todd In The Shadows. Fortunately, the recent Chez Apocalypse departures were made on their own terms., with the exception of Kallgren. In that case, Kyle, along with Dickman, Lupa and Phelous were summarily dismissed last month in a terse statement. That has since revealed through Tumblr accounts and other posts the lack of communication and transparency in finances that have gone on through Channel Awesome.
It does not help that the site is starting to become more comedy sketch oriented as opposed to telling a good story and bring forth a fair analysis of a movie or series and such. Many that still are part of the website like Linkara, Bennett the Sage, and Brad Jones have not been affected in this change of attitude. However, you do see that in other reviewers like Rap Critic, Eddie Rodriguez, Some Jerk With A Camera (the guy that reviews theme parks), and others; comedy is the name of the game. Whether this is a direct reflection of the Walkers' original works, including even Doug's commentary on movies that unintentionally could border on humor, remains to be seen.
Oh, yes; one other big change. That Guy With The Glasses no longer exists. Both the website and the character. Here is how it ended. Admittedly, it is rather clever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-nac6uFUD0
So, it is now Channel Awesome. Starring Doug Walker, and created by Doug Walker. Produced by Doug Walker. Edited by Doug Walker. Written by Doug Walker and Rob Walker. Did I mention this is Doug Walker's site? Well, Doug and Rob Walker host this Doug Walker site. There are others, but you are just here for Doug Walker, right?
Hopefully, the talent searches and pilots will pay off and be shown to all. For myself, any producer could be found on YouTube, Disney/Maker/Blip, or their own websites and blogs. I pretty much check out Channel Awesome to see the new Leon Thomas piece, and if the Walkers have anything interesting in mind. Apart from that; it just has become in a way what Cinemassacre has been for a long time; a website devoted to one web producer mostly.
What will happen next to the website and the Walkers and Michaud's relationship with other producers is entirely and only in their hands. In short, I think individuality has taken hold with web series and reviewers. Obviously, this was learned the most difficult way with Justin Carmical's death. The aftermath is not one we had sought; yet here it is.
Well, that finishes my look at Channel Awesome. Perhaps in another time I will make a video on another like minded web series analysis. Thank you all again for viewing these posts.
By the way, the title refers to a catch phrase and motto the Vlog Brothers use at the end of their videos and collaborations. That would be Hank Green and John Green, both writers of considerable acclaim; John having written The Fault In Our Stars. The motto is "don't forget to be awesome." Channel Awesome has seemingly lost that credo, even if they never adopted it.
Talk to you all again soon,
Robert
PS. Creedence Clearwater Revival were Never nominated for a Grammy. That is how much relevance in awards the Grammys are. The performances are good, though.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Channel Awesome forgetting to be Awesome (Part 3)
In late September 2012, followers of Channel Awesome, myself included, witnessed a movie from the site by Doug Walker which would forever alter the perception of Walker's characters and the site at large. That movie, To Boldly Flee, did in fact become Doug and Rob Walker's equivalent of The Search for Spock. It also, in retrospect, was their Return of the Jedi, their Akira, their Battlefield Earth (including Noah Antwiler as Terl!), and I would also add their Unforgiven. That last movie referenced may not seem much plot wise; yet similar to the Clint Eastwood film which had Eastwood say goodbye to the Western, To Boldly Flee was Doug Walker saying goodbye to the Nostalgia Critic. It also was a goodbye to Ma-Ti, Terl, General Zod (Walker again), and though unintentional Luke Mochrie.
Well, it was supposed to be the Nostalgia Critic's goodbye. Only plans did not turn out as was thought. The last four months of 2012 had the Walker Brothers focus their resources and creativity on Demo Reel. In short, Demo Reel felt like a long term program with an intricate storyline and as much pathos as there was humor. Many were expecting this chapter in Channel Awesome to be even more interesting than what had come before.
Only, Demo Reel was not that great. It had a promising setup, and indeed given time might have seen improvements. The reaction by the fans, however, was pretty certain. It was a disappointment; not to mention in some regard an insult to many that followed the TGWTG people. During that time, more producers started to leave their Channel Awesome affiliation to go out on their own.
Thomas Hanley and pretty much the entirety of the Game Heroes, Mickey Paradis (8-bit Mickey) included, retired the name and web hosting of their program. Some matters of this was due to the team starting their own families. What also occurred were financial disagreements in how funding and ad revenue would be given for the gamer section of the website, aptly named Blistered Thumbs. Within a year, Blistered Thumbs would cease its web hosting activity.
Luke Mochrie, as mentioned above, stopped posting videos after To Boldly Flee was released. This was more for personal and career opportunities than anything else.
Sarah Wilson (PushingUpRoses) decided to begin hosting her own series on YouTube and other websites. Once again, lack of communication on the part of the website leaders and financial concerns were reasons for the decision to leave.
And yes, at that time Justin Carmical decided to end his affiliation with the website. JewWario continued to release reviews, gameplay, and collaborations up until days before his death. More on that later.
So, knowing Demo Reel was in need of improvement, and knowing a fanbase was feeling alienated, what was done to remedy the situation? Re-tool the show? Add newer material and/or crossovers? The answer, we found, occurred in January 2013. In a short film released, Doug Walker as Doug Walker merges himself with the Nostalgia Critic. In the process, the Demo Reel characters are found to be imagined or in the case of Donnie (Walker), the Nostalgia Critic in purgatory.
In short, the Walkers returned to their old standby. With a new set, added subplots and sketches, actors leftover from Demo Reel and other Channel Awesome works, and an emphasis on commentary and recent movies, the Nostalgia Critic returned. Yet, for about a year or so, many episodes either made fun of the fan base for not liking Demo Reel; turning likable characters into complete wankers, making Santa Christ a hated figure, and feeling like it became a duty and not an interest on the part of Doug and Rob.
Maybe you could never kill the Nostalgia Critic. Yet, to me it seemed a ham fisted move on the part of Channel Awesome to make these changes. From that point forward, the emphasis of the website would be on Doug Walker and perhaps a select few producers; also the never ending search for talent, Patreon campaigns for the Walkers but discouraged for other producers; nearly most of Doug's characters turning against their audience, a continued process of shooting the same pilots over and over; and perhaps most importantly: forgetting to give equal share to the long standing talent on the site.
It also became clear that no criticism of the site's business would be taken in jest. This would lead to a series of short films for their fifth anniversary, compiled as The Uncanny Valley. These films are amongst the best made by the site. Yet, the ramifications of the films themselves would prove prophetic for what was to come for the site and for many of its now former producers.
I thought this would go only for 3 posts. Yet, a fourth post will be given soon to hopefully conclude my now tract on Channel Awesome. Thank you though for following me on this. As always, feel free to comment.
Talk to you later on,
Robert
Well, it was supposed to be the Nostalgia Critic's goodbye. Only plans did not turn out as was thought. The last four months of 2012 had the Walker Brothers focus their resources and creativity on Demo Reel. In short, Demo Reel felt like a long term program with an intricate storyline and as much pathos as there was humor. Many were expecting this chapter in Channel Awesome to be even more interesting than what had come before.
Only, Demo Reel was not that great. It had a promising setup, and indeed given time might have seen improvements. The reaction by the fans, however, was pretty certain. It was a disappointment; not to mention in some regard an insult to many that followed the TGWTG people. During that time, more producers started to leave their Channel Awesome affiliation to go out on their own.
Thomas Hanley and pretty much the entirety of the Game Heroes, Mickey Paradis (8-bit Mickey) included, retired the name and web hosting of their program. Some matters of this was due to the team starting their own families. What also occurred were financial disagreements in how funding and ad revenue would be given for the gamer section of the website, aptly named Blistered Thumbs. Within a year, Blistered Thumbs would cease its web hosting activity.
Luke Mochrie, as mentioned above, stopped posting videos after To Boldly Flee was released. This was more for personal and career opportunities than anything else.
Sarah Wilson (PushingUpRoses) decided to begin hosting her own series on YouTube and other websites. Once again, lack of communication on the part of the website leaders and financial concerns were reasons for the decision to leave.
And yes, at that time Justin Carmical decided to end his affiliation with the website. JewWario continued to release reviews, gameplay, and collaborations up until days before his death. More on that later.
So, knowing Demo Reel was in need of improvement, and knowing a fanbase was feeling alienated, what was done to remedy the situation? Re-tool the show? Add newer material and/or crossovers? The answer, we found, occurred in January 2013. In a short film released, Doug Walker as Doug Walker merges himself with the Nostalgia Critic. In the process, the Demo Reel characters are found to be imagined or in the case of Donnie (Walker), the Nostalgia Critic in purgatory.
In short, the Walkers returned to their old standby. With a new set, added subplots and sketches, actors leftover from Demo Reel and other Channel Awesome works, and an emphasis on commentary and recent movies, the Nostalgia Critic returned. Yet, for about a year or so, many episodes either made fun of the fan base for not liking Demo Reel; turning likable characters into complete wankers, making Santa Christ a hated figure, and feeling like it became a duty and not an interest on the part of Doug and Rob.
Maybe you could never kill the Nostalgia Critic. Yet, to me it seemed a ham fisted move on the part of Channel Awesome to make these changes. From that point forward, the emphasis of the website would be on Doug Walker and perhaps a select few producers; also the never ending search for talent, Patreon campaigns for the Walkers but discouraged for other producers; nearly most of Doug's characters turning against their audience, a continued process of shooting the same pilots over and over; and perhaps most importantly: forgetting to give equal share to the long standing talent on the site.
It also became clear that no criticism of the site's business would be taken in jest. This would lead to a series of short films for their fifth anniversary, compiled as The Uncanny Valley. These films are amongst the best made by the site. Yet, the ramifications of the films themselves would prove prophetic for what was to come for the site and for many of its now former producers.
I thought this would go only for 3 posts. Yet, a fourth post will be given soon to hopefully conclude my now tract on Channel Awesome. Thank you though for following me on this. As always, feel free to comment.
Talk to you later on,
Robert
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