I would hope that in your ...
Question: I would hope that in your position of some influence over television content and its value to the community, that you will do your utmost to remove one of the most contemptible and crass shows ever created:
Moment of Truth. It's unfortunate that the American public and the network involved have seen it necessary to further reduce the ability of a family to sit and watch a program together. A promotion of that contemptible show was aired many times during
American Idol. Consider the irony of that situation:
American Idol gives hope and focus to the thoughts of hopefuls that they may achieve amazing success in life, only to have that level of inspiration decimated by the unmitigated vilification of the American family unit as perpetrated by other network advertising promotions. I watch little TV for this very reason, so perhaps I am not your normal audience, but I have been so incensed by this promotion, that I feel obligated to do something about it. This program must be removed. I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but to perpetuate the anguish and the deceit that is portrayed on this program is beneath what I believe to be the core decency of the American people. They had a great idea in the context of
Moment of Truth that they could have made into a fun program that would "reveal" fun secrets. But instead they chose to debase their contestants in the most public way. I understand that these people did this at their own risk and their decision to be on the show was made wittingly and openly, but now they will possibly pay a hefty price for that unassailable game of chance, as will their children, families and friends.
Answer: I appreciate the fact that you seem to believe I have some sort of magical influence in the industry, but I'll let you in on a sad fact when it comes to sensational swill like
Moment of Truth. It's critic proof. In fact, the ghoul in charge of Fox's reality division loves that
Moment of Truth is reviled by every thinking critic and yet, thanks to its advantageous scheduling and train-wreck promos, is a hit. He loves to point out that we're out of touch with the portion of the viewing public that lines up for every gruesome sideshow. And you know what? I'm kind of proud of that myself. But the more we call attention to this ghastly show the more they benefit from the buzz the controversy creates. So while it may disappoint you that I'm not leading a crusade, I think my most appropriate strategy (as it is with the majority of cable celeb-reality and other bottom-feeding TV) is simply to ignore it as best I can.
