Just when you thought it was safe to watch American Idol, the producers go for the gimmick. I was really set to write about how incredibly cool it was that the producers of American Idol decided to involve their franchise in very commendable charity work. And then there were two...
Nobody's going home? You're kidding, right?
Don't get me wrong. There have been some great suspense moments in American television:
Who shot J.R.?
How many President Palmers can die on one television series?
Can Jack Bauer survive a direct hit from a Russian thermonuclear warhead?
Are there really enough stupid people in the United States for a 25th anniversary season of COPS? (Okay, that one really isn't that suspenseful.)
But this was not one of television's most suspenseful moments. This was one of television's most contrived gimmicks. Let's eavesdrop on the fictional planning meeting in the producer's lounge:
Producer 1: Houston, we have a problem.Producer 2: What problem?
Producer 1: We want to do that charity episode thing. But, if we do, we'll have one more contestant left than we have shows.
Producer 2: So, what's the problem? We'll just tell everyone up front that no one gets kicked off on charity night.
Producer 1: But, if we do that, the millions of people who tune in just because of their voyeuristic sadism won't watch to see no one get kicked off.
Producer 2: Good point. What should we do?
Producer 1. I've got it! Let's lead our fans on to make them believe someone will get kicked off but then keep everyone until the next week.
Producer 2: That's brilliant! I am so glad I thought of that!
Producer 1: You thought of it...
So why am I complaining? It was contrived, predictable, cheesey ... exactly what we have come to expect from America's most narcissistic "reality" TV show.
Now, I'm going to surprise you.
American Idol, you raised $70 million for some of the neediest children in the world. Good job! For a change, that's exactly what Jesus would have wanted you to do with fame and notoriety he's allowed you to develop.
If you'd like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus Christ, click here.