This Is Platinum Hit

     Bravo's newest reality competition show is Platinum Hit. With echoes of Project Runway in the manner in which the contest happens, though every week is group work week, Platinum Hit sets itself apart from the other music competitions like American Idol and The Voice because contestants are judged not on how well they sing, but on how good they are at writing songs. The series begins with 12 hopefuls, and in the first contest, each are assigned thirty minutes to write a tag for a piece about Los Angeles. Four tags are chosen, and then those four winners choose two others to help them write a full song based on the tag, with eight hours to do so. The four trios perform their songs, and the judges send one contestant home. They are told that every week will be a collaborative effort, though it's probably safe to assume that won't be the case once the field narrows considerable.

     The results are mixed, though some pretty decent music comes out of the challenge. The winning song, conceived by Nick Nittoli, is wonderful, as is the runner up. But the two songs in the bottom are both dreadful, drawing a distinctive line in the sand. A contestant is eliminated from the losing team. While the two assistants try to pin the blame on the guy that wrote the original tag, host Jewell has none of it, demanding to know what each member contributed, and reminding them that all of them have responsibilities. Ultimately, the one that goes home is the guy who contributed very little, Nevin James, rather than the team leader.

     The host of Platinum Hit is Jewell, and she is tough as nails. Not only does she work with the contestants to explain the challenges, but she also sits with the judges and freely comments. She is outspoken, but fair. While in other reality shows the host is not really a participant, it is already clear this will not be the case with Jewell, and why not? She knows the industry, and what it takes to make it.

     Kara DioGuardi, who you may remember as an American Idol judge, shines much brighter in this series. She is a song writer herself, and really brings that knowledge and talent together in a way that will help these aspiring authors. Without having to compete with Simon and Randy, knowing she is the main voice of the judging table, Kara comes across as much more competent than in her previous television work. While Jewell is also a strong voice, the two have a good chemistry and working relationship, and these women run this show. In fact, it's hard to even remember after who the other judges are.

     The contestants are mostly complete unknowns, though a few have some visible work. Scotty Granger has been on Wipeout and The One: Making a Music Star, so he's practically a professional reality TV contestant. Amber Ojeda was in several episodes of Veronica Mars as different characters, and then recently appeared in an episode of Terriers. Jackie Tohn has the longest credit list, with spots on CSI: NY, Memphis Beat, The Closer, Angel, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Veronica Mars, Strangers With Candy, The Nanny, and The Sopranos, as well as making it Hollywood on American Idol's eighth season.

     This series is new, original, and has fresh voices. While some of the gooy Bravo directing and music bring it down slightly, it is worth watching this summer, far better than The Voice or other reality shows. Give it a chance. Platinum Hit airs Mondays nights at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     Click here to watch the first episode of Platinum Hit streaming for free, and click here to buy the music featured this week.

The Voice stinks up NBC

     NBC launched its answer to FOX's American Idol last night The Voice. The Voice is a singing competition where four "coaches" listen to singers with their backs turned, then chose who they would like on their team. If more than one coach chooses the singer, then the performer gets to pick which coach they would like to work with. The Voice's coaches are all professional musicians, and the freshman run's lineup consists of "F*** You"'s Cee Lo Green, pop princess Christina Aguilera, country crooner Blake Shelton, and Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine. The show is hosted by late night talker Carson Daly.  Like Idol and many American competition shows, this series is adapted from a foreign television program.

     The Voice's format for this first round is to introduce a singer, giving viewers a back story, and then let them perform. This is a direct knockoff of American Idol, who does roughly the same thing. As such, the back story segment is stale and unoriginal, bogging down the pacing of the singing competition. While audiences do like to know a bit about the people they watch, showing these stories in the early episodes, before fans have chosen who to support, is unnecessary. The bits shown now will be forgotten as the season goes on. It would be smarter to save the looks at the singers' lives for later rounds. This is something Idol does not do, so it would further distinguish the two programs.

     Another element similar to Idol is how nice the coaches are to the contestants that they do not like. Simon Cowell alone is truthful and blunt, while other Idol judges are not. This is a serious weakness for Idol. Even though it has maintained ratings this year, that will not last. It is dreadfully boring to only hear sweet comments. If a coach does not like a singer, they should just say so. Further mistakes were made by showing coaches' tweets during last night's televised airing, certain ones of which gave encouragement for ousted singers. If not one of the four coaches chose the singer because of their voice. it is not likely the public will hear from them again, so don't lie and say so.

     The coaches themselves can see each other, both when backs are turned, and when some have spun around. As such, it is not really a blind judging, as it claims to be. All four coaches show that they are taking each others' opinions into account by pushing or not pushing their button while glancing at their peers. For this show to truly work, it would be better if the coaches were in isolation. Simple dividers between the chairs could easily be put up and lowered at will. It would not impede the show, but actually bolster its conceit.

     Finally, the home audience is cheated by seeing the singers as they perform. The entire point of The Voice is that the competitors are judged on singing ability alone. Yet, while the coaches cannot see what the contestants look like, the viewers can. To truly experience that voice-only aspect, cameras should stay on the coaches, at least until one coach turns around and sees the singer. Little effort would be needed for this small and very beneficial change.

     Without some tweaks, The Voice is as not worth watching as this season of American Idol. Should you decide to watch, tune in to NBC Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. ET.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

American Idol Returns, Unfortunately

***Warning: I am going to be harsh. If you are a die-hard fan and loved last night's American Idol as much as ever, I ask that you please do not read the following article, as it will just make you mad. I don't like to make people mad.***

     There is no denying that FOX's American Idol is a TV mega-hit that draws more viewers than any other show on the air. Even last night's finale, which showed a drop of 13% in total viewership from last year, and a 17% drop in the 18-49 key demo (the biggest drop in Idol history, and the worst opening numbers since season one), it still dominated the night. Quick side note, Live to Dance with Paula Abdul took 4th place in its time slot. Not looking good, Paula. Anyway, Idol could afford such a hit, bigger even than the overall network ratings decline in the past few years, because it was so far ahead of everyone. The question is, how long will that last?

     My best guess? Until next fall when Simon Cowell brings The X Factor to America. You can read plenty of Idol reviews right now about how Cowell was not the show, and this season will bring the focus back to the contestants, where it needs to be. However, I submit, Cowell was the show, and without him, it's doomed to veer sharply downhill til death. After last season's widely regarded crap-fest of a yearn, Cowell chose the right moment to abandon ship.

     The new judging panel was incredibly disappointing. Randy Jackson has never contributed anything worthwhile to any episode of Idol ever. A recent poll by The Hollywood Reporter puts him as the most popular judge of all time, baffling me, as I usually am fast forwarding through just about every word he says by the time we get to the Top 10. I occasionally listen, just to make sure he hasn't grown wise while I wasn't paying attention. Up til now, including last night, that has not been the case. At this point, I'm not hopeful he will change.

     Steven Tyler was probably the most entertaining judge. I don't know that he actually added a lot to the judging process, but his strange noises and odd phrases were more interesting than anything else going on in last night's tenth season premiere. That was almost canceled out, though, by Tyler's creepy uncle routine, in full swing last night as he ogled girls that weren't even of legal age. Lowering the minimum age you can enter to 15 the same year Tyler was brought on board was not a good idea by any stretch of the imagination. It's disturbing.

     Jennifer Lopez was the most disappointing. I mean, despite my criticisms, Tyler and Jackson were pretty much exactly as I expected them to be. I saw J-Lo as this year's wild card, figuring she would set the tone of the show from now on. She began by letting everyone through to Hollywood, with 51 'Golden Tickets' given away last night. Starting with the very first girl, who made my ears ache, J-Lo let mediocre and downright bad singers slide right through. You know I'm right. The other two certainly can't be expected to act as gatekeeper; it's her job. She got a little better as the night wore on, but a huge improvement is needed quickly if she's going to be any good. J-Lo: Please don't be another Ellen, whom I adore, but could not bring herself to criticize nice people!

     There are plenty of arguments to be made that the show is not about the judges, and much as I might disagree, I'm happy enough to examine another angle. Last night's group did not show extraordinary talent, though plenty got through. Idol's new optimistic spirit surely contributed to that. There were a few I could see myself rooting for with some work, but fifteen hours after watching the episode, I can't recall a single name. Not a good starting sign, as I can't remember the last time that happened.

     If I have to be completely honest, my favorite part of the early rounds is watching delusional people who think they have an amazing voice taken down a peg. With the current weak judging panel, that clearly won't make good television anymore, which is my best guess as to why there were so few genuine stinkers last night. I assume it was because watching J-Lo wince, but say nice things, wasn't all that much fun. Plenty of fans don't live for the bad singers, but for the ones who do, Idol has lost them already.

     I also found the opening, with all the explanations of new features for the show, boring. I was intrigued by Jimmy Lovine, and am curious how his mentoring will change later episodes. Other than introducing him, he wasn't involved in the premiere, which makes sense. He can't really start mentoring until he is provided with a group to work with. If nothing else, I'll probably keep watching this season at least until I see what he brings to the table.

     There was very little Ryan last night, disappointing, as he is the best personality left on the show. Where the heck was he? I heard his voice, but almost no comforting and chatting up the contestants.

     Tonight will bring another round of hopeful auditions, and I will tune in as I have almost every week since season four, when I finally gave into the buzz and began watching, except for one year when all my favorites were gone long before the end. If you dare, do the same. You may not be able to too many more years. I fear the end is closer than the beginning. American Idol airs Wednesday and Thursday nights at 8 p.m. on FOX.


Article first published as TV Review: American Idol Returns, Unfortunately on Blogcritics.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

American Idol screws up again

    It's hard to write a nice, balanced view of Fox's American Idol season finale right now, considering that two years in a row a real talent, who has stood head and shoulders above the competition, was screwed out of a win by stupid voters.  It's not just a popularity contest, people.  Pick the one who can sing the best for goodness sakes!  And by that, I mean Crystal should have beat Lee soundly, but like last year, the great singer got second place and the hack that appealed to the mainstream won.  But I digress.

     Much of tonight's finale was a 'tribute' to Simon Cowell, the judge leaving the show.  Though I put 'tribute' in quotations, as much of the look backs made fun of him more than honored him, he took it well.  It was like a roast where the guest of honor doesn't get to respond.  Now I'm not complaining.  It's fun to hate on Simon, even though he seems like a good guy.  Let's be honest.  He's the reason many people watch the show, myself included, and the series will lag next season without him, no matter who they get to fill his shoes.  Then Paula Abdul showed up, wasn't funny, but paid tribute to the man.  In a real show of class, though, his final honor was having many past contestants, including all of the past winners, sing to him.  He was moved by emotion, as many viewers likely were, and bid an almost tearful goodbye.

     One of the tributes did backfire on the show, and you wonder who had the bright idea to put it together.  While Dane Cook sang a song made up of some of Simon's more memorable insults, they brought a collection of bad singer on stage that Simon had insulted over the years.  Of course, one grabbed the microphone and tried to say his piece, with another soon trying to steal it back.  The whole thing didn't last long at all because the producers wisely cut to commercial.  You just can't trust rude, terrible people not trying to take fifteen minutes of fame on a national stage.  Go figure.

     Other than that, the show was made up of performances, mostly pairing this year's Idol contestants with famous musicians.  There were plenty of big names, and plenty of great stuff to watch.  For once, I didn't think they just drew out the finale too long, because there were so many great musical acts going on.  Kudos to that part of the show, at least.

     American Idol will return to Fox next year, but sans Simon, and with the way the viewers are voting so badly, it probably won't be worth watching, in this reviewer's opinion.  But we'll see.  I could be wrong.

The Simpsons are my Idol

     Last night on Fox's season finale of The Simpsons, "Judge Me Tender", Moe (voiced by Hank Azaria) became the judge of all things big and small.  This culminated in him joining another Fox hit, American Idol, for one episode.  Is it coincidence that this is the weekend just before the season finale of Idol?  I think not.  Though none of the Idol contestants were involved, at least all four judges and the host provided their own voices.  However, Moe has seemed to get quite a bit of screen time lately, and he's always a good time.

     The major subplot involved Homer (Dan Castellaneta) spending more time at home because Moe's bar was closed.  This drove Marge (Julie Kavner) crazy, as he was constantly getting in her way and screwing things up.  It was a real chance to see Homer try to be a man who likes to stay home and help around the house, and exactly why it's good that he doesn't.

     The Simpsons rarely brilliant anymore, if it ever was.  It's funny, and it beats a whole lot of shows currently airing on television.  It's a nice, comfortable old favorite that you can tune into and enjoy, but don't expect something new or groundbreaking.  The finale fit in that mold perfectly, and as long as the episodes stay status quo, they'll still keep their audience.  Myself included.

Geek Out with Jimmy #18: King of the Final Frontier

     A new Geek Out With Jimmy airs this weekend on HotZoneRadio.  It will play at 7pm Saturday and Sunday.  It’s an hour of television news and reviews by Jerome Wetzel, author for HotZoneOnline.

This week there’s plenty of news, beginning with the death of Fess Parker a.k.a. Davey Crockett.  Sad, indeed.  Also, answers to the following questions:  Which network is interested in 24?  Is Glee not doing 22 episodes next season?  Who else is joining Parks and Recreation?  Which Battlestar Galactica alum is going to be on Castle?  What crazy thing has Paula Abdul done now?  What’s in store for the big 100th episode of Bones?  Who will soon be working in The Office?  Which True Blood star is on another show at the moment, instead of filming the HBO series?  Who is the only original student cast member to appear full time in the final season of Friday Night Lights?  Where has Amy Brenneman gone?

Plenty of shows are also tackled, including Ugly Betty, American Idol, Desperate Housewives, Private Practice, 24, Chuck, Family Guy, Community the return of Flash Forward and South Park, the premiere of Justified and Ugly Americans, and the likely series finale of Scrubs.

Enjoy!

Rolling Stones bore American Idol

     If you tuned in to tonight's American Idol on Fox, you may have been incredibly bored.  I sure was.  Whoever's idea it was to do a Rolling Stones week should be fired.  The Stones have plenty of great music, but it was not in evidence by tonight's performances.  By midway, I was fast forwarding through many of them.
     This season has had lots of imbalance.  For one, the girls far outshine the guys.  One has to wonder if this was done on purpose, as for the first time in American Idol history, two guys won the competition in a row the past two years.  That being said, there is still Big Mike, and occasionally others, who deliver.  They're just outshined by the girls.
     Crystal Bowersox is the clear front runner, of course.  It's her competition to lose.  She can sing circles around any of the other contestants, although Siobhan sure gave her a run for her money tonight.  However, Lilly Scott was the 2nd or 3rd best singer, and she was sent home incredibly prematurely last week.  How did Lilly go home, when people like Paige have stunk up the show four weeks running and are still there?  I actually wished for the Judge's Save, that lame trick they brought out last year and used poorly, to bring Lilly back and make a Top 13.
     Who will go home this week?  It's hard to say.  There are plenty of contestants I wouldn't miss:  Paige, Aaron, Paige, Andrew (despite his awesome Paula Abdul in Hollywood Week, he's done nothing notable since), Paige, Katie, Paige, Tim, did I mention Paige?  There are also some great ones, who should be sticking around for awhile: Crystal, Didi, Big Mike, Lacey, Siobhan, and NOT Paige.  America, do you hear what I'm saying?  Send Paige home!
     The results of this week's vote will be revealed tomorrow night at 8pm on Fox

Don't count out Jack Bauer yet

     It has widely been noted that Fox's 24 has been slipping in the ratings and may soon face cancellation.  How far has it slipped?  Down to third for the entire network.  Yes, the show that ranks only behind American Idol and House is considered lagging.  I guess it takes more than 12 million viewers a week to still be considered good enough to keep on the air.  And yet the network continues to air 'Til Death.
     Seriously, though, after eight years, the budget has gotten pretty high, and if the downward ratings trend continues, then 24 might cease to be a valuable, marketable commodity.  That would really screw things up for Fox when they try to begin putting Jack (Kiefer Sutherland) on the big screen, and need to sell a few more than 12 million tickets to turn a profit.
     Which is why it comes as a surprise to learn that 20th Century Fox, the studio that makes 24 for the Fox television network, is talking to NBC about taking over the adventure.  Yes, this is a rumor, but multiple sources confirm that these talks are happening.  The price tag to keep the series going is, of course, a major sticking point, and may cause the deal not to happen.  Also, keeping Jack on Fox might mean a delay in the feature films, the first of which already has been given script treatment, though it's not at a final draft stage, awaiting approval, or anything.
     Should 24 continue?  It's debatable.  I still love me some Jack Bauer action, but this season has been dragged down considerably by the Dana Walsh (Katee Sackhoff) subplot.  The show has plenty of time this year to redeem itself, and if past performance is any indicator, it will.  Yet, as the television movie, 24: Redemption, aired in fall of 2008 showed, a fresh take on things benefits the plot.  It may be time to turn in the gun on the small screen, and take things to the next level.
     24 airs Mondays at 9pm on Fox.

Not so high on High Society

     When I got the screener for the first two episodes of the CW's High Society in the mail, part of me was tempted to throw it away and not watch it.  Then I remembered how much I liked Gossip Girl, and I admit, after months without it, I was missing those socialites and their dramas, so I gave it a shot.  Writing this immediately after watching, I'm not sure I'll watch any more.
     The show is a reality / documentary program centered on the life of Tinsley Mortimer.  I, like most people, had never heard of her, though if you move in high class circles in New York City or the fashion world, you may have.  Apparently, she even made a cameo in the season two premiere of Gossip Girl, a year and a half ago.  Tinsley herself is sort of interesting.  She comes off as human, and not just because of the clearly staged crying while thinking of the pain of her divorce.  In episodes one and two, she moves into an apartment (gasp - in Midtown!) and goes out with friends, but doesn't party too hard.  Yes, she has a little air of rich snobiness about her, but it's not overwhelming.  If I continue to watch, it will be for her.  She is clearly the main draw, the most grounded (or at least portrayed that way).
     The supporting cast is less so.  Her mother, Dale Mercer, though divorced herself, has made it her mission to get Tinsley back with her ex.  Her sister, Dabney Mercer, paints her fingernails while she is supposed to be helping Tinsley unpack.  Her friend Paul Johnson Calderon, is obnoxious, always talking about who he 'really is', but acting the opposite as the cameras role.  The only character less likable than him is the girl her fueds with, Jules Kirby, a bigot, but at least she seems authentic and is up front about her biases.  The other two 'leads', Alexandra Osipow and Devorah Rose, made no impact at all.
     The question is, how real is the series?  Kirby skipped the premiere party because of the way she being shown.  Tinsley is dating a German prince in the first two episodes, but he gets angry when scenes are not being filmed the way he wants, and Tinsley veers 'off script'.  Later in the season, American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis will appear, but it was revealed that he was actually cast to play her boyfriend.  Also, several friends, and even Tinsley's half brother refuse to be filmed, and every time her ex is shown, his face is blurred out.  It appear it may all be completely fake, although that never killed the popularity of a similar show, The Hills.
     I frankly can't decide whether to recommend anyone watch this series, but as I have outlined what it is about, you should be able to make up your own mind.  Eight episodes have been ordered for the first season, and High Society premieres tonight at 9:30pm on the CW

Geek Out With Jimmy hits HotZoneRadio

Jerome Wetzel, er, me, is currently a contributing writer for HotZoneOnline.com, but I began my public foray into publicly covering entertainment news and reviews as a podcast host.  I co-created a podcast called The Good, The Bad, & The Geeky, and hosted it for nearly 100 episodes, most of which are still available on iTunes, though I don’t recommend any new episodes, as the podcast was continued, albeit differently, after I left, and unfortunately, retained the name, despite my request that it not.  Almost a year ago, having had a fall out with my co-creator, I launched my own podcast, Geek Out With Jimmy, as Jimmy is the name I was called by my former co-host.  Then I got married and moved from Columbus, Ohio to Lexington, Kentucky, and dropped the podcast in all the confusion.  When the dust settled, I began writing as the Lexington TV Examiner, and then for HotZone.  When HotZoneOnline announced they were creating a radio station, I was thrilled to bring back the hourly cast Geek Out With Jimmy for a new audience.
Though the episode running this week is listed as Episode 16: Why Did He Come Back?, you can jump in with no prior knowledge of me.  (I will try to put the first 15 back on iTunes in the very near future).  This week I discuss which shows have been picked up for next season and which are still up in the air.  I also cover other television news, such as upcoming guest stars and stars of new shows being made.  I talk about the shows 24, Lost, American Idol, Brothers & Sisters, Undercover Boss, The Colbert Report, Ugly Betty, and the Olympics.  There is also a song tucked in about Jack Bauer.
In the future, I plan on bringing GOWJ to HotZoneRadio every week, and hope to find a co-host for my newly revived show.  I will discuss current television news and reviews, and every once in awhile, stick in a parody song or (hopefully) funny skit.  I welcome all e-mails and suggestions for the show.  Send to me@actorsnightmare.com
Geek Out With Jimmy is currently slated to run tonight (Friday) at 7pm, Saturday at 1pm, and Sunday at 1pm.  Please tune in and tell me what you think.

Ellen lightens up American Idol

     Anyone that Simon Cowell calls a sadist deserves attention, and that's exactly how he described Ellen DeGeneres during a recent episode of American Idol.  Although the attention is supposed be on the contestants, the judge shakeup has caused more headlines about Ellen for the Fox show than anything else.  That's not necessarily a bad thing.  As ratings begin slipping for the nine year old show, though it does consistently remain the most watched series on television, an injection of fresh blood is needed.  Last year's addition of fourth judge Kara DioGuardi certainly didn't do it, and so, with the departure of the unintentionally funny Paula Abdul, the show turned to a woman from whom funnies is not an accident, but a lifestyle.

     And Ellen succeeded brilliantly her first two night on the air, joining the team during Hollywood Week.  She was hilarious, clearly had her own opinion, and actually seemed to add something to the discussion.  This is a very good thing for Idol, as up until now, Simon Cowell has been the only judge worth listening to, and while the show has been renewed for three more seasons, this will be Cowell's last.  There are still many weeks over which Ellen will have to prove herself if viewers are to tune in next season, but she was off to a good start.

     Looking at the contestants, Big Mike surely has the most moving story, with his child being born the morning of Group Day.  Thank goodness he passed on through the first two Hollywood rounds, as surely every viewer was rooting for him, attending the birth of his first offspring only by phone in order to pursue a dream.  It was a tough decision, and I'm sure glad I didn't have to make it.  He definitely has an understanding wife.  Other front runners include Andrew Garcia, who did an amazing rendition of "Straight Up", Lilly Scott, who channeled Ella Fitzgerald, and Didi Benami, who sang "Terrified".  But they all have a long way to go, as there were 71 contestants left after Group Day, and they will be cut down to 24 next week.

     American Idol airs on Fox, currently Tuesday and Wednesday nights, though keep an eye out on listings, as episode times and days often move around a little bit with each successive round.

Simon Cowell's last American Idol

     Despite the fact that it will rob us of our beloved Glee until April, most Americans are glad to see American Idol return to Fox for yet another round of the singing talent competition.  It is is advisable to tune in tonight as the judges travel to Boston (and tomorrow in Atlanta), as this may be the last great season of the ratings smash hit.

     Let's be honest, shall we?  Everyone will miss Paula Abdul, who left her position as judge this season.  But the only real reason to tune in is to watch Simon Cowell deliver his honest and scathing criticism.  Fox and Cowell confirmed yesterday that this will be his final season judging the show.  While rumors circulated that he was playing chicken, hoping to renegotiate his contract to allow him to bring The X Factor over from Britain, as it was forbidden under current terms, his press release today left no doubt that that was not the reason for his leaving.  Yes, he will be launching an American X Factor in 2011 on Fox, but he felt he did not have enough time to do both.  Buzz on the street is that Cowell may offer former co-host Paula Abdul a berth at his side on the new show, and that would certainly make it worth watching.  If he steals host Ryan Seacrest as well, X Factor will surely take Idol's place as our favorite television show.

      What will be left when Simon leaves Idol?  Well, the only original judge on the panel will be Randy Jackson, the one who contributes least to the process.  Last year, a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, came on board, and despite her huge song writing talent, turned out to be just as useless in her televised position.  However, as of right now, Seacrest may still be around, and Paula's replacement once the show makes it to Hollywood this year is funny lady Ellen Degeneres.  It is too early to know whether she will be entertaining, but smart money is on 'yes'.  If Seacrest and Ellen remain, there may be something worth watching, though surely X Factor will beat it soundly.

     Anyway, we still have lots of time to enjoy the nation's favorite past time.  This year, anyway, it will deliver the same fun and snarkiness we American have become accustomed to.  Tune in tonight and tomorrow on Fox.