The new show is very rough around the edges, the crew and cast do not
seem in synch - and the overall format and timing of the show seems
way off.
The show needs to tighten up a little bit - and not come off as so
'loose' - I feel like I am watching a high school skit - instead of a
talk show - and I'd like to see a little more professional polish
added to the show.
Segways from one segment to another seem to have no rhyme or reason -
and no real production attached to them - Miller seems confused as to
what to do next - and oblivious as to how much time he has with each
segment.
Miller needs to react more to what the editorials are saying - he
seems to just announce them - play the tape - and then shrug. Miller
is famous for adding a clever 10 cents after a taped segment in
earlier work - why would they not exploit that?
If you noticed, at one point or another, Miller apologized for the
lack of consistency and professionalism, on *every* single show of the
first week. Not a good sign - fix the mistakes - tighten the act - and
then ditch the apologies.
When the show worked, it was very entertaining. Certain guests on the
panel (Willie Brown and Martin Short) really added life to the Varsity
panel segment. And Miller's stand up segment yielded some good laughs
- he still has a great sense of delivery - and his writers know how to
cater his jokes to his style and demeanor, well done on that front.
The chimp is getting annoying fast - and I hope they can find creative
ways to keep that aspect of the show entertaining rather than just
bothersome.
I liked Naomi Wolf and David Horowitz together. David is a reserved
conservative, with a look of 'man all you liberals are stupid' - while
Naomi borders on hysterics, clearly shocked and chagrined at some of
the directions this country is taken. It's a solid contrast, I
actually thought it worked well. I was actually dissapointed to hear
Naomi is not returning next week.
By the way, did David Frum say anything at all during the first show?
What did not work well was Miller's conducting of the panel - that
will tighten up hopefully - as he gets a better handle on how to
handle the Varsity segment - which seems to becoming the meat of the
show. Miller needs to use gestures to let his guests now they have the
floor - and needs to try and dish equal time to each view as much as
possible. It's not easy - and Miller needs practice.
The initial interview has been very dry on each show. Miller needs to
take it down a peg in my view. Relax a little - be himself - and not
be so interested in mining a 'story'. He should instead focus on
getting a laugh or two along the way. Humor in these kind of
interviews can wind up being more insiteful than just listening to the
standard rheotoric of the guest.
When I see Schwarzeneger on the Dennis Miller show - I expect a laugh
or two - and instead to my surprise, I got none. I can rely on someone
like Charlie Rose or Ted Koppel, if I want deep political insight in
an interview - for Miller I want to be able to chuckle a little.
I think the show has potential. I've always liked Miller as a comedian
- despite the fact I don't agree with him on all his political views.
But unless the show gets a little more technical polish - and until
Miller loosens his collar a little on the initial interview segment -
I am not sure the show will succeed.
Here's hoping it will - because when Miller is 'on' - its very
entertaining television.
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