Different networks provide positive changes
O’FALLON, Missouri – Where do I begin? There’s been a lot of interesting television in the last week, and some other intriguing item looking forward.
Late Night
Saturday Night Live delivered one of its best episodes in recent memory. And I have a pretty good memory, particularly with regard to SNL. Beginning with a well-executed cold open and perhaps the most physically demanding monologue since Bill Murray scaled the “Homebase” set 10 seasons ago, Joseph Gordon-Levitt proved himself a more-than-formidable host. Musical guests Dave Matthews Band made yet another appearance on the show. DMB is the only musical act I can think of who’s performances have now spanned the three longest-tenured directors in SNL‘s history – the late Dave Wilson (with host Courteney Cox in 1994), multiple appearances with director Beth McCarthy Miller, and now Don Roy King. I have no doubt I’m the only person who really cares.
Thanksgiving Football
The annual Thanksgiving football broadcasts have come and gone, showing that the NFL on Fox’s new lead director Rich Russo has a considerably more humble approach to the control room shot than his predecessor. Even producer Richie Zyontz, who traditionally insists on showing nothing more than the back of his head, agreed to some face time this year. The boldest decision of the day was using the 1st and 10 technology – used to superimpose the line of scrimmage, first down line and down and distance – for on-field graphics during the Motown-themed halftime show. Fox has tried out some tacky effects on the Thanksgiving halftime show in the past, most notably the split-screen effect when Destiny’s Child performed a few years ago. This time, it generally worked well, except that the necessary hardware is only on the upper-level cameras at the 20s, midfield and endzone. Since Russo fortunately didn’t cut only to those cameras, it ruined the illusion anytime he took a shot that clearly showed a bare field. But I applaud the effort.
‘Tis the Season
This is the time of year when CBS Sports’ NFL crews get shuffled a bit as the network commences its college basketball coverage. After this week coordinating producer Bob Dekas will leave his post for the NFL on CBS in order to produce basketball games from now until the National Championship next April in Indy. Basketball coverage begins at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., where the North Carolina Tar Heels visit the Kentucky Wildcats on December 5. Ken Mack will take over Dekas’ producing duties on the Ian Eagle and Rich Gannon crew. With college basketball lead director Bob Fishman occupied with the NFL “B” crew through the AFC Divisional Playoffs, directors will likely rotate until Fishman rejoins Dekas full-time for the duo’s 24th season.
In a change from previous years, the SEC Football Championship and Army-Navy game will be on different weeks – December 5 and 12, respectively. The different schedule allows CBS to send its lead college football crew to cover both games, which will hopefully help further restore Army-Navy as a high-profile event.
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