NBC’s pretty-good reality singing competition “The Voice” is on right now, and it’s fine, but I’m clearly not so engrossed that I can’t offer my thoughts on what I think was an overall great showing by NBC and NBC Sports for their Super Bowl presentation.
The festivities started early in the day and, as I pointed out, are still continuing right now. I know that some might have seen NBC’s pre-pre-game show as overblown, but I loved it. I love spectacle, and this gave me just what I wanted – live music (including The Fray and Lenny Kravitz), celebrity interviews and movie promos (Chris Evans presented an “Avengers” clip, said he supports the Patriots), and of course, tons of NBC counter-promotion. The people they spoke with were all zeitgeisty, but not stupid – no Disney Channel stars or Katy Perry or the cast of “Glee.” Instead, there was Cee-Lo, Danny DeVito and Captain fucking America. Not bad.
A highlight was a sketch involving the casts of most of the Peacock’s original shows, including 30 Rock, The Office and Community, singing “The Brotherhood of Man” from “How to Succeed in Business.” It was the best kind of shameless self-promotion, because it was clever, with a knowing wink to the audience, and fun. And, I got to see the Community cast. God I miss those guys.
Finally, the near-overload of Jimmy Fallon. I say near, because there can never be enough Jimmy Fallon on my TV screen. He was everywhere today. For a guy who screwed up SNL jokes every week by cracking up during sketches, he really has redeemed himself. Fallon’s found his niche, and that’s just being the goshdarned most likable guy on the tube.
Finally, I’ve always had a soft spot for lovable goof Nick Cannon. He’s not particularly good at anything, but, like Fallon, Cannon just has a way to make people feel comfortable while being interviewed. I can’t hate him.
Anyway, good on you, NBC. You throw in Dan Patrick, Bob Costas and Al Michaels – the greatest sportscasters in the biz – and you’ve got yourself a pretty flawless Super Bowl. Compare this day to the pathetic effort by FOX last year. I vote NBC takes the game every year, like they do with the Olympics.
And congrats to the GIANTS!!!! Cheaters never win and winners never cheat.
I can tell you enjoyed our party. Two finallys and a misspelled of. Yippeee Superbowl. The Men in the North!