The Idiot Box: Friday Night TV Girlfriend

By: Moe Mack, Free Agent News Syndicate

 

            ‘Good ‘ol J.B.’ wanted to create a new regular column about the current state of television, and yours truly has the grand ‘privilege’ of christening what will now be appropriately known as ‘The Idiot Box’. It’s not a bad assignment, but it isn’t without its hazards. Had ‘The Idiot Box’ been inaugurated last issue as originally planned, then I would’ve had to write an in-depth review on some new reality show called Ice-T’s School of Rap. This show premiered two weeks ago on VH1, the same channel that broadcasts such life-enhancing reality shows like Flavor of Love and Hogan Knows Best. I’m not going to give you an opinion of it one way or the other since I didn’t get a paid scholarship to this rap school. But, if you like shows about a legendary gangsta rapper teaching junior high schoolers from a Manhattan prep school how to rap, then it might be worth checking out. I can’t help but think that a gig like that would be perfect for Snoop Dogg, another legendary rapper who has managed to garner mainstream appeal without compromising his hardcore gangsta image.

            For the most part, I like Ice-T (whose real name is Tracy Morrow) because of his role as Detective Odafin ‘Fin’ Tutuola on one of my favorite shows, Law & Order: SVU. I’m most likely one of the few people under 25 who watches all three Law & Order shows religiously. Speaking of Law & Order, here’s a thought that has been with me since the season premiere last month: Nina Cassady, the new homicide detective (played by Milena Govich) teaming up with Ed Green (played by Jesse L. Martin) in the NYPD’s 27^th Precinct, might be too damn hot for the role. Producer Dick Wolf has previously cast actresses as detectives on these shows (see SVU’s Mariska Hargitay and Criminal Intent in general), but they dressed like they were trying to solve cases. And I’m not complaining that loudly about this either, because Govich is a good actress and her character has displayed the stereotypical toughness and attitude of a tv cop. But Wolf, after casting middle-to-elderly-aged Caucasians in that role, threw the show’s fans a curve whose outfits often flaunt her gorgeous, milky white cleavage. He usually put the show’s designated hottie in the A.D.A. role alongside the show’s elder statesmen Jack McCoy (played by Sam Waterston). Now, how the heck are male witnesses and perps suppose to focus with Detective Cassady around? It’s a testament to the acting skills of Martin that he’s able to maintain his focus during filming. But, here’s hoping that my new Friday night TV girlfriend and- her exposed bosoms- don’t catch a cold!