Re: The Mike O'Meara Show
Posted by:
Captin Trips
()
Date: March 21, 2009 03:06PM
Ok so it can be a given that 98% of people who post here are occasional if not active listeners of MOMS... Lets stage an intervention. If anyone from MOMS reads this board, perhaps they can take the criticisms to heart.
My take is, what made D&M a successful show is that there was an edge. It was more of an honest show. There was a chance that something interesting might happen. If there is one thing that I never really got into about D&M is when they included people from around the JFK offices on the show. Going into detail with salespeople and general office crap. To me that is what always derailed the show. What D&M had going for it is that it was truly personality driven, and subject to Don's mood. It was willing to self destruct, but in a good way. Don always took chances.
Mike's show is becoming increasingly guest driven. Isn't it a given that there will be a few guest spots every show? An author, a 2nd tier comic, or rolling out the red carpet for Patton O, and treating him with an inexplicable reverence. Instead of an active forum for the hosts, it is reactionary, based on the guests. Drinking Fridays is becoming a safe zone, as if the concept that they are getting buzzed is revolutionary radio. In that vein, Buzz is also a safe zone. Entirely predictable. Buzz has become as middle of the road as a person can be. Entirely safe. Rob(b) is channeling Ed McMahon. Guffawing at Mike's every utterance, funny or not, and dare not contradicting him. I think there have been a few shows where it could be intoned from Mike's voice or reaction to Rob(b) that Rob(b) iritates Mike to some degree.
The interactions that Mike, Rob(b) and Buzz have with each other are becoming increasingly formulaic. Mike makes statement, Rob(b) laughs, Buzz agrees. Rinse. Repeat. Mike also does not have the edge that he used to have on D&M, he is playing it safe, and dares not to offend. The contests that rely on listeners to call in are becoming predictable, and no one gets hurt. On D&M, the games there were well thought out, and made for interesting radio. I think calls are screened intensely so as not to throw Mike, and on the oft chance a listener gets through and gives an unexpected response or dissenting voice, Mike seems unnerved.
So how to sum up what is wrong wit MOMS:
-plays it safe, and safe zones
-Rob(b) and Buzz, entirely predictable
-relies heavily on guests
-Yes Man syndrome
-trying too hard to be nice
-relies on lazy formulas: "Comedian, you drive!", Drunk Friday
-a general vibe that something is missing and unsaid