For the fans

I realize I'm running the risk of being pigeon-holed here, but after watching a certain show on FOX tonight, I simply must comment. I'm not really sure what my expectations (if I had any) of this show were, but, OH...MY...GOD...it really was awful. I was pleasantly surprised by the skating skills of Jillian Barberie and even Kristy Swanson. While it was fun to see "ordinary" people learning how difficult the sport is, it was kind of depressing to see Scott Hamilton and the like in this fashion. The rink was custom built and tiny, although they were moving so slow that the small size was necessary. The pacing was strange, yet familiar, and even the "judging" was all hyped up. They basically had the Simon, Paula, and Randy of the figure skating world (although I never would have categorized them as such) seated rinkside to comment after the performances. They were even sitting in the same order as the American Idol judges. Overall, it was fun and of course I'll be watching more, but still...I think it was a sad day for skating in America.