'Dancing With The Stars' Season 14 Dream Casting
What To Watch On TV This Week
The Dead Zone: Drift
(S06E10) All season, I have been trying to put a positive spin on bad writing, poor casting choices (Sheriff Turner, remember her? Barely? We never see her, so maybe they think she was a poor choice too), episodes that seem recycled from other seasons, and others that are completely forgettable and irrelevant. But tonight was just the last straw. I have had it. I cannot think of one more good thing to say about this infomercial for Visa that is running around disguising itself as television.There is a vast difference between product placement, which is obnoxious, but certainly happens, and writing in the ease of use of a product and naming it in the script. Johnny swipes his Visa card at the race tracks and then they make a big deal about how easy that was, he just had to use his Visa. Then, his wallet gets stolen, and what is left? His Visa in his pocket. And then the thief gives back the wallet and money (so what was the point of taking it? Oh, yeah, to tell us all about Visa and how great it is if your cash is stolen), and Johnny holds up his Visa card so you can see the word Visa, while there is a huge Visa sign in the background (um, didn't they talk in the script about who paid for that reception? And is was Maria and Frankie?), and tells the thief that this was all he had left. AFTER he swipes it and uses it easily a SECOND time!
Who is letting this happen? I realize that there has been talk in the media about this becoming the future, but this is ridiculous. You can say that the show is sponsored by Visa, and even tie it to the opening credits if Tivoing is becoming such a problem. But to write it into the dialog-- well, there are several good books I can read.
Oh, I almost forgot: This episode of Sesame Street is also brought to you by the letter "Pepsi." Hmmm, let's feature it prominently on the picnic table, and then offer the Vice President coffee, juice and have him take a... soda. Why not just ask him if he wants Folgers, Minute Maid, or a Pepsi product?
So, is product placement just going to become part of the regular plot now, too? You can use it to place bets and buy your snacks at the race track, and then are we going to see Johnny regularly wiping his brow and mentioning Bounty and how absorbent it is? Or do you think this will be just a Visa thing? It was so nice of Johnny to use one of Visa's own taglines, too.
In this completely unthrilling commercial for Visa, Bruce's girlfriend gets kidnapped. No tension was built at all. I never thought she was in danger for a moment. In fact, it seems to be only Johnny's bumbling interpretations of his visions that gets people into real trouble. That isn't getting old. And just like last week and Johnny failing to touch Father Tom to get answers, Johnny could have just shook hands with Drift's owners and had all the answers. Though I suppose it is a half-hearted touch to get the horse's point of view.
The only redeemable moment from this episode came from J.J.'s moving tribute to his father. I hope being on this show doesn't hurt that kid's career.
And I hope Sarah runs off with Greg Stillson and leaves Johnny alone with his Visa card and a Pepsi. The sooner the better.
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