2004 TV Superlatives

Best Commercial: Hewlett Packard “Picture Book” – With the “how’d they do that” special effects that literally captured life in a picture (and vice versa) and a catchy Kinks tune, this ad was the perfect eye catching treat.

Worst Commercial: Old Navy – The strategy behind advertising at Old Navy must be that any talk about their company is good. So they come up with some of the most irritating campaigns in recent memory and buy ad space as much as they possibly can. This holiday season they came up with stalker like carolers (none of whom could sing) who reminded people of sales. For some reason, they always gave a solo to the most off-key singers.

STFU Award: Star Jones – I don’t even watch The View and I'm sick of this woman giving Bridezillas a bad name. It’s like she thinks people think that she couldn’t find anyone so finding this schmo is like vindication and she can gloat.

It’s Not Funny Anymore: William Hung – It was pretty funny to see this guy butcher a terrible song the first time, but like last year’s “Is this Chicken or tuna” sound byte, it got old real fast. When you break in January and you’re a has been by May, it’s not a good thing.

Worst Use of Overshadowing: Janet Jackson – Sports fans actually remember an amazing Super Bowl, but thanks to her publicity stunt, most of America remembers that split second shot of a nipple, which made nearly everyone overreact.

Best Network Decision: Fox for renewing Arrested Development – It was a questionable year for fans of one of the few sitcoms not overusing the “set up-punch line-tag” formula. The only sitcom that matters got a second season renewal, which made a tough season filled with many formulaic shows and too many potentially great shows getting axed far too soon.

Worst Network Decision: WB for canceling Angel – Did we ever get a reason that made an ounce of sense to anyone? Especially since without Joss Whedon WB would be known still as the network that takes the crap Fox cancels. One of WB’s biggest hits gets killed just as it gained a new wind. While the final episodes were for the most part great, there was still at least one more season in them. The chaos following the insurrection, the full potential of Illyria and the reunion between Buffy, Angel and Spike will remain among the “What ifs” of TV history. At least we can hope for a movie.

Thank you for putting this on DVD award: Freaks and Geeks - This brilliant, but quickly canceled show made a comeback on a 6 disc set (with a special edition) that was the ultimate treat for fans jonesing for the Weirs and their friends.

Best Proof that Award Shows May Have Some Relevance: Arrested Development wins Best Comedy Series at the Emmys - Sometimes they do get it right. Now if only they could give Joss Whedon his weight in statues.

Best Proof that Award Shows Have No Relevance: The Emmys for disqualifying The Office for producing too few episodes – And yet they gave West Wing more nominations than they’ve deserved in years. Not even an honorary award for such a brilliant work.

Most boring awards moment: Lord of the Rings wins, again, and again, and again… - While the Peter Jackson helmed trilogy was truly one of the best in cinematic history, this 4 hour celebration of it was bloated and boring in its predictability and self service.

Worst TV Personality: Paris Hilton – Come back when you have some type of talent. Anything, and being sleazy isn’t a talent.

Best Celebrity Sibling: Charlie Murphy – The brother of Eddie helped provide the back story of what would become Dave Chappelle’s signature sketch.

Worst Celebrity Sibling: Ashlee Simpson – Riding in on her sister’s coattails, shifting the blame for her lip synching fiasco and becoming another celebrity who thinks a reality show is a good idea.

Most in Danger of Becoming Overexposed: Jon Stewart – Maybe it was in part of it being an election year, but Jon Stewart was everywhere this year. Being the host of one of the smartest satires (along with South Park) on TV certainly helped, but this hype risks becoming too much to live up to.

Worst Case for an Argument: Tucker Carlson of Crossfire interviewing Jon Stewart. "You're on CNN, the show that leads into mine is puppets making prank phone calls. What is wrong with you?" -Stewart to Carlson, whose Crossfire was canceled a few months later.