What’s wrong with the London Olympics?

I have loved the Olympics for a long time. The history, the storylines, the round-the-clock sports coverage. I was extremely excited for the Summer Olympics to begin. With one week completed, I’m not really feeling it this year. So what’s wrong with the Olympic Games so far? It all started with the…
The opening ceremony
I thought the point of the Olympic Games was to promote international sportsmanship and bring the world together. However, Danny Boyle decided to use the 3 hours to highlight what makes Britain great. Don’t get me wrong, I love history, but the opening ceremony was confusing (a creepy blow up baby and a commercial about how awesome their health care is), cheesy (the Winston Churchill statue waving to the helicopter still makes me cringe), and a little all over the place. There was no real narrative to speak of, mostly just dancing tailored to the movements of how the British churned butter and fought. It was terrible, but I kept watching waiting for something amazing to happen. I still can’t believe I watched the whole thing.
The stupid tape delay
I absolutely hate the fact that NBC has decided not to air live broadcasts of marquee events during the day…..just so they can air them later in prime time. By prime time I already know the results. Even if I don’t listen to the radio or watch TV, I still end up hearing the results from earlier. Do you really think I’m going to watch an hour and a half of synchronized swimming just to see the 2-minute battle in the pool between Phelps and Lochte? ….Especially when I already know the outcome.
The lineup of highlighted sports and NBC’s editing
Again, why do I have to suffer through synchronized swimming or women’s basketball to get to the events I really want to see? And, is it me or is NBC’s editing of the Olympics extremely poor? It’s funny to see them setting up fake story lines just to make the event a little more interesting. Nope, we’re not showing you the Russian girl fall on her ass… cause then you would know that the U.S. has already won. Instead, we’re going to pretend it’s all up to the last U.S. competitor to win the gold. I’ve always liked the back stories of the athletes, but they’re becoming a little repetitive. Cut to the athlete’s parents in the stands….now cue the video….mom talking about having to get up to drive Suzy to practice, while Dad’s working in another city so Suzy can go to the training camp she needs.
I’ve found myself recording most of the Olympic events now and watching them when I have time and when I care. I think I’ve only watched a total of 3 nights so far (having the ability to fast forward has made watching a little more bearable).
I still like the Olympics. I like watching an underdog win and enjoy seeing someone break a world record. It’s also been nice to see local athletes doing so well so far. I look forward to the start of track and field. I’m done with the swimming. Lochte won his gold, Phelps won his medals and the U.S. women have done well. It seems like they have already swam every distance along with every stroke…..so why are there still more events??? Next up the 100 meter doggy paddle.
Hopefully, week 2 is better..

Comments

comments