Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The introduction almost holds together as John Leonard ignores the scientific basis of television research and counters it with indefensible but plausible-sounding arguments. Then he talks a little about Ed Sullivan. Then he wanders around for another few hundred pages tossing factlets into our faces, seemingly without ever making a point, using logic, or doing anything other than showing off his immense knowledge of TV trivia and inability to use reason. This is the worst book I have ever read, and that's saying something.
Each chapter is a wandering group of lists, as Leonard tosses out name after name after name, dazzling us with both the amount of time spent in front of the TV and his wonderful memory for actors and series - but there is no depth behind anything. No point seems to ever be made. It's like watching the images flashed in movie commercials - but for hours instead of 30 seconds. Watching too much TV seems to have left Leonard without the ability to focus his attention for any length of time.
Do yourself a favor and find a book written by someone who (a) can actually make arguments, (b) understands how research is conducted, (c) has something to say, and/or (d) can actually provide information rather than rambling on and on for nearly 300 pages about his opinions on this, that, and the other thing, in the end without imparting any information other than some useless facts about Ed Sullivan (in chapter one so you can save lots of time by stopping there).
I borrowed this book for free from the library and did not find it to be worth the price.
PS> Most of my other reviews have all been positive so I'm not some sort of crank ... nor do I think I disagree with whatever Leonard's main point is, though I have no idea what that might be. And ignore the "this refers to the hardcover edition" comment, it's both!
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