08.29.06
A very unfortunate coincidence….
All this hand-wringing about the opening film at the Emmy’s:
NBC expressed regret Monday for an Emmy Awards comedy skit that included a mock plane crash and aired on the network the evening of a fatal Kentucky jetliner accident.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the many families who lost loved ones in the plane crash in Kentucky on Sunday, and to the entire community that has suffered this terrible loss,” NBC said in a statement the day after the ceremony.
“In no way would we ever want to make light of this terrible tragedy,” NBC said. “The filmed opening during the Emmy telecast was meant to spoof some of television’s most well-known scenes. The timing was unfortunate, and we regret any unintentional pain it may have caused.”
The prerecorded skit was broadcast as part of the live Emmy ceremony just hours after a commuter jet taking off in Lexington, Ky., crashed into a field and burst into flames, killing 49 people. Only a co-pilot survived.
Yes, it was in bad taste, considering the circumstances. But it was really just an unfortunate coincidence. Besides, I doubt if anyone who would truly be offended was watching a stupid award show that night.
Besides…. the little film was DAMN funny. (can’t find video, but it’ll be around soon)
O’Brien, back as host for the first time since 2002 (the last time NBC, which airs Late Night with Conan O’Brien, broadcast the ceremony), made his entrance in a pre-taped sequence that began with a plane crash that stranded him on the island from the ABC hit Lost, took the show’s mysterious hatch to The Office, wandered into a tense 24 situation, underwent a quick medical evaluation by Hugh Laurie of the Fox hospital drama House, found himself animated on the Comedy Central show South Park, and then endured an awkward confrontation by Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen. [who did all the child predator stories]
And, even though this is liberal pablum from Jon “Dem Shill” Stewart and his evil spawn Stephen Colbert, this is friggin funny too.
