I'll Say She Is!
Friday, 1 July 2005
ATTENTION FOOD NETWORK EXECS
illyria wtf

Overkill: "An excess of what is necessary or appropriate for a particular end." I just thought you might need to know what the definition of this word is since you have just announced yet another TV show starring Rachael Ray. Jebus, why don't you just call yourselves the Rachael Ray Network?

The concept for her original show, 30 minute Meals, is a good one. And I used to not mind watching it, until she became more annoying and incredibly repetitive. It's so damn formulaic, everything, down to her hand gestures in her opening monologue, is the same. The schtick where she piles everything into her arms at one to carry to the counter. The way she says "EVOO ExtraVirginOliveOil" EVERY SINGLE TIME IN EVERY SINGLE EPISODE. (Interesting fact, by the way, there are some occasions when you don't want to use olive oil because it has a strong taste and a different burning point than butter or other oils. Ever think of that, Rachael?) And don't get me started on the "garbage bowl". So that show has been ruined for me.

Then they gave her 40$ a Day, where Rachael travels to cities and shows you, the viewer, where to eat. Her money saving ideas include coupon clipping and not leaving tips. Brilliant! Then they made Inside Dish, where she interviews typically B actors. I don't think Barbara Walters could make this one work, because who wants to see people talking with food in their mouths?

So now the Food Network, who apparently believes repitition is the key to success, is about to bring us Day to Day with Rachael Ray. Even if her guests aren't eating, we are not in for a treat. I watched the Penn & Teller Inside Dish (Not B actors, by the way, but A+ magicians), and her line of questions went something like this: "So, do you guys like food? What's your favorite meal? I bet you eat out in restaurants a lot." True, the show is on the Food Network and I guess I should expect the questions to deal with eating, but that just does not make for scintillating television.

Why does mediocrity reign?

(P.S. - yes, I know I watch too much Food Network and this is a reason to cut back. It's good background filler while I'm studying or doing chores.)


Posted by ginevra (link)
Comments
Just think Bobby Flay and Rachel Ray could get married and just think of the joint shows they could do together.
And their children would have the most annoying voices imaginable!
You know, I used to find Rachael Ray attractive, but she looks glossier, more artificial and more partied-out every year. And I've long since grown tired of her act. How can we stop her from taking over what used to be one of my favorite networks? I'm ready to join you on any crusade you want to start.
I used to love watching 30 minute & to a lesser extent, $40 a day. Now they're going into RR-overdrive. They're doing to her what they did to Emeril/Bobby Flay. She's the next flavor of the month.

It's a sham, er, I mean, shame ;-). She had something good going then got swept up in the limelight. My mother was commenting about "how artificial she's looking now & how she's just going through the motions, no sincerity behind the eyes any longer".

Oooh! I figured out how she's able to perform her monkey act for all of the shows, etc: Robot or Cloned RR's.

Her schtick is old with a capital "O".

I think at one time, The F.N. tried to attempt this with Sara Moulton.

Give us more Alton Brown!!!
Here's the Food Network address (strangely, I can't find an appropriate e-mail link):
Food Network
75 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
Iron Chef America! WOOT! The Chairman is da bomb! Watch this instead!
I stumbled on to your site doing a search for Rachel.
I never understand this. TV is a pure popularity contest. If you don't agree with a show being on TV...don't watch it! If enough people agree with you...the show will go away! If, people do not agree, the show will continue. I can't stand American Idol but many many people disagree with me. I just don't watch. This is how you influence TV content. Not by whining about it!
Wow, Scott - what would the Internet be without people complaining about something? Just so you know, I don't watch her on a regular basis (you really only need to watch one or two episodes of 30MM to get the full effect of Ray's repetitive schtick). Also? I think you have to be a Neilsen viewer for your TV viewing habits to be recorded. Please refer to this link to see how ratings are determined. Just sayin'.