I've been holding off writing about this, hoping that things would improve. Back after Siskel died, a revolving chair of guests occupied the seat across from Ebert. This had two purposes: first, to be able to continue the show until a permanent replacement was named, and second, to use these shows as auditions for would-be replacements. Some were bad (Harry Knowles should never be seen on tv), and some were alright. Nearly all were writers or critics. I actually do not remember Roeper's first appearance. A woman named Joyce Kulhawik was the person I expected to land the job. In multiple appearances she clashed with Ebert, as rarely did their recommendations match up. David Poland has claimed that Roeper was not Ebert's first choice for the job. I expect that Kulhawik was, but I would bet her cancer history scared away Buena Vista, who probably did not want to deal with any more prolonged absences. Anyway, Roeper turned out to be a good selection. It took a couple years, but he eventually began to banter with Ebert almost at the same level as Siskel, though admittedly Siskel was much more sophisticated with his arguments. The mix worked.
Now with Ebert out for an unknown amount of time, we have to contend with a different unqualified stiff sitting across from Roeper each week. So far this guest has been someone with little critical experience. In fact, the first 3 guests were industry people whose biases would surely intrude. Leno was horrible. He is and never will be anything but a kiss-ass. I'm surprised he gave one movie thumbs down. Kevin Smith did not carry himself very well, and it was excrutiating hearing "flik" over and over. Next was a screenwriter whose name I do not remember, and whose appearance was just as memorable. He was followed by some entertainment personality who was annoyingly upbeat. Review the damn movie, and save the fun schtick for the after show party.
Thankfully an actual gainfully employed movie critic showed up on this last weekend's show. He made cogent, succinct points about the movies he was reviewing, with a fluidness that would make you think that he was SUPPOSED to be there. In fact, the show would be in good hands if he remained in Ebert's seat until Roger makes it back. It's not going to happen, and odds are they will go back to the unqualified dope list for their next selection.
As if things haven't been bad enough for him, Ebert is missing both the Telluride and the Toronto film festivals this September. I have not seen any hints when Ebert will be back, though hopefully September will be the last full month without him. But it isn't a good sign that only one new piece, a health update, has been written by Ebert in the last few weeks.
