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Final Thoughts on the 2008 Jerry Lewis Telethon

September 1st, 2008 by Scott Marks

Years ago I tried watching the Telethon on line, but the pixel-intteruptus effect of streaming video was maddening. With their act perfected, it was 100% smooth sailing. This was the first time in decades where I was able to watch the Telethon from beginning to end uninterrupted by newscasts and sporting events.  From now on, it’s a RealPlayer kind of Telethon for me. It was a marvelously liberating feeling.

Biggest complaint: Not enough Jerry, but at 82 I guess we should be thankful for the 8 hours we get.

Second biggest complaint: The information/entertainment dichotomy is out of balance. While the recorded pitches are sharper and more direct than ever, how about some name acts, Jerry? When Celine Dion, Billy Gilman and Frank, Jr. are the biggest draws, we’ve got a show that slinks. If they relocate to Australia we’re doomed. 20 hours of Paul Hogan and kangaroo jokes.

Before knowing how frail Ed McMahon would appear, I expected a lot of cracks about his current financial situation. Goofing on the doddering old guy in his current state would be like picking on a lame dog.

No Casey and Jean Kasem. Not even a pre-recorded pitch.

No Michael DeBakey tribute. I thought that this would have been a shoe-in.

Where’s Charo?

Where’s Julius LaRosa?

For a change, KUSI did not have an afternoon baseball game to soil the festivities. Instead of showing the Telethon live and in its entirety, they play select bits as filler for their local feed. Do they truly believe that weathermen and news anchors have the same knowledge and draw as Jerry Lewis? With all due respect, I don’t watch The Jerry Lewis Telethon in anticipation of seeing meteorologists Dave Scott and Joe Lazura. These guys are on the airwaves every day of the year. Stick with the big guns and leave the pea-shooters to tell us that it will be 72 and sunny every day.

Alison Sweeney should read Gold Star pledges in a thong bikini and high heels.

When all is said and done, the funniest man alive has raised over $2 billion dollars in his fight against muscular dystrophy. Thanks for all of your tireless efforts. I love you, Jerry!


Celine Dion, dere, talking to da’ Jerry Lewis dere.

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