Unfortunately, National Edged Weapon Association does not have the clout of the NRA. I think he's on his own on this one.

It could have been worse. At least Modern Family didn't win.

So, which independently wealthy AVClub commenter would like to buy memberships for the rest of us so we can right this wrong? Anyone?

Not really the joke I was going for, but on CNN, 10 years ago, with fewer "kids these days" and "courageous, principled journalist" tropes, sure.

Had this show been successful, we might have seen other cable channels embrace programs that took a critical look at their associated specialties.

I should say that Cerf is probably whom I would most resemble in the parallel universe where I'm a celebrity raconteur from 60 years ago. Trying too hard to be both funny and shrewd.

The one exception I would make is (at least in the 50s episodes) the inevitable wolf whistles for any attractive female contestant. Admittedly, that's on the audience, not the panel. But to modern sensibilities, it's jarringly out of step with the both family friendly and sophisticated atmosphere the show was aiming…

Yikes.

I found Cerf to be a real weak spot. His jokes aren't funny and he's not half as charming or clever as he thinks he is. (was?) I know he's passed away, we need new tenses to discuss classic TV :-)

Another counterpoint:

The role would better be described as "unsettling creepy weirdo". Lots of people can pull off "garden variety creepy weirdo".

And then they just give them citizenship, like it's a T ball participation trophy or something!

Car CD players became common in the '90s which was when the loudness war really took off. I'm not saying it was the cause, but I think it was a pretty important factor.

The CD format got a bad reputation because of the loudness war:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wik…

In fairness, the Bail Organa state has to be a bit of mess. I'm sure fans wouldn't be happy if that issue wasn't addressed in detail.

'faction for "Disillusioned, dripping with irony and aloof detachment" individuals?"'

Naturally it's a "ground up" charter started by concerned parents, as opposed to the usual model of a charter school, started by well-connected "reformers" cutting sweetheart deals with the government.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to trisect this sixty degree angle using only a compass and straightedge.

They figure you've lost your nerve, and you only get possible missions from then on, which are super boring and you don't get to wear cool disguises or carry exploding chewing gum or fake your own death.

I took it as a fairly sharp critique of the shallow spirituality type of country song of the "Jesus Take the Wheel" variety, made obliquely enough that maybe Blake Shelton didn't get it? Or maybe he's a little cooler than I give him credit for (entirely possible).