The View

I'm coming in late on this one, but I've been busy, and in some ways, it's a timeless subject.

Last week, Star Jones-Reynolds announced that she wouldn't be back for the next season of the view. Barbara Walters appeared shocked, but it wasn't because she didn't know Star wouldn't be returning. It was because she was amazed that Star would publicly announce it at that time.

A few days later, they played a pre-recorded program that was recorded with Star. The guests were the stars of The Devil Wore Prada, and during Hot Topics, talk turned to whether or not women make better or worse bosses. Barbara half-heartedly defended herself, and Joy chimed in with, "But you're not really our boss because you're also one of us." Star then seethed, "Oh, make no mistake. She's the boss."

After seeing that, I have to say that Star showed a lot of restraint by not spilling her guts right then and there.

But what really got me was how Barbara Walters said that she would have done anything for Star until "she was betrayed." Bullshit! It wasn't Star that betrayed Barbara!

The View has always been about a group of women who got together each day, and bonded. Occasionally one would leave, and go on to new opportunities. But this is the first time they decided to ostracize someone. And instead of just saying good-bye, they told her, "you'll no longer be welcome here three months from now." That pretty much blows the whole dynamic right there.

I'm happy Star kept it together, and allowed Meredith her time in the limelight. Star could have easily said, "If you don't want me here, then I'll just go," but she kept quite, and acted as if nothing was wrong, and allowed the spotlight to shine on Meredith. That was classy.

So now what happens to The View? I didn't think Rosie O'Donnell was a good choice. She's too much like Joy. Could this be a sign that Joy is going to be replaced, too? I had my doubts about how things would work with two middle-aged comedians on the panel. But now that we know that the circle of friends is not a circle of friends, and that anyone could be fired, what kind of dynamic can they forge? Certainly no one can ever believe a facade of this being a bunch of friends.

If The View makes it completely through the next season, I will be surprised.

I think I'm going to watch The Price Is Right instead. Or maybe I'll record Today, and watch it. But I just don't think I can ever buy into any fake comradity on The View again.

That's how I see things.