LeVar Burton just finished his audition week. Of all the candidates he’s the only one who really campaigned for the job. He pretty much did everything but skywriting. He also has a large legion of fans who remember him fondly from READING RAINBOW. Personally, I like him very much. I had the chance to direct him once on BECKER. Great guy and a very talented actor. Going in I would have been very pleased to see him get the JEOPARDY gig.
But after watching his week-long audition, he’s not the guy. Sorry. But he’s just not.
He was too hyper, screwed up way more than the others, and basically just doesn’t have a feel for the rhythm of the game.
Alex always maintained that the contestants were the star, but LeVar managed to place all the emphasis on himself. He was very overbearing and had very little connection to the contestants. On his first show one of the contestants was completely overwhelmed. He set a record for the worst one-day showing. The only acknowledgement from LeVar was “You won’t be joining us for Final Jeopardy.” I recall a few years ago a woman contestant also struggled and Alex went out of his way to console her throughout and cushion the blow of being humiliated on national television. He said something like, “this just wasn’t your day” implying on another day with other categories she might’ve done much better. LeVar just cast the contestant aside.
Now, I’m sure in part that’s because he didn’t realize this contestant was digging a deeper and deeper hole for himself. And without question, there are a lot of moving parts the host must negotiate at one time, but constantly taking the temperature of the room, making each contestant feel comfortable is a big part of the gig. He was overly excited when someone got an answer right, often screaming “YES!” as if they had won a million dollars instead of $400, and a curt “no” if someone answered incorrectly.
Could he get better over time? I’m sure. But there were other guest hosts who just felt it in their bones. They were comfortable, engaging with the contestants, quick-witted, at ease with the teleprompter, and in confident control of the game. With LeVar you would have to land the plane by radar. He would need months of notes and adjustments. A half-dozen other candidates could just step right in. It’s like some musicians just feel the groove. You can teach anyone to play an instrument but some just have that innate groove.
There’s another part of the job that’s hidden. How do you deal with unexpected circumstances? Things are going to come up. A contestant had a mild stroke once during a game. The board and clues don’t match on occasion, a contestant freezes up, the board malfunctions, whatever. You need a PRO when this happens. Alex was amazing at this. It stemmed from his natural talent and decades of experience as a broadcaster. LeVar Burton would be a deer in the headlights. Aaron Rogers wouldn’t have a clue. Dr. Oz — well, he was so terrible at everything it’s not worth mentioning.
The fan verdict on LeVar falls right along the line of who watched READING RAINBOW and who didn’t. Those that did have great affection for him. Those that didn’t are very underwhelmed by his performance. Some newspapers and websites are taking polls and LeVar shows up high, but remember, he’s campaigning. His fans are actively participating. There’s no worldwide Buzzy Cohen fan club. And even then, LeVar is not blowing away the competition.
Sorry, but he’s not the guy.
My picks? I loved Mayim Bialik. She brought a fun infectious attitude, and has a great feel for the game. Her diction was also terrific. I was surprised by how good Robin Roberts was. I shouldn’t be. She’s a seasoned pro and her years at Sportscenter really prepared her for spitting out those clues. But she was warm and excelled way beyond my expectations.
Ken Jennings is also a favorite. He certainly has a connection to the game. My only concern with Ken is his voice is a little weak. Buzzy Cohen also did a great job, in my opinion, although he was a little hyper and would need some adjustments.
And my other pick is Mike Richards. I doubt they’ll go in that direction, but as the executive producer he handled the game and contestants beautifully. You know you’re in good hands.
Let’s see how David Faber and Joe Buck do. But a decision needs to be made soon, and I have a feeling the producers are close to making one.
And now I’ll throw it open to you. Who would you like to see get the job permanently? Ground rules: you must leave a name and you must honor other readers’ choices. No name calling. No attacking. Even if they think Dr. Oz should get the job. The comment section is open. And I’ll be looking up to see if there’s skywriting.
from By Ken Levine
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