Urban Thought Collective

“Grey’s Anatomy,” and American promo…I mean “American Idol” had their season finales this week. There was a lot to like in both of them. But neither was as good as I wanted them to be. I can place part of the blame for my disappointment on my own expectations. I wonder if we all put too much importance on the last show of any season.

Why do we expect the season finale to automatically be better than any single episode? Is it because networks and producers often make the finale twice as long so we expect it to be twice as good? Do we expect something extra because we will have to wait until the fall (or longer) before we see the next installment of our favorite show? Maybe we should all blame whoever shot JR Ewing, or dreamed it, for making a cliffhanger-OMG-water-cooler moment so memorable that we demand every finale, every season, to be that good.

Bottom line, most writers, producers, actors and reality contestants are giving you their best shot every week. In a climate where shows have been cancelled after airing just one time, no one can afford to take a week off. There are “stunts” that producers can use, like casting Britney Spears in a bit part on CBS’ “How I Met Your Mother” (she was pretty good) that will sometimes deliver more viewers that week, but not necessarily make a for better show. Frankly, in an attempt to be shocking and memorable in a finale, many shows miss the basic point of servicing the characters and storylines that made their show popular in the first place.

“Grey’s Anatomy” was pretty good. After enough on again off again, see other people, don’t see other people, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek (Patrick Dempsey) FINALLY decided to try to put their relationship back together. When you saw the outline of the house in candle lights you had to say “Awwww.” Cristina (Sandra Oh) FINALLY told Hahn (Elizabeth Reaser) to “shut up and let me work,” and the Chief (James Pickens) FINALLY told Hahn to do her job and “teach her.” The other high note for me was a terrific guest spot by Jurnee Smollett as the Beth, the first patient to survive Derek and Meredith’s trial.

Yet, it wasn’t a homerun to me. I’m starting to feel a little of what has been the wide spread criticism of “Grey’s,” that often they don’t behave as responsible doctors. When Alex (Justin Chambers) doesn’t get an automatic psych consult for his “girlfriend” who tried to commit suicide and continued to treat her, Izzie (Katherine Heigl) shouldn’t have only threatened to have him arrested, but done it. What Alex was doing was not only unethical, but in some states illegal. Then there was the boy incased in cement. Did he have parents? Did any of the other kids? Did anyone plan on calling them? Meredith orders a second brain surgery and doesn’t tell the Chief? Then she gets a pass because of the personal history between the Chief and her mother?

Still, I found myself more often enjoying the writing and performances more than questioning them. Executive producer Shonda Rhimes is running a tight ship.

“American Idol” was both a great surprise and a HUGE disappointment. David Cook’s upset was right on time! “ZZ Top” letting him be the front man on their song “Sharp Dressed Man” was dope! “Seal” was blazing! I wish he was on tour now. Donna Summer was in great voice and looked fantastic. Michael Johns and Carly Smithson’s duet was strong. Syesha Mercado looked amazing and was blowing as usual. Although David Archuleta didn’t win it all, he was a gracious as runner-up and will be just fine on tour playing to the same crowd of young girls who are making the Jonas Brothers rich.

On the flipside, the shameless promotions killed the show. If “The Love Guru” promo that seemed to last an hour wasn’t bad enough, Mike Myers had to come on stage live in character and do ANOTHER ten minutes. Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. promoting their film “Tropic Thunder” in a Gladys Knight and the Pips video seemed to last an hour. Jimmy Kimmel came out to do a short set and he’s not even on FOX! It felt like a bait and switch. I tuned in to see “American Idol” and got an infomercial!

The “Idol” finale two seasons ago (I think) when Prince was a surprise guest was one of the best television music shows I had ever seen. It made me want to go buy a ticket to see the “American Idol Tour.” I didn’t… because usually I only go see bands in concert, but the fact that I even considered it was proof that the show was hot and played to its fans. This year, “Idol” had the two most popular contestants in a showdown, and they seemed like afterthoughts on their own show. It should have been their night.

I can’t wait for new auditions!

Let me get my remote.

Darryl Bell is an actor and Chicago native, best known for his roles in classic TV series “A Different World” and Spike Lee’s “School Daze.” His unique television commentary is exclusive to Urban Thought Collective.