Those of us who are attached to The Charlie Rose Show
have suffered some anxiety over the past couple of months, now relieved
by his return.* I wonder if I was alone in watching the show even more
regularly in his absence -- clinging to what is threatened?
As he recovered from heart surgery, many stepped in to sit on his side of the table. If I were in Charlie's circle of friends, I would advise him to take advantage of this. He could do three shows a week and have others do the rest, as they have so capably done this past few weeks. This would give him time to do what -- he says -- he has learned he must: rest, and have more balance in his life -- but maintain for us what we so value in his work.
For me, that is several things, small and large. I value the quietness of this show -- the set, a simple wood table and chairs, and darkness around -- and the conversation, which includes much listening and actual responsiveness, one person to the other. The substitute hosts stayed on the path Charlie has devised -- depth, and surprising turns.
This show is not about talking points. The discussions are nearly always thoughtful, intelligent, civil, and sometimes amusing. I often find myself thinking about what I've heard, and learned, for some time afterward; and I've discovered that it's not unusual for me to learn the most from a topic or guest in whom I thought I had no interest.
There is, of course, an on the other hand: too many white men in suits; behaving better than they do elsewhere, but still. And not that white men in suits can't provide some visual interest -- this show, Brian Grazer interviews Malcolm Gladwell, had me mesmerized. I had to watch it twice, to get past the hair duel to the content:
I recommend that Charlie broaden (heh) and deepen his show with a selection of guests who represent a wider constituency. More women, for instance, of all colors, and not all beautiful. Not that he isn't better than most at this, but there is still much room for improvement -- and that improvement would be, I think, consistent with his values.
Which is why I can recommend this program to you, with very few reservations. Check your PBS station for times.
*From Wikipedia: On March 29, 2006, after experiencing shortness of breath in Syria, Charlie Rose was flown to Paris and underwent surgery for mitral valve repair in the Georges-Pompidou European Hospital. The surgery was performed under the supervision of Dr. Alain Carpentier, a pioneer of the mitral valve repair procedure. Rose returned on June 12, 2006 with Bill Moyers and Yvette Vega (the show's executive producer) and discussed Rose's surgery and recuperation.
the art of conversation, few programs do it better. Maybe none...
I miss it during the week because I go to bed early. :(
Everytime I watch I feel enlightened and engaged on some level.
Posted by: michelle | 17 June 2006 at 03:27 PM