Second Thoughts...

I love Rosie O'Donnell. I don't always like her, but I love how raw she is, unpredictable, passionate and flawed. It is her flaws I love the most, mental illness struggles, haters beyond compare, yet.. she remains creative, and tries to spread hope even when she isn't feeling it herself. I am saddened she is leaving the few for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I cannot help but think of the hope Rosie must have felt when her return was planned and made public. A way to undo the negativity which surrounded her first farewell. I am sure Rosie was thrilled at the second chance to do it again, especially without the negativity she felt from Bill Geddie and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. I am also disappointed because The View has become almost unwatchable, a mess of a show that was only tolerable during Whoopi's after Christmas absence.

I love Whoopi Goldberg the actress, I will never turn on so many of her performances that brought me joy over the years. As a moderator though, she is horribly miscast. Goldberg clearly feels the need to always be in charge, difficult with Rosie on the other side I admit, but she bulldozes through topics, ensuring she always has the last, and the loudest, word. Goldberg's biggest issues is her utter refusal not to let another be right. When the subject of race comes up, Goldberg is an utter mess. She agree's and praises many guests, especially those who are black who discuss the issues, but has utterly refused to allow Rosie to have an opinion on the issue, disagreeing with points she has already agreed with on previous shows, with previous guests. Goldberg insists Rosie never be right about race issues, always saying it is not about being black, that the issues apply to all. In theory maybe correct but her motives are crystal clear. Goldberg seemed committed to keeping Rosie in her place, marking her teritory by with volume, indignation and and her huge ugly old chair.

It will be interesting to see (I'll read about, I won't be watching) what happens when Rosie leaves. Nicole Wallace mistakenly chose a side. Her looks to Goldberg are not as subtle as she thinks they are she has made it visually clear she is Louise to Goldberg's Thelma. That didn't end so well though did it. Wallace should have remained neutral as my suspicion is, the ratings are about to take an even bigger dip. People turned back into The View for Rosie and I think many were put off seeing Goldberg consistently silence her. The show's clear tension the past few months was not arguing it was silence. The tension is at it's height when O'Donnell gets quiet, refusing to enter in a debate that Goldberg, being moderator, will never let her win. Rosie doesn't want another battle, I wish she did, but it was a battle that marked her first departure, I am guessing she would rather this one end more peacefully. Rosie O maybe going, but me thinks Rosie P might have the last word. She doesn't have the same history and doesn't seem at all ok when Goldberg tries to shut her down...