Ricky, Did You Have To Be So Mean?

Normally, I rarely take in the Golden Globes. But there was little else to watch last night so I checked it out. I am just not the kind of person who takes joy out of insulting people, so I feel host Ricky Gervais crossed the line of good taste into the realm of outright meanness.

I'm old enough to remember the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, which were absolutely hysterical without being personal. Everybody involved was just having a good time, although the blood-alchohol levels were likely off the chain in some cases.  The Charlie Sheen "drunk by breakfast" seemed to pave the way for more mean-spirited remarks. Eventually Cher became a target, as Gervais remarked, "no one has wanted to go to a Cher concert since 1975". Uncalled for. I have been to a Cher concert recently. It was a great show!

Gervais took on the "Sex and the City 2" cast, remarking that the special effects team made the cast look younger on their movie poster. He said "Girls, we know how old you all are. I saw one of you on Bonanza" Ouch! How about Gervais' saying that Ewan McGregor & Jim Carrey were straight guys playing gay roles in "I Love You Philip Morris"

The shots continued after introducing Robert Downey Jr. Gervais remarked that "many of you know him best from such facilities as the Betty Ford Clinic and the Los Angeles County Jail." Downey returned fire, saying: "Aside from the fact that it's been hugely mean-spirited with mildly sinister underones, I'd say the vibe of the show has been pretty good so far, wouldn't you? Hope Ricky Gervais enjoyed his appearance as host of the Globes. I'd be surprised to see his return.