Decadence Delayed
How will Anna Quindlen take the news that reality TV, in addition to presaging the end of the United States, isn't even a reliable ratings attaction? Drudge has The Bachelorette's finale significantly trailing an episode of Law and Order—a clear sign of decadence, since L&O debuted during the reign of Emperor Pertinax. Also of note: American Idol punished for conspicuous failure to provide entertainment. Other details:
FLASH: ABC'S 'BACHELORETTE' FINALE RUNNER UP FOR NIGHT: BACH'S 14.0 RATING/20 SHARE TRAILS NBC'S LAW & ORDER [15.3/23]… FOX 'IDOL' FADES [10.4/15] TO LOWEST OUTING… NBC'S 'WEST WING' [10.7/15]…FOX'S 3-NIGHT WINNING STREAK BROKEN… WED'S PRELIM RESULTS: ABC 11.9/17, NBC 11.0/16, FOX 10.8/15 CBS 6.7/10… DEVELOPING…
What happens when a sign of the decline of western civilization goes into decline itself, while the civilization remains standing?