The Doctor Is In?

This just in - A funny thing happened on the way to writing this post - Sounds like the opening a joke, does it not?

No, really I was on track to talk with you about another Reality related subject, but I just read something rather amusing and am changing gears for just a moment for this friendly, off-subject diversion...

A Doctor's Order of Advice

On the most recent episode of the Dr. Phil Show (Harpo Productions), Dr. Phil will share his advice and insight into the latest 'disturbing on many levels' Britney Spears debacle.

Within the 60 minutes of the special episode called, "Dr. Phil Now", Dr. Phil will tell Britney Spears, and the rest of the country, the three things she must do to win return custody of her children. Well, finally some...

Wait, You're Not My Parent

The update was fairly standard promotional fodder, however the last sentence of the update read, "Britney Spears will not be present." Upon reading what could be considered an inadvertent disclaimer, I chuckled lightly out loud and I am sure that was not the intent of the release.

Although I have never seen an episode of Dr. Phil's show, I have been informed that doling out free advice and counseling is the focus of the show - except his subjects are usually present!

Honestly, what's the point of giving advice to someone who is not around to ignore it?

Talk, Talk, Talk

Do people really listen to advice heard on a talk show? Are the facts clouded by opinions (You know what they say about those things)?, Is there ever an actual resolution?

So, the issue that I have with a great number of Talk based programs is that there is way too much talking.

Usually the discussion becomes more of an endless tirade of personal opinion, without a solid course of action. I mean how many ways can you re-hash the problem - I am a solutions kind of person - Identify the problem (That's usually quite obvious and does not require over discussion) and determine a course of action. More time should be spent on collectively developing a positive solution.

Second, much of said talking is done usually by the host of the show and not so much by the guests and the REAL experts. The host (Constantly vying to remain at the center of attention), suddenly becomes expert in every subject and will subtly provide perceived 'advice' - at the expense of credible experience and personal insight from the invited panel.

Celebrity Advice

Over the course of the past few months (In these troubled times of 20-somethings in Hollywood), we have seen and heard more than enough analysis, rehab strategies and free advice to open a clinic.

Why this week alone, I also heard a few other talk show hosts (Star Jones, Barbara Walters, and the experts at Showbiz Tonight-?) all heartily dispelling "You should" advice. Where is Candy Spelling when you need her?

Where Are Your Parents, Anyway?

The beauty is that when you are a celebrity you have literally thousands (If not millions) of people (whom you do not know, of course) watching your every move and providing judgement of the obvious mistakes that would largely remain unnoticed for others.

I have hundreds of similar stories and tales of adventures and unless you grew-up under a rock (Nothing against rocks), I am sure you know of someone that went through similar circumstances- which are all part of the emancipation of the 20-something experience (Ah, some of the best years of my life).

Having said, if I were a celebrity in the self-imposed perils, I most likely would not watch a talk host for advice on how to deal with my mishaps. If I needed plenty of free, accurate and credible advice, I would simply call MY MOTHER!

About The Ratings
Which brings us back to the latest episode of the Dr. Phil Show....

MY 'advice', Dr. Phil, is that if you want to have an impact and meaningful influence, rather than interviewing the body guard and providing advice to everyone else (Except to the person who really needs to hear it) on national television - YOU SHOULD invite Britney and her entire family (and Kevin as well) to a private counselling session - Perhaps I am reaching, but is that not what real doctor's do in the real world?