BeLIEve it or not

So, I just watched "BeLIEve" (2 episodes of 'season 1')

I was prepared to join the haters and was ready to be disappointed, but overall
I enjoyed Criss Angel's return to TV

http://www.spike.com/shows/criss-angel-believe
this really is a GREAT website with some awesome content. Check it out if you missed the show... heck, check it out anyway.

There were two initial episodes:
#1 "Buried Alive" (which, while well done: was IMO was the weaker of the two)
#2 "Blind" in which (while blindfolded) Criss walks a high 'beam' with a 2 ft gap in the center of it.

Both had some great 'extra' magic scenes.... a good mix of close-up, platform, stage and also an 'inside' peep at some of the trouble we'll go through to fool folks (the moving room, unintentional blindness, etc.) I like the slick / brisk format.

I used to be upset at his use of TV as a medium to project effects that would not really be seen in the real world.. but the bottom line is: as long as he is able to suspend disbelief (at least for the moment) then, power to him for using the tools at his disposal (no different than a magician who always sits / laps or perhaps one who wears gimmicks / sleeves, etc. 

Overall these effects that are 'too good to be true' (switching a mans legs  with a womans legs?) are just that: too good ... too perfect if you will. In the words of uncle Ben "With great power comes great responsibility"  and in the words of Walter White: "Tread Lightly"

alas: Criss still has a long way to go in his presentation (but that's easy for me to say: I haven't presented 100's (1000s?) of diff effects.. it's hard enough to do 10 well. I can't imagine learning 100's)
Fortunately, someone has figured out that they can fast forward through Criss' shortcomings and we can avoid that downtime & simultaneously we all get to see more magic. Win/win.

Nice to see Angel has surrounded himself with some good minds. Banacheck is one of the best in the biz, Malloy is an amazing creator... and the youngblood like Jesse (Fienberg?) and Krysten Lambert  are being given a chance of a lifetime (and hopefully being paid well as they do so)
http://www.spike.com/shows/criss-angel-believe/bios
There's mention of a 'variety' touring show... it'll be interesting to see if/what becomes of that.

At the end of the day / week / month: no one else has stepped up to take the spot as "The Magician" (on tv... the 'one' america craves) and until someone does, we can rest in peace that Criss is doing as good a job that can be done (IMO)

I have a feeling that most magicians who watch him and/or read this will disagree and dislike him. If you're one of those people, I suggest you put yourself in his shoes and think if you could do better... and if you can: get on it... I'll await your appearance on Spike ;)

I'm guessing I've said too much already (most would rather spend time bashing Criss than pointing out his adequacies)  I'll let others speak negatively: just want to offer some positive food for thought.