n my opinion, I think the show has gotten noticably tamer and would benefit from unfiltering Anthony. Let him drink, chainsmoke, and wear his Dead Boys t-shirt all while mercilessly ripping on Rachel Ray. In other words, let him be himself - an edgy, irresistible New Yorker. I bet the ratings would skyrocket! I hope his network and sponsors understand that Bourdain's viewers are, by definition, generally not interested in generic family friendly content and Carnival cruises, as that contradicts the show's "Be a traveler, not a tourist" theme. So please, don't make the man wear roller skates again!

I agree wholeheartedly.!

tame or just a bit reflective after Lebanon- I think I will keep watching and see how Tony develops, changes, and finds all his sides to show -including the edgy stuff. At least I think they are keeping the warning- which holds promise of wildness returning

[QUOTE]Originally posted by travelingminstrel:
n my opinion, I think the show has gotten noticably tamer and would benefit from unfiltering Anthony. Let him drink, chainsmoke, definition, generally not interested in generic family friendly content and Carnival cruises, as that contradicts the show's "Be a traveler, not a tourist" theme.

Do you think it's the "suits" that are trying to tame Tony, or maybe he's just being himself and is changing? I, for one, am hanging on for the ride. If you want to see edgy, let's see Tony do a show with the type of sleep deprivation that goes along with being a parent of a newborn. Yeah, maybe he won't be doing shots during each episode, but that doesn't mean it won't be interesting. Who knows, he might even have a Disney-world (kids' heaven/parents' hell) show in the works for when his little one gets old enough to demand a trip there. A creative and cynical eye can make the mundane look like an acid trip.

I have read Kitchen Confidential and am now reading Nasty Bits. I think that our dear snarky friend may have found peace. So long as he stays honest I will continue to watch. I like the fact that he appears to have a true sense of justice and appreciation. Travel does change you, he may be turn out to be the Angelina for the jaded crowd. I am sure that he will want to vomit if he reads this, with it said, I do believe it is true.

KT

I said this over in Colicchio's blog and I'll say it here again: belated Happy Birthday to Tony from another Cancer Fire Monkey, I also just turned 51 (last week) and I'm so very glad that 48 to 50 is finally over. Time to get on with it.

With that in mind I'd like to tell you Tony that the Anthony Bourdain who made us fans of the show and of his books is the Anthony Bourdain I want to see continuing No Reservations.

In several episodes you've implied that the external "forces", the focus groups, and whatever/whomever (Discovery?) are concerned about the sharp edges of the show. I say don't change a thing. That's why we watch it.

Maybe you should consult with <a href=http://comebackalive.com/site3.php?page_id=8>Robert Pelton</a> for some tips on where to go next.

I like that wording "unfiltering Anthony." I like him just the way he is. I think he's so funny and I love the warning notice at the first part of the show! Let him be himself! That's the way we like him! If he changes by himself and decides to be quieter and more introspective, I will still watch him. I'd watch him if he just sat there and read a telephone book. I like listening to that sexy New York accent and just watching him WALK. But if the network and sponsors tell him to tame himself down, NO! Not every traveler is a meek, little angel. Anthony brings something new and fresh and wonderful to those of us who can handle a few nasty bits. We love Anthony's nasty bits! So I agree, let Tony be Tony. We fell in love with HIM, not something someone might want him to be. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

i am just happy to see someone on tv who is over 50 and still hot
nice eye candy

I'm guessing the "Focus Groups" were not the people watching the show. He shouldn't be changing at all. He shouldn't be tamed! The show hasn't suffered by his antics, otherwise he wouldn't still be on the air!

He's still plenty snarky -- try reading Ruhlman's blog. I was kind of disappointed with the very artificial hook up with fellow Vassar boy Zimmern. Yeah, they both eat weird things but when Tony does it, there's a point other than the Yuck factor. Well, I'll keep watching anyway and hope the season gets better. Even without his edge Tony is better than 90% of what's on the other channels.

quote:

Originally posted by catisfat:
i am just happy to see someone on tv who is over 50 and still hot
nice eye candy

Tony is hotter than hot - he is HOT*HOT*HOT
:-P

quote:

Originally posted by travelingminstrel:
n my opinion, I think the show has gotten noticably tamer and would benefit from unfiltering Anthony. Let him drink, chainsmoke, and wear his Dead Boys t-shirt all while mercilessly ripping on Rachel Ray. In other words, let him be himself - an edgy, irresistible New Yorker. I bet the ratings would skyrocket! I hope his network and sponsors understand that Bourdain's viewers are, by definition, generally not interested in generic family friendly content and Carnival cruises, as that contradicts the show's "Be a traveler, not a tourist" theme. So please, don't make the man wear roller skates again!

You need to watch the Sao Paulo episode. Like the credit card ad "priceless" If Discovery doesn't know it has a unique show, lets tell them!

I totally agree I think they really put restrains on him. You compare with the other seasons and he doesn't act the same. It seems as if he were reading from a script. I want old Tony back.