Heather responds to a kind reader
I don't usually create entire posts around comments, but I feel compelled to answer reader Carolynn, who left the following comment regarding a post I wrote today about the choice to "stunt cast" Britney Spears on "How I Met Your Mother."
I claimed it was a lame attempt to garner some attention for the show. Carolynn disagrees:
"I hate how you posted this at 11 AM when the show airs at 8:30. Because then you would realize that the focus was not Britney Spears and it wasn't "stunt casting" when Britney Spears asked CBS for a small role on a funny t.v. show."
Carolynn, perhaps it was Britney Spears who went to CBS and asked to be on the show, not the other way around. Still, I stand by my opinion that this is classic stunt casting, and here's why: the very funny Sarah Chalke, (Dr. Elliot Reid from "Scrubs") was the "main" woman in Ted's life for this episode. As you pointed out, Britney Spears appeared in the episode for about 120 seconds altogether. Here is how CBS promoted tonight's episode:
Nary a mention of Ms. Chalke, is there?
And if that doesn't convince you, read this little article about how Alicia Silverstone - who was slated to play Ted's love interest until she heard that bigger star Britney had signed on - bowed out of her commitment to the show. Think maybe she knew exactly where the focus was going to land? Perhaps this cover of T.V. Guide, featuring Josh "Ted" Radnor and Britney Spears, answers that question:
With all the Britney-heavy promotion, it sure was easy to think the episode centered around her character, wasn't it? By the way, here is how wikipedia defines "stunt casting": "Stunt casting is used to generate media attention." Go to Google and type in "Britney Spears" and "How I Met Your Mother" - see how many hits pop up.
After all this, what did I think of Britney's performance on the show? Not great, not terrible - sort of how I feel about "How I Met Your Mother" in general. She read her lines too quickly, and looked like she was just doing this to get her dad, Jamie, to extend her curfew.
I sincerely thank you for the comment, Carolynn, and for the chance to discuss.
Comments:
You both lose.
All this jibber-jabber and no shout-outs for NPH.
Barney is the best reason to watch HIMYM, hands down.
He certainly makes up for the fact that I find the "this one time at band camp" girl pretty annoying.
Posted by: Mike Oz at March 25, 2008 9:42 AM
Word, Mike. NPH is the only good part of that show, and the rest of it is detestable. I'd never seen it until last night, and will never watch again!
Posted by: erin at March 25, 2008 10:35 AM
Agreed about NPH.
As a "Buffy" fan, I hate to see Willow act like a ditzy fool on this show.
Posted by: Heather at March 25, 2008 10:55 AM
lasts nights episode was on the weak side.
you cant say youll never watch it again, Erin.
Please.. give it a chance. ill even make you popcorn.
hahaha.
and NPH as Barney.. is a god.
Posted by: Celena at March 25, 2008 5:32 PM
Wow! I feel so special right now!
Ok, I'll admit it: after posting the comment I got to thinking that maybe it was stunt casting. And I had read that article before, and was a bit disappointed and apprehensive about Britney's guest appearance. I still believe that the fault doesn't lie with the show but with the network, or whoever is in charge of marketing. (and I did think the episode was a little stale, definitely not legendary like "Slapsgiving")
oh and I ADORE NPH. Did anyone else catch him in Sweeney Todd a few years ago? Brilliant.
Posted by: Carolynn at March 25, 2008 9:27 PM
I think we've hit Britney critical mass...and much like Paris Hilton, somethings gonna blow. It's only a matter of time before we either find her naked and knocking on doors in rural west Fresno County...or converting to Scientology.
Posted by: John at March 26, 2008 7:32 PM
Anything that gets HIMYM's rating's up is pretty much fine in my book. God, that writing is genius.
I'm practically begging my friends to start a slap-bet, just so I can be commissioner.
And NPH is on my italicized list of hotness. (The "honorable mention" list for people who wouldn't be interested in me because I'm a girl).
Posted by: Ashley at March 27, 2008 1:04 PM
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