We’re starting with the previous night...
- In an awkward moment for both QISE and the Peacock, the Switzerland / China beach volleyball match ended in a dispute call. Then, Costas threw to an unrelated Tom Brokaw piece which got interrupted 30 seconds in when the judge’s decision was reversed and play continued for another minute. This forced Costas into a “do-over” introduction.
- Ryan Seacrest then took over at the MTV Beach Pa—sorry, QISE Late Night. He was joined by two supermodels for some reason—it’s like Sabato Gigante: US Edition. Ryan’s lack of height is really emphasized next to them.
- The Peacock commentators are always biased for the home team, but Tim Daggett on gymnastics is beyond the pale. He routinely dismisses US errors, but listen for the “oohs” and sucking in of breath when other counties make a boo-boo.
- The daytime team of Mike Tirico, Dan Patrick, and Al Michaels (with one handing off to another relay style) don’t seem to have much to do: “That was cycling, onto volleyball…"
- What is the obsession of QISE host cities with building outdoor diving facilities? You can clearly hear police sirens in the background, which I doubt helps the concentration of the athletes.
- Women’s gymnastics is underway—let the “up close and personals” commence! Sequins as far as the eye can see! Unbridled hype!
- In a bizarre cross-promotion, Olympic clips were mixed into an ad for the next Star Wars movie—huh?
More tomorrow.