February 24-March 2, 2005

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Television Without Pity

books

"Fuck you, Brady Bunch," writes Ken Tucker.

This television critic and former Inquirer staffer does not mince words.

Kissing Bill O'Reilly, Roasting Miss Piggy (St. Martin's Press), an insightful compendium of 100 things Tucker loves and hates about television, collects short articles that celebrate the "not-at-all-guilty pleasure" of infomercials and "forgotten schlock" like Silk Stalkings, while trashing popular shows like Star Trek and Six Feet Under. Kissing/Roasting also allows Tucker to champion neglected programs. He waxes poetic about "the great Dabney Coleman sitcom Buffalo Bill" and Michael Madsen's TV-noir Vengeance Unlimited. But he's not afraid to slam the awful shows people adore. "Yes, I mean you, King of Queens fans," he berates. Tucker justly defends his opinions and practically dares readers to argue with him.

"I hope some of [my] opinions provoke some strong reactions," the author admits. "My next-door neighbor is already reconsidering taking in my mail while I'm on vacation just because I say in the book that M*A*S*H is the most overrated sitcom ever."

Whatever one's opinion, Kissing/Roasting is worthwhile reading and perhaps best enjoyed during commercial breaks with the mute button engaged. That way, readers can tune in to Tucker's attitudes while not missing the shows he loves to hate.

Ken Tucker reads from Kissing Bill O'Reilly, Roasting Miss Piggy,Thu., Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Borders Books and Music, 1 S. Broad St., 215-568-7400.

—Gary M. Kramer