I was home yesterday afternoon, glued, I admit, to the MJ verdict. Since cameras were not allowed in the court room the bulk of the coverage consisted of sweeping helicopter shots of those who had gathered outside of Neverland Ranch and the court house, and interviews with members of the crowd, his supporters. Which didn't bring me quite the level of anticipation and excitement I was looking for but did serve to make two things abundantly clear: First, some folks looooooooves themselves their Michael Jackson; and second, those people are way more batshit than he is. If possible.
Then the moment arrived, the reading of the verdict via live audio feed. As the last not guilty was announced the crowd erupted; a loud, screaming, crying, hug-a-rific freakshow replete with people passing out (from the joy), breaking into song, and releasing white doves. The word "jubilation" echoed from each 'big three' news canyon.
Next I hear, "Well there you have it, Michael Jackson has been acquitted on all charges. And needless to say the crowed here in Santa Maria is obviously very pleased with the outcome! (Tight shot of weeping and clothes rending.) Now let's go live to New York to get the reaction in Times Square!"
Cut to Times Square, bustling passersby, and a gung-ho reporter with freshly whitened teeth standing in front of a Jumbotron displaying the verdict. "Well as you can see the mood here in New York is..." The pro faced the crowd, ready to meet the NYC fever pitch head-on, but was sidestepped and passed over like a homeless guy in a sandwich board handing out discount menswear coupons. No one was even looking up at the big screen. "...um, not quite as jubilant as it is in Santa Maria. Back to you."
Posted by Antigeist at June 14, 2005 01:00 PM