Masters of Illusion: Reader Comments and Status

Despite today's announcement by MyNetwork that it is reducing programming, I've been told by a representative with "Masters of Illusion" that "it's business as usual." Also, while the show is currently in reruns, new episodes will begin to air on March 2, 2009.

Over the last several weeks, many of you posted comments in response to my commentaries about the show. Here's a sample of what's been said.

What's Wrong With "Masters of Illusion?"
In one commentary, I said that the show's biggest problem was that it lacked a big spectacle. Many of you thought otherwise:

I think this show is everything that is WRONG with magic today. Bad canned music, a bunch of weird-looking white guys that can't dance with Vegas assistants doing vanish tricks using one strange looking box after another. No one has anything new. Even Jeff McBride was a VERY tired act in this show. Lance Burton did a trick you can buy for 12 bucks at any magic shop. A TOTAL disappointment...It's time for someone not as nuts as Chris Angel or Blaine to do something different and make this art popular again.
Comment by Keith - February 6, 2009

I am afraid that it is just a poorly made show on a third rate network (well, 6th technically)... there are definite quality issues with the program and, because it seems to have been created mainly to cut up and turn into specials for the overseas market, there are too many silent pieces and acts that do not give the magician a chance to establish their character.
Comment by Michael_L via iTricks.com

I think the problem is that there is simply no major appeal to mainstream audiences because the performers are so alien to them. Nobody knows who the performers are. It's not the magic it's the magician that makes the show work and the format of the show doesn't let the audience latch on to any of the performers. There's gotta be a way for the show to actually make you care about what happens next...
Comment by me via iTricks.com

As much as I respect Wayne's opinion, and yes, a mega-stunt would attract some viewers, but "me" is right. The viewers don't know who the magicians are and consequently don't really care much about them. Plus, shows nowadays need a "hook", a reason to exist. Criss Angel plugs his death-defying demonstration and people tune in to see that, Celebaracadbra was a contest where you got to know the performers and then cheer for them as they got eliminated.

But unless the magician is already established (like Blaine, Angel or Copperfield), viewers won't necessarily be attracted by the big illusion. Masters of Illusion has a bunch of good acts doing great magic... but why? Why should the viewer tune in? Why should we ask them to invest their time?
Comment by Tim Ellis via iTricks.com

Didn't Agree With the Reviews
Some readers posted comments about my show reviews:

I think that you were off base with your review of week 2 of Masters of Illusion...I personally was not impressed with Jonathan Levit's DNA routine...I watched the program with a lay group of people and most of them did not enjoy Levit's routine because it lost their interest. Where [Tom] Burgoon did keep their interest...
Comment from Dale on January 13, 2009

I do disagree with Wayne's review. I thought the show was several steps down from the quality we were spoiled with from many years of "World’s Greatest Magic." Much of the show was slow or not meant for TV. Hillel just wasn’t funny. You could see Scarlet's assistant hitting a Big Red Switch every time he moved the fan cover on and off.

While Krystyn Lambert is pretty and has a nice personality, her presentation of the three card monte effect left a lot to be desired. McBride's routine was just OK and Tony Clark looked like he was phoning it in. This probably sounds harsh…I just wanted it to be so much better (like WGM).
Comment from bdizz on January 6, 2009

Too Easy On the Show?
Some had said that I was being easy on the show and in one commentary, I discussed my stance.

"Masters of Illusion" is a solid series that allows lay audiences a glimpse of the variety of magic all around us. The production definitely requires shortened routines and in some cases very challenging scheduling. Some of the tricks and routines could probably be better performed (or, perhaps some of the producing could be better...Nevertheless, the magicians deserve our respect. Some of the performances are downright amazing, and you are correct to point out that we should be mindful of the intended audience for the show. I hope the show continues!
Comment by Joseph Zompetti, : January 28, 2009

Compared to the previous "Masked Magician" tacky, embarrassment on the same network, Masters of Illusion is a fine piece of entertainment. For a lay audience, it achieves its goal. Magic should be showcased as a mystical art form. It should not have to fall into the, "behind the scenes" tell all that is so popular among viewers.
Comment by Nick Maggio on January 29, 2009

Wayne, The "Masters of Illusion" have given me insight to all the illusionists. From Jeff McBride and Abbi to Gay and all that she has done to expand the industry of magic. The young watching the show now understand that magic is more than magic it is also entertainment. The wonder in the non-magical fans makes the work well worth while. May we always respect and enjoy the work being shown...
Comment by Kosmyk on January 29, 2009

More Reading:
Interview: Gay Blackstone - "Masters of Illusion"
Review: Masters of Illusion - Debut Show
Review: Masters of Illusion - Week 2
Masters of Illusion: Where's the Critic?
Review: Masters of Illusion - Week Three