From the article: Opinion: What Makes Great TV Magic?
Prompted by the recent "Masters of Illusion" series, here's what I want to see on a magic television show. Share Your Thoughts
What You Remember Isn't Always....
- The big, splashy effects may be what draws people to the TV shows, but the effects on MoI that have stayed with me are often small, intimate ones. I had read about Tina Lenert's two-ring routine, but I finally saw it on MoI. It was...magical, The performances that have delighted me tend to be the small and quiet ones. As to the desire to know more about the performers, I don't want to see it turn into "America's Got Talent," where every performer is squeezed for all the pathos and drama they can provide.
- —fimsterlives
Masters of Illusion? Hardly
- Today, if you can dance, you can be an Illusionist. In the past, master magicians performed Illusions as part of their full evening show. The big effects were highlighted in posters as the main draw. Today, many Illusions are merely utilities that act as backdrops to accentuate the exotic movements of Las Vegas style, chorus line generic performers. They belie the title, “Masters of Illusion.”
- —Guest Nick Maggio
TV Magic
- I agree that we should get to know the personality of the performer, maybe not by an interview, but by selecting routines which show the performer's personality. Think of some of the better acts we see at the Magic Castle, they aren't necessarily speaking acts. The other problem is that they aren't given enough time to establish their personality. Finally, If you think back to the Copperfield or Henning Specials, yes there was some, "Make Earth" disappear effect, but more often then not, the Grand Illusions leading up to the "Big Event" were more entertaining than what we waited for.. at least for me anyway. And if we, as Magicians could do what Copperfield or Henning did, it was more amazing to folks than, "I saw that on tv last night", so, present effects that other working magicians can do, but do raise the bar higher than "What's Next"
- —Guest Peter Winch
"Masters" is Dull
- Bland, bland...bland. Masters of Illusion is boring and I can barely watch it for the full hour. I hate to admit, but even the show after it is probably more interesting.
- —Guest TWesson
