My Final Report Card: Super Bowl LVIII

 

 

Super Bowl LVIII: The game passed, but the rest failed

Game: A-

Thrilling finale and overtime period after a dreadful, mistake-filled, emotionally underwhelming first half. Also, some unintentional controversies — which is always good for the game and aftermath.

 

Pre-game Show: C

CBS’ opening with the “My Way” (Frank Sinatra) montage mixed in with the emotion of players and families revealing what it means playing in the Super Bowl with video shots in the Sphere was outstanding. Then, it went meh. “America the Beautiful” — not even sure why this is performed, but it didn’t resonate with me. Reba McEntire performing the National Anthem was a safe choice, but lackluster. Very vanilla. I think the unique first-time Las Vegas location as an entertainment epicenter demanded something a bit more extraordinary.

 

Game Announcers: B+

Provided just the right balance of information, color, and commentary. Great announcing seems a thing of the past, but this was up to standards of America’s biggest sporting event.

 

Studio Announcers/Commentators: N/A

I no longer watch this stuff. I simply don’t care.

 

Halftime Show: D

Is it just me or do all these halftime shows of late look and sound the same? I was bored, and it’s hard to bore me when Alicia Keys is part of something. I’m not the target demographic, of course, but I’d like to see more music combos (think of the Grammys) and unexpected moments.

 

Commercials: F

The worst year for Super Bowl commercials ever. I can’t believe the shitload of money spent on these 30-second spots and the stunning lack of creativity. The Dunkin Donuts spot (with Affleck, Lopez, and Damon) was cringeworthy. Nothing in the commercials stood out to me aside from the Volkswagon throwback ad (note, they didn’t show Hitler footage, conveniently leaving out the historical origins of VW), along with the Neil Diamond song, “I am, I said.” There’s a joke in there somewhere. Otherwise — dull, unfunny, unoriginal. Even the Clydesdales (Budweiser) was a dud.

 

Post-game Show (and presentation): B

This was pretty good. Perfect length. Minimal Roger Goodell, which is always a positive. Travis Kelce stole the moment with his barking out of lyrics (“Viva Las Vegas” and the Beastie Boys anthem). Only disappointment here was NO ONE from Kansas City acknowledging the performance (and obvious crushing pain) of the opponent San Francisco, who put up a valiant effort. It would have shown some class to say something nice about the 49ers, and not getting that was poor sportsmanship, even if unintentional.