Here At The Bravo Network, We Will No Longer Pretend To Hold To Our Former Standards Of Quality; Now, Please Enjoy Jamie Foxx

The Bravo Network, owned by NBC, has billed itself from inception as "the film and arts network." The station aired a variety of independent/award-winning films, Cirque du Soleil specials, and the like, but its anchor was Inside the Actors' Studio, with your host, the genuinely creepy and obviously failed actor, James Lipton. And Lipton's show, despite his stalker-does-his-homework interview style, was often entertaining and extremely informative. Famous, talented actors and actresses told him about their acting educations, favorite curse word, and took questions from an auditorium of students it's pretty clear will never be as famous or talented as the guest from whom they seek so much attention and validation. The show had its moments. Once the prime example typical Bravo fare, Inside the Actors' Studio is now the last bastion of a higher-aimed level of programming.

At least, it used to be.

Former guests included Robert DeNiro, Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, and others. This season? How about Jamie Foxx, known until this fall as "the other guy from Booty Call" and now receiving too much praise for just one film (Ray). How about Jennifer Lopez, who made a string of bad movies (except for Out of Sight, the exception that proves the rule) before deciding to make a string of bad records. How about Colin Farrell, whose only good film (Tigerland) is the one nobody's seen?

How desperate is James Lipton for guests? Could no one be found with any actual talent?

So I'm here to offer my services, Jimbo. I have an education, a suit, and a favorite expletive. I'm personable. I clean up well. I've never been cast as a "playa" in anything. I could give those kids who actually think they'll make it as actors advice about why they'll never make it as actors. Just think about it, is all I'm asking.

After all, you're bound to wound up down on my level any day now.