I used to be an Ann Curry fan. Back when she was doing the world news on the show, she got a few minutes every half hour to discuss a few serious issues which called for a bland and stark delivery, which was her forte. When they tapped Curry to fill Meredith's shoes (which were big to fill given her natural warmth and charisma), and let the lackluster anchor get her hands on softer news, the real Ann Curry surfaced.
Her awkward cackle mixed with awkward not-funny puns directed at Lauer with a bump of the elbow, made the Today Show increasingly awkward to watch. Never really sure of what she is saying, she speaks with no conviction, and when she tries to be intense, especially in an interview setting, she gets quieter and quieter until she is literally whispering to her guests who are leaning forward to even hear what she is asking. This leads to strange close-talking that is unbearably uncomfortable for those watching and I am sure even more so for those involved.
Ann's blank stare, coupled by her aggressively directed, over-personal questions force me to look away from the TV in horror and embarrassment. Ann is so difficult to watch that I even get excited to see Willard Scott do his over 100-year old birthday announcements photo-shopped on to a Smuckers jar. At least his off-beat personality is endearing and works for him since he is talking about nursing home activities that keep the seniors feeling young. At least he can talk about anything, even beanbag bowling and early-bird bingo, with a sense of conviction and authentic energy.
Curry is trying desperately to ignite chemistry between herself and Lauer, wishing to have the same banter and true friendship that Meredith had with Matt. What comes across instead of a functional and enjoyable dynamic, is a lot of uncouth flirtation on Curry's end that makes even Matt pull away while mouthing to producers at commercial breaks to shoot Curry with a tranquilizer dart. I know I would.
Despite ratings being strong, even up since Meredith's exit, I believe this has little to do with Ann and more to do with it being the Today Show, which is a morning staple, and has been for years, in American homes. With Curry "out on assignment" all of this week, her spot is being filled temporarily by co-beauties Natalie Morales and Savannah Guthrie. Both of them are strong, intelligent, easy to watch, genuinely witty women who should have been offered Vieira's position long before Ann was ever given a shot.
I do believe NBC sent Ann into the field this week (specifically a war zone, which to me doesn't scream "promotion"), to see if ratings increased in her absence. My guess is that the whispers around the water coolers across the nation are starting to be heard and felt by producers of the show who are fearful of losing ratings and thus huge chunks of ad revenue. The Today Show needs to maintain their upper hand to ABC's "Good Morning America," and as of now they still have that lead. But it has been two months since Meredith left, and I think viewers are starting to catch on.
Ann Curry is bumbling and amateurish, and becoming harder and harder to watch. Although we can't bring Meredith back, anyone, and I mean anyone (even Jenna Bush Hager), is better suited to host The Today Show than Curry. We miss you Meredith.
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