Oprah loses in Vegas

September 18, 04:06 PM

Two years ago, Oprah Winfrey kicked off her season by giving away 276 Pontiac G6s. Last year, she showed off her new studio, donated $10 million to Hurricane Katrina survivors, recapped her news-making trip to Paris and interviewed a still-recovering Jennifer Aniston.

So, this year's chronicling of Oprah and best friend Gayle King's 10-day, cross-country road trip felt a bit like she was making an effort to downsize and get back in touch with her audience.

Instead, we learned what a bad traveling companion La Oprah -- or would that be L'Oprah? -- truly is.

Things did not get off to a good start when it was revealed that Oprah is unaware of the rule that she who drives the car controls the radio. Nor will Oprah deign to play any car games like "Would You Rather?"

By the time they reach Las Vegas at the end of Day One, we have learned that Oprah hasn't pumped gas since Baltimore in 1983, has "driving anxiety" when it comes to merging, passing trucks, driving on highways, bridges and at night, and finds checking into a hotel herself overly time-consuming. And don't even get her started on the buffet that won't let her bring cameras in for dinner.

Granted, we're sure that Gayle's nonstop, off-key singing would have tried anyone's patience, but were ear plugs <i>and</i> soundproof headphones to drown her out really necessary?

Oprah isn't like you and me. We forgive her for this because she makes the circles she travels in seem accessible. Yet, when she plays at being a normal citizen it just highlights that she doesn't have to deal with the petty inconveniences that consume our daily life.

Things got back on track near the end of the hour, when benevolent Oprah played summer Santa to 400 of her employees and over 600 of their family members by taking everyone to Maui. Bosses, are you listening?

It's this kind of wish fulfillment that keeps us tuning in, but we will definitely be avoiding the rest Oprah and Gayle's journey to the Tony Awards. Next installment? Tuesday, Sept. 26.

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Comments (4)

Comments

I thought it was a bit boring myself! Too much emphasis on Oprah and too little on the beautiful people and things across America AND BTW, traveling across the USA doesn't stop in NY it should always stop in Boston MA... WHERE IT ALLLLLLL BEGAN! JMHO!

I do feel that she... and she should enjoy all that she has worked for but.. is not very intouch with the average lives of lower middle income people. Seems you have to be super rich or super poor to be "intouch" with her and her hardworking people.

Super cheers to Oprah for treating her employees and their families to a great vacation.

Gayle.. God bless you! Keep on singing gf! Perhaps Oprah should have driven in a nice convertible.. inhale the good winds of the earth as you travel, feel the warmth of daylight sun and the glorious light of the moon and stars. Might have been more peaceful for her.
Pam

Pam | Sep 19, 2006 11:04:27 AM | #

I thought the show depecting their "trip" was a real hoot! I laughed untill I cried and wound up having to change my underware.....way to go Gail. Oh yea and I would rather pee out my nose also.

brenda | Sep 19, 2006 8:24:55 PM | #

I have to say that I have not laughed so hard in a long time. I chuckled so hard when Gail fell asleep and started talking crazy. What a classic. I totally see why Gail is Oprah's best friend. Gail has such a great balance of humor, sincerity and humbleness. In all fairness, Oprah really does have a heart of gold. we can't expect that she would be able to relate to a lot of the day to day things that us average people do. But I surely believe that she has not forgotten her roots. Go Oprah! Go Gail!

Sandy | Sep 20, 2006 11:43:48 AM | #

It's not everyday that we see celebrities/rich folks in these situations. So, Kudos to Oprah for doing this episode. To say that Oprah is "not in touch with the average lives of lower middle income people," is far from the truth - unless you no little or nothing about her and her work. Being in touch does not necessarily mean that you have to act it or live -- just understand it and work to help improve it. So, far, she has done both. Just thought I would clarify, though Oprah does not need any validation.

Candid | Sep 20, 2006 2:42:39 PM | #