11:52 AM EST on Thursday, March 3, 2005

By BRIAN MORAN / Special to WCNC.com

'American Idol' did something Wednesday night that we rarely see in reality television. They not only identified problems from last week's horror show, but even managed to fix them.

Last week was not a banner episode for the dominant franchise. Too much importance is placed on this show to force devastated youngsters to echo their pitchy performances which the judges and the country essentially just dismantled. They couldn’t possibly salvage any pride through teary, bloodshot eyes and a runny nose. AI recognized that, cut the encores and shortened the show to a more sensible half hour.

That’s the good news; the even better news is that they also did a better job with sensitivity towards fallen contestants.

Many of you inquired as to my thoughts regarding the Judd incident last week and my opinion might surprise you.

I wasn’t pleased and I didn’t see it as good television. I thought it was overtly mean just for the sake of being mean. You’re probably wondering how someone who loves watching train wreck moments so much can have a problem with a shrewd and sneaky dismissal that was clearly premeditated. How can someone who loved the unfair and insensitive team selection on 'Survivor' get hot and bothered by the shock of Judd’s face? We’re talking about someone who just typed these words two weeks ago: “It doesn’t have to be fair. It doesn’t even have to make sense. If it shocks and angers some, it sells to the rest, trust me.” Time and time again, I’ve laughed myself off the couch as lives got shattered, yet the Judd fiasco managed to affect me. How is that possible? Here’s how.

'American Idol' is not quite like any other reality show out there. On 'Survivor', they haven’t wagered their life aspirations on this one experience. They’re merely flavors of the month who are happy for whatever they get. When they board a motor boat destined for civilization after an unfulfilling 24 hours, you don’t feel guilty about their exploitation. They’re going to return to their little worlds with a little less pride and a great story to tell. “I did great kids. Everybody just loved my 'Survivor' ditty.”

On 'America Idol', there’s a heck of a lot more at stake. For some of these kids, it’s their only chance. Every day of their life has led to these moments that we’re given a small window into. Every week, they question whether or not they’ve got it. With each passing effort that they’re not booted, another notch of confidence is cemented in their brains by the country. When that notch is not attained (especially going out first) it could be life-altering. If Judd was teetering on the edge of believing he’s for real and then he’s suddenly dropped by an unsympathetic midget with too much hair product, it could be the end of a dream forever. It might be enough to say, 'Maybe I just wasn’t good enough to begin with and I was kidding myself in the first place.'

Anyway, Fox, nice try on the drama. We appreciate the effort, but we’ll take Simon’s complete lack of apathy over your cheap tricks. At least he’s honest.

As for this week, Celena was put out of her misery before she even realized the dismissals had begun. I think we’ll all agree, if you’re going to go, that’s the way to do it. That’s like going peacefully in your sleep.

Aloha went as well with a bit more build up. Joseph and David went home from the boys. So far, David is the only contestant I could see making a run at it that’s been given the boot.

That fact along with the other obvious enhancements to the show has 'American Idol' back on track.