I have watched The Five from the beginning, through all of the interior changes in hosts and through the outside changes in politics. I have suffered through the Geraldo episodes and yelled at the tv (now the laptop) during the Juan segments and, recently, the Katie Pavlich segments (she loves the hunting of beautiful animals for profit and fun) and the Donna Brazille segments (she, like Juan, simply spouts the Party line -- and she blasphemed worse than anyone who has ever been on the show).
I guess my principal draw to this show, the only one I watch on tv these days, is Greg Gutfeld. He exasperates, at times; but when he is on, it is great entertainment. He has a great mind and is able to communicate what many of us feel but are unable to put into words. His quirky sense of humor is uplifting; and, even when his own laughter seems forced, he puts a smile on my face.
I have mixed feelings about Jesse Watters. He knows his politics and is tremendously loyal to President Trump. I would trust his view of the campaigns today more than just about anyone else's. His light repartee with the other panelists is fun; but at times, he goes overboard into the "sounds like that could be hurtful" category (same goes for Gutfeld and Dana).
Which brings me to Dana herself. What in the world has gotten into her these days?!? In about a week's time, she has gone from someone who was harmless and smart and who probably was given her own show too early in her tv career to someone who obviously believes that she has knowledge superior to President Trump and all of his advisors. Give me a break! Having been Press Secretary and having held a few other prestigious positions, and interviewing really smart people, does not give one leave to speak on forever at a very annoying noise level with an already very annoying voice, especially when it sounds like a lecture more than a comment. And how come she gets to opine on multiple topics each segment, with a little-girl cadence that cuts the listener to the bone?!? Then there is Jasper.... Nothing else need be said.
I had just grown very fond of Dana's part on The Five, and had even tuned in a few times to her own show. She has good opinions when kept to a minimum; but somehow she has become a star in her own mind, a genius whose words everyone should hear and take careful note of. Once she gets the floor, she is very reluctant to surrender it. And she keeps interrupting the other panelists, as if her opinion must be heard immediately.
Maybe it is the isolation that is showing on Dana. Or maybe her husband's presence and influence. Or maybe not having all of the regulars on every show. Or maybe not having the show actually be aired in the studio with everyone around a real table instead of a virtual one. In any event, a few more episodes with Dana's hysterics and with guest panelists such as Brazille and Pavlich and it will be very difficult to remain loyal to The Five. I find it helps to watch the first block and see how everyone looks for the day and then mute it until One More Thing; and then listen to the podcast for the middle blocks. That way, I can skip the weak parts and listen to Greg and Jesse and the really intelligent guest panelists.
