NBC's "Phenomenon" and the Uri Geller Mentalist Deception (Part - 1)

Any show that has Uri Geller at the helm should be immediately made suspect--especially when it purports to search for legitimate mentalists who try to convince people that they have real powers. The way NBC's promoted this new reality game show (or is it a fake magic show?)--you're supposed to believe that judges Criss Angel and Uri Geller will find...yesireebob, the next phenomenon. But let's hold the psychic phone here. We have some interesting and bizarre situations on this show that I've been trying to figure out and need to be addressed to a national audience who seem to be fascinated with this concept. 

The first major credibility gap with the show is Uri Geller himself who long ago (on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson in the early 1970's) was basically exposed as merely a magician and not someone with real mental powers as he consistently maintains to this day. And the second incongruity is Criss Angel's open proclamation on the first show that he doesn't even want to be in the same room with someone who claims to have real special powers.

Because this show already has a creepy and mysterious vibe to it--I had to do a little research to find out how this show got on the NBC prime-time schedule. Most probably know from press releases that it originates from a similar show produced by Uri Geller last year in Israel called "The Successor." In that, Geller tried to find a new mentalist who could (potentially) take his place in the spotlight. What the public didn't know here in America is that Geller had some non-punned tricks up his sleeve to prevent anybody from usurping his cape. As he always does, he claimed he'd try to defy physics and make something move live on the show by his sheer will. This time, it was a compass that he attempted to move by the power of his mind. 

Unfortunate yet again for Geller--more observant viewers (with likely hi-def TV) caught a tiny magnet attached to his thumb. But don't worry folks...Geller understands that people easily forget. Two generations have gone by since he was thwarted on "The Tonight Show"--and he rebuilt his stardom right after when people conveniently tucked away that incident.

Don't get me wrong here (and you probably already have): I still believe that many aspects of extra-sensory perception and telekinesis exist. I'm not a member of Skeptic Magazine or those general skeptic groups who put every little thing down related to the mysteries and abilities of the mind. What I am against is those who claim to have special abilities when they clearly don't. Uri Geller has never really proven that he truly has special extra-sensory perception and telekinetic abilities. That famous "Tonight Show" appearance in the 1970's more or less brought down his spoon-bending bit Geller became famous from back then. Days before the show, Johnny Carson consulted with renowned magician/skeptic "The Amazing Randi" (yeah, I know, guffaw now before going on)...and Randi (James his real first name) suggested bringing in a whole different set of spoons rather than letting Geller bring in his own set. 

Randi said that Geller merely prepped his own spoons before a show so they'd bend easier during his routine. When Geller was confronted on the show with a whole different set of spoons--he froze up and claimed his powers weren't up to par that night. Carson didn't outright bash him on the air, so you can say that it left room there for people to still wonder. For those in the know, it was plainly obvious.

With all that well-documented background--why did Criss Angel agree to host this show with Uri Geller? If only Geller would admit that what he does is just trickery and technique people (with some extra practice) can do themselves--there wouldn't be this strange vibe on the show I'm getting that's loaded with contradictions. You have to wonder now whether Angel just did the show to use it as a base to promote himself and his "Mindfreak" show/DVD's. I give props to Angel, though, for reminding people that the mentalist tricks he does (plus his human endurance stunts) merely use practical technique that only some can do well. 

His heated argument on the second week of "Phenomenon" with a later-eliminated performer claiming to have special mental powers gives credence to his stance to blow away all phonies. Angel was also indirectly referring to Geller that night. So why is he afraid to go after Uri Geller individually...?

Thanks for Read :  NBC's "Phenomenon" and the Uri Geller Mentalist Deception (Part - 1)