I wanted to cut Rosie a break on this latest venture of hers after she was practically ridden of the View set on a rail. In the hype before the show, she even promised to lay off the political controversy, so I gave her a chance. Unfortunately, she began her show with a partisan cheer for her man Obama, and the show, to me, went downhill from there.

Her gang of eclectic walk-on guests seemed to behave as if they couldn't wait to get off, and those who stayed on were almost embarrassing. I mean, Liza Minelli looked, well, preserved in plastic. Alec Baldwin was really embarrassing as he spoke to Rosie's ample cleavage. One or two of the female singers were ok, but the rest of the show ranged from boring to awful.

I do so like variety shows, but I really think Rosie is more suited for standup, irreverent wiseguy comedy. She definitely looks like a younger Kate Smith all gussied up in white furs and lipstick. As everyone knows, you can put lipstick on Rosie Odonnel, but she will still be Rosie Odonnel.

I'm betting this show will not last beyond its first season.