• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, January 2, 2007

Network apologies, non-apologies, a near-graphic death video, a Far East wardrobe malfunction, and a "force"-full parade in Pasadena, California. These are the foundations in which we start the initial hours of the 2007 TV Watch.

Entering the New Year, among the world's usual video hodgepodge, there was the good, bad, poignant and frivolous. There were uncommon ways of handling those images.

There was little debate on how to handle President Gerald Ford's passing--a proper state funeral. Some analysts claim, however, that CBS didn't respond as quickly as the other networks--or in contrast in general to past presidents' deaths--with the initial news of Ford's demise.

Saddam Hussein's death was a different affair: an appointment hanging. U.S. networks showed much of the coverage right up until the point of the trap door opening. The Internet took over from there via a cell phone user in the crowd. Some Web sites, especially from conservative-minded organizations, had the entire execution.

Death wasn't the only world news highlight. Sex showed up as well. New mutations of Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunctions have popped up--or out. Japanese broadcaster NHK was found apologizing to viewers for a New Year's Eve program where dancers appeared wearing skin-colored body suits that made them appear topless (with bikini-style bottoms.)

Some 250 viewers called and complained. In contrast to the Jackson wardrobe snafu on CBS--which apologized after the fact--the on-air host of NHK's annual "Red and White Song Contest" apologized on-air at the end of the show.

Back to Iraq: There were no apologies, however, from an independent Iraqi TV network, Sharkiya, which was shut down over the weekend by the Iraqi government for its coverage of the Hussein execution. Iraq officials said the channel was airing "false news"--though they didn't go into details.

The Sharkiya news anchor was dressed in black when delivering the news-- a sign of perhaps an attempt to spark some violence in reaction to Hussein's death. The network seemingly sides with the minority Sunni Muslins, and Hussein was a Sunni.

Switching channels, there was the Rose Parade in the U.S: lots of frogs, flowers, and "Star Wars"-themed floats and events. George Lucas was the grand marshal. Darth Vader made an appearance--waving happily to the crowd.

Entering the New Year, any resolutions should include having the TV forces be with you. You'll need them.