Increasing the Magic

Having been in the audience for a taping of “The Magic Hour,” I read Greg Braxton’s article on the shake-up of the show with interest (“Embattled ‘Magic Hour’ to Try Different Strategy,” June 26).

I agree with the criticisms leveled at the show regarding Magic Johnson’s awkwardness and lack of spontaneity, and particularly agree with the comments that his personality wasn’t coming through to viewers.

What no one mentioned, and what bothered me about the taping, was Magic’s lack of communication with the studio audience. At no point before, during or after the show did he make an attempt to address the audience, whether to chat with us during commercial breaks, or even just at some point to say “hello” or “thanks for coming tonight.”

I think if he’s able to connect with the live studio audience, he’ll be better able to connect to the larger audience out there in TV land.

MATTHEW KLIPPER

Hollywood

I have been observing “The Magic Hour” since it premiered and I completely agree with Twentieth Television President Rick Jacobson that Johnson is becoming more relaxed and enjoying his job as a late-night talk-show host in each episode.

The reason I like Johnson so much, besides displaying great courage in his battle against the HIV virus, is that he exhibits a friendly personality, unlike other talk-show hosts who always rely on punch lines. He makes some jokes, but he doesn’t emphasize the Clinton-Lewinsky sex scandal. “The grin that stole late night” is something I enjoy seeing every night.

LESLIE DOGOLDOGOL

Chino Hills