MTV must be trying to steal back their claim to the reality programming crown with this one. And The Osbournes may be just the show to do it. What makes this wacky family so fascinating is Ozzie's attitude, most similar to any other father's in some ways, and the showman-like irritation of his kids. We viewers get to see what it's like to be a big rock star and still have to live with your own family. Talk about a freak show. Not what any of us would have imagined when we were young and reckless. But life has a funny way of changing things, as evidenced by Ozzy in a real-life sitcom that will probably be a big hit.

In the opener, Ozzy was crashed out on the couch for most of the episode. At fifty three and with no real acting credentials, this seems the safest place to perform -- if you can't be on stage, that is. But when his wife concluded that perking up his next concert by flooding the stage with bubbles was definitely the way to go, Ozzy was off his butt and ready to rumble. The self-proclaimed "Prince of (bleeping) Darkness" don't jibe with no bubbles. Now, that's must-see TV!

In fact, Black Sabbath's former lead singer peppered the show with enough bleeps to make it sound like a special effects storm. Combined that with the visuals -- the look, the shaking, the trembling, the stuttering and sputtering -- and you've got a pretty funny show on your hands. Of course, it's all in the casting. Mr. Osbourne does seem to be able to laugh at himself, most of the time. And he seems to know there is something intrinsically riveting in his oddball lifestyle. Both of these are really endearing attributes, which ultimately equate with audience appeal.

The question becomes, how long will the appeal for this show, or Ozzy's antics, last? Not even the most mystic of Hollywood gurus has the answer to that one.

Del Harvey is founder and publisher of Filmmonthly.com, recently relocated to LaLaLand from Chicago.

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