My take on First Take is that I enjoy the entertainment. When Skip was there, I appreciated his years of experience in the sports world as much as him being a proud member of Cowboys Nation. He never failed in his reference to his loyalty to the Boys, but at the same time could offer criticism as needed. I looked forward to the stimulating debates with substance and was always curious about what the next episode would bring.
I enjoyed Cari Carpenter's role as a moderator and thought that her presence would really be missed. However, I think that Molly Qerim does a great job in hanging in there with the boys. When Skip announced that he was leaving, on the short term I could not imagine how the show would work without Stephen A. and Skip's passionate debates, BUT, Max Kellerman is a good choice, IMO. Whether I agree or not on some of the takes, they still present a good argument.
I also enjoy the assortment of special guests that offer their perspective on the day's topics. I am amused with Stephen A.'s constant reference to the Cowboys being an accident waiting to happen and how I wish that for the most part that he could be wrong. I also have seen how he can be a good sport if he loses one of his passionate arguments. For example, two years ago when the Cowboys won the division, he actually wore a Romo jersey on the set, and lost another argument about Jerry Jones, where again he honored his bet. One of my favorites "I know it was a catch (laugh) but I don't care."
I appreciate the sports knowledge that they possess, and as good as I think they are, they are like all others offering opinions based on their experience, analysis, and research in the sports while bringing in experts in the various fields to offer they comments. I can appreciate other sports commentators that provide a wealth of information, but I need a little spark. Therefore, I recognize and give credit to others in the field, I'm too restless to watch experts read from a teleprompter for two hours.
BTW, I am not a fan of the Kardashians show and have watched enough to be assured that each episode continues to bore me, but like First Take, for those who do enjoy I'm happy that the shows are available for their entertainment.
Stephen A. also reminds me of my late Godson Steven L. who was a passionate 49er fan and how much he reminded me of Stephen A. in debate and criticism. When it came discussing the Cowboys we could take it to the rooftop. I find it laughable the he could argue as strongly as Stephen A. and actually resembled him in appearance except for height. That is my final reason that the show has taken on an additional importance because I can always see the fond memories. RIP Steven L. Harmon.