Bee-deviled

For those of us who have made an annual habit of blowing off our afternoons to watch the Scripps National Spelling Bee on ESPN, Thursday's prime time telecast of the Bee sure left the impression that like our little favorite has gone big time. Not only did the look of the show get a makeover, but the production values were ramped way up for prime time.  It struck me a little like, "Who Wants To Be a National Spelling Bee Champion."

Among the changes:

• The show aired in high definition, probably thanks to its taking place in Washington, D.C.
• The drab reddish background was replaced with a snazzy, hi-def-friendly, New Hampshire debates-styled set.
• The parents of the dozen or so remaining contestants (when the telecast began) were moved up on stage, so their reactions could be captured more easily and their interactions with their kids better measured.
• Lots more of the host (GMA's Robin Roberts) injected in the show.
• I personally have never before seen a contestant restored to the Bee after a judging goof. I'm sure it's happened in the past, during the commercial breaks. But last night, for maximum dramatic effect,they waited until after the break and got the reaction shot from Saryn Hooks (who burst into tears).
• Lots more up-close-and-personal taped bits with key contestants.
• Other taped bits included highlights from earlier in the game, I mean Bee.

I didn't mind the changes -- on the other hand, I didn't need ABC's help. I was going to Bee watching anyway.