Forget The Host. Worry About The Parasite.

I’m not sure why Eddie Murphy is seen as such a controversial pick to host the 2012 Academy Awards. In many ways he fits the mold perfectly — established comic actor, gone slightly to seed, proven stand-up skills: check, check, and check. Granted, his stand-up resume is rooted in the 1980s, but are people afraid he’s going to make AIDS jokes or something?

To me, the news is less disturbing for Murphy than for the guy who got him the job: Who decided it was a good idea to let Brett Ratner produce the Oscar telecast? (If his awful resume doesn’t explain what I mean, read that interview. He’s not — what’s the word? Oh yes — smart.) I know the ratings for the show have waned, but if all they’re looking for is viewers at any expense, why not just hire Michael Bay and be done with it?

I’m going to be sorry I wrote that some day.