Nascar on TNT

I was watching The X-Files on TNT the other day with the missus and noticed something really, really lame.

Mulder and Scully were discussing something fairly important in hushed tones. It was an essential plot development moment.

SCREECH!

Then, from nowhere, this obtrusive, ugly NASCAR graphic pops into the frame, complete with tire squeal sound effects.

I gritted my teeth, hoping it would die down and be silent so I could hear what the hell was going on.

I was a fool to hope.

Next came a swarm of NASCAR-uniformed auto mechanics. Carrying tools.

"No, no, no..." went my mind, straining to hear Scully's explanation of some important plot point over the ruckus made by the mechanics' tools. Finally, the scene changed and the ad went away.

And I had no fucking idea what was going on.

I can't convey how unconscionably stupid this little promotion tactic is. In this age of TiVo, it's becoming more and more necessary for the networks to find some way to make their viewers look at annoying crap that no one wants to see. It's normally bad enough when a huge graphic advertising some damned miniseries obscures, say, a newspaper clipping or calendar or some other important item intended to convey information about a developing story. When we cross into the realm of obscuring an actor's voice, though, I start getting really pissed.

I hope those responsible for this travesty die painfully, as an example to others who would follow in their path of folly.