Sweep Us to the Bottom

May is almost here and that means May sweeps: the time when TVs struggle mightily for viewership and good ratings so they can hike their advertising prices. Television shows will be trying all sorts of stunts--from sudden plot turns to lasciviousness to violence--to lure viewers.

Example: "Entertainment Tonight" and its sister show "The Insider" paid $800,000.00 for the scandalous exclusive on convicted child rapist and ex-teacher Mary Kay Letourneau's wedding to her onetime victim and former sixth-grade student, Vili Fualaau. Link.