It’s only been four days, but let’s give NBC’s early coverage a silver medal. Friday’s opening ceremonies was a bit much on spectacle (one guy running on walls was enough for me, thanks), but it lived up to the hype and Bob Costas and Matt Lauer proved why they’re two of the best in the business.

The fact that China is holding some of their major events at 10 a.m. their time (around 9 p.m. our time) is paying off splendidly, especially with the heart-stopping swimming relay Sunday night in which even the announcers couldn’t believe the USA’s comeback.

So why not the gold? A few quibbles:

Did daytime host Jim Lampley have some bad chow mein? The man, while being nothing short of professional, looks bored, wan and completely disengaged. Lampley is better than this. Something’s amiss here…

When I see more of Christian Slater than Michael Phelps, then something is very, very wrong. I understand that part of the reason NBC snagged the Games is so they could promote their upcoming fall sked, but enough is enough. I’m now well aware that Jack Nicholson Jr. is starring in some suspect new drama, “My Own Worst Enemy,” thank you very much. Now stop stuffing it down my throat!! The number of ads during prime-time is nauseating.

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