Has Pimp My Ride Jumped the Shark?

With the exception of "True Life" and sometimes "Made," about the only damn thing left on MTV I can stomach nowadays is "Pimp My Ride." It's also one of the few guilty pleasures which Mr. Salty and myself can both enjoy. Well, to be honest I think he likes it a bit more than I do, but regardless. "Pimp My Ride" is kind of a double edged sword of a television experience. On one hand, the customizing of the cars in itself is a pretty interesting to watch, (I especially like when they fix up the classics) and a lot of the stuff they do is so ridiculously badass. Plus, host Xzibit is really, genuinely frigging hilarious -- and not even in an ironic way. You gotta appreciate someone with an art for the reaction shot, even if he probably is stoned half the time.

But on the downside, most of the kids whose cars get their cars pimped are snot-nosed, unappreciative assholes who will most likely go on to assily show off with the cars -- subsequently wrecking them. I've actually seen evidence of this thanks to an "update" show. Plus it's one thing to install a computer, gratuitous monitors, or even a playstation in a car... But I draw the line at snowcone machines and waterfalls. It's like, fucking enough already. I know I certainly wouldn't want all that crap in my car.

Although we still don't watch this show on a regular basis, lately I've been noticing some changes to the format which concern me. For one thing, for the past season or two they no longer fix up the cars at West Coast Custom. I liked the guys at West Coast. They were overall pretty tolerable and entertaining to watch. They've still got Mad Mike, who appears to be the one in charge, but now they're working at some custom shop with a bunch of lame white assholes. Who wants to see that? Especially when they look like this douchebag, whom I believe is going for "Sonic the Hedgehog" with this style.

And then, to add insult to injury, the last time we tuned in Xzibit wasn't even hosting. I can't find any info if this is permanent or not, but I really fucking hope not. Seriously, Xzibit is awesome and if you don't have Xzibit what's even the point of "Pimp My Ride?" Plus? His replacement was some retard named "Chamillionaire," which is absolutely the most idiotic rap name I have ever heard. The last time I saw such a crappy bait and switch was Becky No.2 on "Roseanne." (Bless your heart, Sarah Chalke.)

If anyone has any news about this, please pass it on. My Saturday afternoon television watching outright depends on it.