Yes, you’re still absolutely correct that this is how it’s percieved, and it definitely helps generate a ton of conversation about the show, but I feel the “good/bad cop” is simply a label, and does not actually describe how the judges are. Simply a response to you saying “negative comments” rather then constructive criticism.

There can also be a big argument as to how “real” these people are acting since they’re on tv, and how “real” what we hear about their lives and actions are, but that’s a minor issue in my mind. There’s definitely a lot to be learned from Idol as far as marketing goes, but when someone providing good criticism is interrupted by a stupid-ho it just pisses me off.