What is it about so-called reality shows?! What is it about them that creates such immense popularity and longevity (American Idol,The Apprentice, The Real World, etc.), but also causes such outrage, criticism, and viewer rejection (My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé, Fear Factor, The Real World, etc.)? What is it?! Is it that we like to escape from our supposedly boring day-to-day routine? That we like to watch “the beautiful people” and dream that we were them? That we like to play “peeping Tom” on the lives, loves, and liposuction of losers? Is it that we’re out of touch with reality? I must admit it: I’ve watched reality shows...and even enjoyed them sometimes! I was hooked on the first ten seasons of The Real World, from New York to Hawaii. Lately, my college student sister-inlaw got me into Average Joe. And, for a while, my wife and I enjoyed laughing with, but mostly at, Blind Date. But I have seen the errors of my ways. As my wife says,“The real world is much better than The Real World. The person with you is much more interesting than the one on the tube.” God bless my wife! Show: American Idol Airs: usually Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m., Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m., FOX Critique/Summary: Star Search meets The Gong Show–oh, sorry, you’re too young to remember that. Pretty simple formula: the host hosts; contestants sing, or try to, assigned songs in different categories; judges judge; viewers vote on who stays and who goes. Some are talented, some are not. The drama builds via lots of commercials and audience screaming. The winner gets a recording contract, great publicity and recognition. World-View: Try your hardest and give it your all. Recommendation: I’m Swedish (neutral).
H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 26
Show: Average Joe Aired: Mondays, 10:00 p.m., NBC Critique/Summary: The Bachelorette meets The Real World meets My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé. A swimsuit babe thinks she’s on a regular dating game type of show (is there anything “regular” or even realistic about reality TV?!), set to choose from a bevy of bodacious beaus. Instead of actually choosing from the Brad Pitt set, she must choose from the Eric Andrae set; in other words, these guys are average: some have zits, some are overweight, some lack social skills, etc. Later, the Brad Pitt set does arrive! Will she choose Brad Pitt or Eric Andrae?! Will she go for style over substance? Looks, personality, both, neither? Oh, what will she do!? Actually, the show wasn’t all that bad. The theme–upon what should true love be based?–is a good one and the show explores it entertainingly and, yes, even thoughtfully, especially through the interviews with those she eliminates. Lots of humor, too, though some of it is at the average Joes’ expense. World-View: There’s more than meets the eye. Get to know people before (pre-)judging them. Objectionable Material: Not much. The woman kisses all the guys; she’s scantily clad at times. Recommendation: If it’s on again, and if you choose, watch with parents and boy/girlfriend, and discuss.
