Reality??: December 2003 Archives
This is it. I think we have reached the greatest period ever for reality TV. It's proliferation is probably at its' peak, and the programming is really good. Of course, there are some stinkers (as with all TV, and all media and arts for that matter), but hey some neat things are happening.
First off, there was Joe Schmo, which was just remarkable. Breaking new ground as far as what you can do, and showing what brilliant casting can do for a show that just as easily could have failed terribly.
The best reality show there is, The Amazing Race, took home the emmy for reality shows allowing it to come back for another season (which it probably wouldn't have without the emmy victory) proving that justice does truly prevail sometimes in a tv world where sometimes it seems like the things that succeed are the last things that actually should succeed.
We are in the midst of possibly the best season of Survivor ever. Rupert was probably the best hero of all time on the show, being likable, strong, while maintaining very complex and real emotions and showing anger and insecurity. Jon is easily the best villian ever. He has come in willing to do anything to win the game which is really refreshing, even though he is extremely dastardly, because afterall...it is a game. Also, Jeff Probst has been excellent. He is really breaking out of his mildly boring shell. He was always professional and good at his job, but now he has become another interesting character, by pushing the survivors more and being more outspoken and not afraid to state opinions.
On Super Bowl Sunday, All Star Survivor starts up bringing back 18 of the most interesting survivors to date (including past winners, people who should have won, and people who are just entertaining). It should be lots of fun.
In the docu-reality vein Newlyweds was such a blast to watch, and it has been wonderfully filled with Rich Girls. Last nights Rich Girls was great. It was some of the most honest stuff I've seen from someone on a reality show. Just being human, and 18 and scared, and rich! GOOD STUFF!
Queer Eye's new season so far has been great. The direction has sorta been more focused onto the family it seems. Which makes for pretty good TV.
Average Joe was kinda good. I watched all but the finale of the new Joe Millionaire, which I think I was the only person who found interesting. The culture clash was pretty cool.
The Simple Life premiered last night and you knew what it would be like, and it's really contrived, but enjoyable. The little kid is so cute.
Plus, I'm always down for some Real World/Road Rules challenge.
It's like "watch the reality stars fight and inbreed." And Donald Trump's new show The Apprentice should be lots of fun! GO REALITY!