Reality Take Over

Shows with meaning

2007-11-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

I would like to take a brief moment to sum up the shows that in my opinion...and keep in mind that it is only my opinion, have some kind of substance to them. While some networks have tried to capture audiences with their best take at reality shows, most just don't come close to MTV, VH1 and even CMT these days...and I'm not so sure that this is a good thing especially considering that these networks are supposed to be music based. You might as well change the M in MTV to R for "Reality TV" because at just about any given time of day that is what you will find on this channel. Anyway getting back on track I find that shows such as Run's House, Made, Life with Ryan, Hogan Knows Best, and maybe even that Dallas Cowboys show on cheer camp, seem to have a little more to them than just the everyday drama or drunken babble that you find in the rest (ex Real World, those lame dating shows, I love New York etc.). While they may be somewhat entertaining to some there isn't really anything else to them. The shows with substance that I have mentioned above seem to have factors of inspiration,values, and may even show people that you really can accomplish the things you dream about. In a society where the youth seems to be getting lazy I feel that this is the kind of stuff we need more of...and not just through television shows. We all know Kids act out what they see so if immature non-sense, drunken arguments, and stupidity is what they most often view then it shouldn't surprise when the real outcome is exactly that. While that may be a harsh statement, if you stop and think about it is it really that far fetched?
These shows with meaning all have some aspect of kids or even adults pushing to make a change in themselves and reach goals. Some may argue that the children shown for example on "Run's House" or "Hogan Knows Best" have a big advantage because of who their parents are and hence are basically handed these positions in life... However it just goes to show that you really need to use your best resources in life whether its family, friends, or pure acquaintances to help give you that edge in life to get where you want to go.
While I may pick on MTV a little for the stuff that they put out there, there are other networks that do a better job of delivering quality reality TV. Hopefully as you guys are out there watching this stuff you don't completely turn off your brain. Question everything and try to find the good in the shows you watch.

Real World Sydney

2007-11-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

This weeks episode of The Real World Sydney took us through the loss of one of the roommates in the house. Shauvon backs her bags to head back home to the boyfriend she loves and misses. Now anyone who follows the show knows that its not the first time a cast member has left the show mid season. However in this case Shauvon breaks up with her controlling boyfriend before coming on the show (also not a first) and then puts the both of them through the agony of long distance head games.
Now we can imagine that MTV carefully selects their cast based on the fact that a few members will be able to create the most bizarre or dramatic situations, which in turn helps ratings and creates for a more interesting TV experience.
With that being said however...why would anyone, especially those that may have been religous followers or at least watched previous episodes, who have unstable relationships to begin with come on the show?? or better yet put that significant other in a position for heart break? Its inevitable that at some point during the duration of the show that people are going to hook up, people are going to cheat on their boyfrined or girlfriend, so why put yourself in a position that is going to create conflict? I often wonder for instance in Shauvons situation what happens when the show is aired and her boyfriend See's the unloyal behavior.... I bet that would be even more interesting to watch. So if the end result is a messy break up then was it all worth it? was leaving the show or coming on the show really worth it in the first place? While it makes for good TV I always find myself questioning those who put themselves out there like that.
The rest of the cast was able to enjoy an adventurous trip to Cairns and the great barrier reef as well as more progress on the developing relationship between Cohutta and KellyAnne. Next time we find out who the new roommate replacing Shauvon will be.

Life of Ryan

2007-10-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

This week MTV showed the season finale of "Life of Ryan". Throughout the season you met his family, friends, and crushes in good times and bad. Ryan is now a 17 year old skateboarding prodigy and the youngest to ever turn pro in the industry, compared to the likes of Tony Hawk, an accomplishment any young athlete in the sport dreams about. The show is probably one of the most watchable reality shows MTV has come up with lately giving Americas youth something more to watch than just the same old drunken, drama filled garbage you can catch any night of the week. I feel although it may not be the only show to do so "Life of Ryan" has a good message in the background; showing young kids that if you stick with something you love and work hard you can accomplish anything in this country. It also show cases the struggles of youth and something that most of us can relate to which is divorce or the separation of our parents. In Ryan's case being old enough to fully understand the whole situation at the same time getting caught in between his parents takes a toll on his emotions as well as his edge in competitions. Times like these are rough on all family members but having the strength to support each other and be the big brother or sister is what counts most.

MTV Banter

2007-10-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

I feel that while I have covered a couple shows so far on this site I havent really mixed it up, so here are a couple additions. A recent episode of Real World Australia left me highly entertained however not suprised in its content. After a night of boozin' it up, two cast mates Cohutta and Shavoun found themselves in an enebriated agruement of some sort (typical) leading to Shavoun throwing a glass at him which bounces off the counter and shatters in his face. Shortly after you see Cohutta in another room talking to his grilled cheese sandwich. During this in the backgound you still hear her drunken voice cursing him for talking trash about her..which he is not doing...he's just being the funny guy he is, talking to his sandwich. If you didnt see the episode I'm sorry for no further explanation but that is just the type of humorous behavior you can expect from a bunch of drunks locked up together that have nothing better to do funny stuff. I'm sure most of us can relate.
The next show reguards the Hills. Now I'm not a religuous follower of this show however I am familiar with the cast and basic happenings. I recently caught most of a episode in which Hiedi had gotten a promotion over a co-worker whom had more experience named Elodie(you can imagine how frusterated this person must have felt). The Emmy's were being held on this particular weekend which happened to be the same weekend of Heidi and her boyfriends anniversary. After being told she must work this event or have it covered she heads straight to the person she has burned ELODIE and asks her to cover for her. Best twist of all:Elodie agrees to cover her, Hiedi does not know that Elodie has however quit her job already. Long story short while on the Anniversary date Heidi gets the call that no one has shown up to cover the event and that Elodie had already quit.... leaving her high and dry while forcing her to immediately leave her lovely celebration.....HILARIOUS.
So the moral of the story: Never back stab a friend who just happens to work with you. Be a grown up and perhaps express that you too would like to compete for a promotion instead of sneakily going behind that person. At the same time however I guess business is business right?

Kid Nation

2007-09-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

CBS, although slightly more creative, has officialy given in to the MTV mentality. Last week was the debut of Kid Nation. I must say the show was somewhat intriguing though. Its not only a reality show but a life changing experience for those kids, along with those who watch the show. I really don’t believe the children were left completely and utterly alone for three days or more at a time. While they dont have any direct contact from adults telling them when to eat, sleep, and do chores the camera/production crew is obviously there keeping a keen eye on things. I'm interested to see how these kids handle things and eventually run things in their own way. It seems like the world at large is an enormous mess, given the opportunity what would kids would do differently? I must say this is a huge lesson in cooperation and problem solving.

And The Winner Is.........

2007-09-21T13:50:00.001-07:00

Dick Donato gets the "W" after a five to two vote by the jurers. It was interesting to see how each member of the jury came to their decision. With only Jameka and Jen voting against Dick the others almost commended Dick's game tactics, few of them realizing that he carried two players for most the game. The Jury recieved a second surprise with the revealing of "America's Player". This Twist to the game threw many curve balls Eric's way. As he was announced to the Jury he seemed somewhat sqeemish and even whispered to Jessica that he would explain everything later. Not a bad finish to a humorous and slightly intense season 8.
For those who wanted to see Danielle win the votes, could her father's win be sending out the wrong message? While most of the people who view the show are most likely old enough to know morally right from wrong, could the fact that Dick's insane behavior, damaging verbal assualts and thoughtful mind games that got him the win be sending the younger viewers and perhaps others the view that society no longer considers this behavior unsporting? I understand that it was a game, made for more interesting television and most likely boosted ratings for the show but its something to think about. While the people who got the final say were the ones who put up with his antics and maybe at times abusive attitude all summer they, the jury, voted for his overall win. Perhaps the most mentally strong ( maybe not stable) competitor was crowned rightfully. Congratulations to the victor.

Zach Is out!

2007-09-16T19:48:00.001-07:00

Thursday nights episode brought about round three of the HoH competition and the defeat of Zach by "Evil" Dick winning in a battle of wits (bummer). The Donatos are your final two competitors, but who deserves to win overall? With Dick's brutal tactics controlling the game almost since day one, and Daniele winning several competitions throughout which one really deserves the win?

I dont really see the jury voting for Dick. Either way I'm sure the grand prize will be shared between the two and the greatest prize of all.......Being reunited with your long lost daughter and mending a tattered relationship (blah blah blah).

Big Brother 8 Down to the final 4

2007-09-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

After Thursday nights episode with the twist of double elimination, sending Jessica and Eric home putting an end to americas favorite "showmance" while at the same time breaking up the second stongest allinace in the house there are now just four people left. Dick, Danielle, Zach, and Jameka with Zach walking away with HOH. Can Evil Dick's brilliant mind games keep danielle and himself out of elimination and into the top 3 or even possibly the final 2? Either way I think Jameka is out this week hopefully leaving Zach with a fighting chance into the top two.....just to make it more interesting than the father/daughter duo. It will be fun to watch. This could possibly be one of the best seasons if not the best yet.

The Beginning?

2007-09-01T19:31:00.000-07:00