I like television, but specifically just for the noise. Often I'm alone but I like the sense that I'm carrying on regular activity within the confines of a bustling party. When I check into a hotel room, the television will immediately be snapped on. Will I watch it? Not at all, but I like the sensation of being surrounded by others. That's usually been the mediums value to me.When reality television made it's first appearances in the 1990s, I eschewed this medium for its lack of creativity, cheap ploys to drag out the drama and really unappealing participants. I never became a die hard fan of the pioneers of the genre: The charms of "Survivor" and "Real World" and "Big Brother" were lost on me. However, I was induced ever so slowly into the fold with the advent of Bravo's series of shows a few years ago. The clincher? "Project Runway." I am infinitely more impressed with someones skill to customize a couture gown in two hours using burlap and some decorative moss than some mortals ability to survive on fly larvae and sleep in a hovel. We're talking priorities, people!
While the genre thrives through a plethora of ridiculous programs with ridiculous premises (and while I wait ever so impatiently for the premiere of Project Runway 4 on November 14th), occasionally I will stumble upon a reality program that promotes a modicum of interest. In this respect, last night was a banner night.
I confess to the rather unglamorous act of washing dishes while vaguely distracted by the ministrations of last night's "Dancing With the Stars." After the first forced performance, I watched the unfortunate Marie Osmond drop like a sad of potatoes to the floor. Awesome! That's entertainment. In case you live under a rock and may have missed it, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJov26guk4k
With juices whetted, I flipped around for further foibles of bad reality. It's been awhile so I moved slowly. The genre has clearly digressed to sloppy drama. I was not disappointed. I stumbled onto "The Bachelor." Now, I've never watched this reality show, but thank God I did last night on Surreal Monday. Apparently, the bachelor had to dispatch two ladies from his coterie and one did not go quietly. She had an outright sad freak out. See for yourself...and yeah, she would be the awkward blonde, second interview after the brunette who needs a moustache wax: http://abc.go.com/primetime/bachelor/
Who else can say they went to bed satisfied having witnessed the drama of reality TV?
1 comment:
I use TV for company, too. Some reality shows are better than others, of course. Project Runway is my absolute favorite. I love watching the creative process.
When I was a teenager, I used to make my own clothes, but I never thought of it as designing. We had enough money for the things we needed but that was it. If I wanted something special I had to make it myself.
The fabric store was close enough to walk to and it was fun to rummage through the remnants pile. Then I'd go home and "make up" a dress or a top. (Patterns cost money!)
If I had sent my creations down the runway for Heidi Klum's inspection, I would have been sent home first, but they were good enough for me to wear to school!
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