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Reality of Reality
Watched some of this series I tivo'd this weekend. Not bad. It's kind of cool to look at reality television from so many different angles. The producers are unapologetic and will do whatever it takes to have a hit show. The contestants seem to be desperate for fame and will do whatever it takes to appear on one of the shows. The networks were slow to warm to these shows (and ideas from other countries in general), but after the success of Millionaire and Survivor, couldn't get enough. The actors whose shows have been replaced by reality tv (although not represented in the documentary) are said to be pissed off at the phenomenon and reality contestants themselves. That last one I don't understand.
I think it's hilarious that actors get pissed about this. You know what? Tough shit. Unless your show has specifically been replaced by a reality show, what's your problem? Do you hold ill feelings for other actors/shows that get picked up while you continue bartending/waitressing? And this whole "reality contestants didn't earn their fame" stuff is pure crap. What is the right way to earn fame? I don't hear a backlash against all those actors who were born into the right family. There is no "earning it." Either it happens or it doesn't. Besides, (aside from AI) they're famous for as long as the show lasts and then it's over. So, what's the big fucking deal?
The reasons behind reality tv's popularity is: (1) it's cheap -- networks are tired of paying every actor involved in a show $1 mil per ep and (2) people like it -- good reality tv shows are good tv. People dig the drama and are smart enough to know that although the producers tightly control and manipulate the drama, contestants' reactions and emotions are mostly genuine.
So, everyone needs to just get over themselves. From the producers to the contestants to actors to critics. Some of it is good. Some of it is bad. Just like everything else.
Will from BB2 said it best: "Sure, I was famous. But I was famous at like, Olive Garden."
Thurgreed(can't believe they had nothing about my two favorite shows: Amazing Race and regular Mole)Marshall
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