I’ve seen some outlandish reality show premises in my time - people with 18 kids, celebrities going through rehab, even women pretending to be attracted to the likes of Bret Michaels and Flava Flav. But whoever pitched “Steven Seagal: Lawman” deserves an Emmy.
Reality Watch
Christmas seems to have come early this year, and it’s obvious that Santa is a fan of both reality TV and those who (hilariously) lack a sense of self-awareness. You thought “Steven Seagal: Lawman” was good? Well, that was just a stocking stuffer compared to MTV’s latest masterpiece, entitled “Jersey Shore.”
Reality shows make us feel better about ourselves. Let’s say you have a day from hell -- you know the kind I mean. You get diagnosed with an STD, can’t seem to get your parole officer off your back and the DVR somehow misses your “Degrassi” series recording. Well, you can just turn on an episode of “I Love New York” or “Cheaters” and instantly feel better about your lot in life.
This does not apply to all reality programming, though.
Last night’s episode of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” was even more shocking than the wrong Voltaggio brother winning “Top Chef.”
I am far too young to have ever owned a lunchbox emblazoned with the likenesses of Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Jackie, so it was with great curiosity that I tuned into last night’s premiere of “The Jack5ons: A Family Dynasty.” That’s right; “Jackson” is spelled with a “5.”
Well, it’s just around the corner. No, silly, I don’t mean Christmas. I’m talking about Sunday’s “Survivor” finale! It’s even bigger news than Snooki getting punched in the face by a guy down at the “Jersey Shore” or the season premieres of “Paranormal State” and “Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal.” (Actually, I may be the only one who cares about those last two.)
Now, I love my couch and pajamas, but there’s just nothing like watching the finale of an amazing reality show in a studio full of fellow fans (and a complete Tribal Council set). That’s the opportunity I had last night when I attended the live finale screening and reunion of “Survivor: Samoa.”
