JOSHUA: RealityTV



For the last week, much talk has been said regarding the "new" ETC channel and the shows that they have been showing there. My cable provider already had it a month or so ago and I have been watching SNL (Saturday Night Live) on it. I'm pretty much happy that they have finally shown SNL in the Philippines (even if the shows are a decade or so old). But then agian, that's another story...



Anyways, in the last couple of weeks they have shown some pretty interesting reality shows. Most of the guys in the circle were talking about "Simple life" and "Iron Chef". Those shows are pretty interesting, but there are two other shows which attract my attention - "Knock First" and "Queer Eye for a Straight Guy".



"Knock First" is a lightning fast, half-hour, do-it-yourself show where contestants transform their outdated rooms into kickin' pads. The magic happens during a two-day, all night party with their best friends, a hip young designer and two totally handy carpenters. What's fun with this show is that the contestants have a learn something, have a say in what they want to do in their rooms, and do the renovations themselves. The designers are there to consult and give them a hand but the contestants do some of the work. That makes the final product much more satisfying.



Pretty much unlike what happens in "Queer Eye"...



In "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" we have "Five gay men, out to make over the world - one straight guy at a time." Here we have a total make-over for the 'victim'. The 'Fab 5' change everything from the person's wardrobe, apartment, give tips on grooming, culture and foor.



It's a really really fun show, one can't help to think that these five have provided the victim with all the ammo they need for a particular chore, how long does it last? I mean, it's one thing to give the guy and instant make-over but what happens after a week? What is it about bad habits are hard to kill (or something)? I just hope the 'victims' learn a few bits from what the Fab 5 give them and try to adapt those into their normal lives.



While we're in the topic of Reality TV - it seems that the "Survivor All-stars" has finally wound up. Amber Brkich won over Rob Mariano with a 4-3 vote. It's interesting to note though that Rob proposed to Amber minutes before the winner was announced. I guess in a way he also won a million. Another interesting bit was that Jerri left the reunion early as a result of a large response from the reunion audience (somethong to the effect of 'boooo'). I can't really blame Jerri. Even if it is just some sort of entertainment to the audience as a whole, one mustn't forget that they aren't just some characters in a show but that they are still people with their own live and feelings. But then again, didn't they throw that aspect out of the door once they jumped in the Reality TV band wagon?