Reality TV Wrap Up 18APR08

Biggest Loser had a big finale and the first female winner.  The contestants looked amazing.  Especially Bernie, Brittany, Ali and Kelly. Roger, Mark and Dan all looked about the same as when they left campus.  They lost a lot of weight, but it just wasn’t as dramatic as the others.  I was so impressed with Kelly throughout the show. She was an underdog throughout the competition and she made it to the end.  Paul didn’t show up due to illness.

 

Big Brother – Sheila won HOH (well, sort of) and she was able to pull of her objective of ousting Natalie (well, sort of) thus securing her place in the final three (well, you know). The boys, Ryan and Adam had plans of their own. They called out Natalie in a house meeting, forcing her to choose a side once and for all. Since only the boys were voting she naturally declared her allegiance to them.  Then they split the vote and let Sheila do the dirty work.  Ryan won HOH and stayed true to his buddy Adam, nominating Sharon and Sheila.

 

American Idol had a diva-licious night with Mariah Carey mentoring the young wannabe’s.  The best line of the night was Paula declaring Mariah can be proud of the legacy she’s left for all the young singers coming up.  I don’t think Mariah realized she was an older singer yet. David Cook received a standing O from Randy. David Archuleta and Jason Castro also had strong nights.  As usual, Simon was particularly tuff on Carly Smithson. He softened the blows when he explained it was tough love.  Kristy Lee Cook was booted, but I’m sure she’ll have a brilliant career in Branson.

 

Survivor is always unpredictable and this week proved it once again. Jason bargained away an opportunity for individual immunity when he was offered sweets, pizza and beer for himself and the tribe.  Despite everyone’s promise to keep him another week, Ozzy, Amanda, James and Erik had every intention of voting him off the island.  Instead, Cirie turned things around and made a play to pull out Ozzy’s immunity idol.  Ozzy was too comfortable with his tribe and didn’t play the idol. He was voted out.  James is finally off the hook as the dumbest player in history.  They’re at least tied.

Reality Wrap Up 11APR08

 

Biggest Loser is nearing the end. There are just four contestants remaining: Roger, Mark, Ali and Kelly.  Usually the final four have one more elimination before they go home and starve themselves in anticipation of the final weigh in. This year, America will decide who is eliminated.  Roger and Mark fell below the yellow line, so they’re in jeopardy.  This week had the biggest weight loss numbers since the beginning of the show, and both Roger and Ali broke show records.  Roger has lost the most weight on campus (beating out Neal by 1 pound) and Ali has lost the most weight of any female competitor while on campus.  I can hardly wait for the finale Tuesday night.  It is jaw dropping to see the players return; they’re barely recognizable.  I’m rooting for Kelly, just because she’s been the underdog the entire season.

 

Big Brother 9 – Adam won HOH after Joshuah’s eviction.  Natalie and Ryan were jumping for joy because they have another shot at getting rid of James.  James is cracking under the stress and isolation. He breaks down and cries a few times, including a heart wrenching plea to Adam.  James begs for a chance to redeem himself, and Adam gives it to him. Sharon and Sheila go up on the block, which pisses everyone off.  Adam wonders if he did the wrong thing, but it’s too late to do anything about it.  Ryan won the POV and Sharon off the block, so James went up anyway.  He was evicted.  We finally got a chance to see Matt, Chelsia and Joshuah in sequester.  I hope they show James’ arrival Sunday night.  Chelsia is going to have a fit.  The HOH competition is an endurance challenge, so we won’t know who won until Sunday. 

 

(Spoiler Alert – Sheila won HOH so it’s anyone’s guess who she’ll put up.)

 

American Idol –The contestants had to selection songs that inspired them and they had surprisingly uninspired performances.  Jason Castro, David Archuleta and Syesha Mercado had strong performances, but the rest were just so so.  Maybe everyone was stressed and overworked because they had to perform for American Idol gives back too.  Michael John’s was eliminated, to a chorus of boos from the audience.  I personally think the ascot was his undoing. 

 

Survivor – The tribes merge and the men compare who has the biggest….stick.  Ozzy planted a fake immunity idol which Jason took for real. When it looked like Eliza was going to be voted out, he offered her the idol.  They planned to blindside Ozzy at tribal council, but things didn’t quite work out.  Eliza realized right away that the idol was a fake.  It was too late for her to save herself, but she played the idol so she could call Ozzy out at tribal council.  This was one of the funniest episodes EVER!

 

Beauty and the Geek – I haven’t watched the episode yet, but I did find a great recap @ AfterElton.com.  Looks like we’ll get to see more of Gaysian Greg this week, yippy!  And less giddy up from cowboy Joe. 

 

 

Big Brother 9

Big Brother 9 premieres February 12. Guess I know what I’ll be doing that night. I’ll be watching the Beautiful and the Plastic….no hints on who’s who. For those of you who can’t wait another week for a sneak peek, here’s a look at the incoming houseguests.

Adam

Alex

Allison

Amanda

Chelsia

Jacob

James

Jen

Joshua

Matt

Natalie

Neil

Parker

Ryan

Sharon

Sheila

Reality Wrap Up - 01FEB08

Here is a recap of the reality shows I watched this week.  A few shows are ending, but we have Survivor and Big Brother coming up in February.    

American Idol - Omaha Auditions.  There some really interesting characters in Bum**ck, America and they all came out to see dim prutty lights and shiny people.  Chris Bernheisel opened the show, and he was just like OMG, the cutest thing EVER.  He was so full of happiness he was about to burst and dribble little bits of cheer all over the stage.  He brought stuffed animals for Randy and Paula, and a T-shirt for Simon to stuff himself.   

Biggest Loser – Paul and Kelly feel pangs of guilt (short lived I’m sure) for voting out Bette Sue and Ali.  The game is now an individual competition to stay, even though teams are still put below the yellow line. Bobby puts on his game face when he and Jillian have to compete in a challenge to choose up teams.  He went’ for all the heavy hitters (pun intended) and Jillian was seeing Red…opps I mean Black.  The house is once again divided into Black and Blue Teams. 

American Idol – Miami Auditions.  Half these contestants didn’t know the meaning of the word, No, so I’m not sure what language they were speaking.  Apparently they speak Delusional fluently.  Shannon McGough has won singing competitions and she is primed to take the AI title.  Too bad she sounds like a squeling pig during her audition.   BTW, the meaty references are my pathetic reference to her family’s butcher shop.  Hey, I have to try. 

 Janice Dickinson’s Modeling Agency – Janice has had it up to her lifted eye lids with Peter.  He butted in to the Ed Hardy casting and the clients are annoyed with his lack of organization.  Heads are going to roll!  But first, we get to see the models let loose in Sin City.  Just kidding, Janice has them all on a very tight leash.  JP gave Rodrigo the cold shoulder after their double date, which was the only drama.  Kehoe finally got up the never to ask Traci on a date, only to realize it was too late, Nathan got to her first. Bummer! 

Crowned – And the winner is…The show went out with a whimper, not that it came in with a roar. In fact I doubt we’ll see a Season 2 of this shockingly dull show.  You would think there would be more delicious drama with all those divas in the house, because honestly, watching the beauty pageant portion is painful and boring. 

Survivor: Micronesia

Of all the reality shows on TV these days, Survivor is the grand daddy.  Survivor: Micronesia , Fans versus Favorites, will be the 16^th installment of the series.  Mark Burnett has had a few other successful shows, but none compare to this proven winner.  In fact, CBS signed up for two more seasons, which is happy news for die hard fans. Somehow, the harsh conditions, difficult challenges, blood thirsty contestants, never get old. 

 

The Fans 

Alexis Jones (24) A Motivational Speaker and Image Consultant originally from Austin, TX.   

Chet Welch (4 Pharmaceutical Customer Service Rep; Beauty pageant coach.  Watch for underhanded tricks from this seasoned pro - he has coached the most ruthless competitors ever, beauty queens. Eek! 

Erik Reichenbach (22) Artist and student of Eastern Michigan University.  He’s single and lives with two cats and a corn snake, so he should feel right at home. 

Jason Siska (20) Student teacher and Gymnastics Coach 

Joel Anderson (32) Avondale Fireman.  No doubt, he’ll heat things up. 

Kathy Sleckman (45) Golf Course Employee, Illinois. 

Mary Sartain (29) Loan Broker 

Michael Bortone (33) Writer/Actor 

Natalie Bolton (31) Model, personal trainer, bartender from Houston, Texas 

Tracy Hughes-Wolf (43) Home builder 

 

The Faves 

Ami Cusack (34) Nanny, last seen on Survivor Vanuatu leading the charge of Amazon women versus men. When the men finally came to camp in the merge, the alliance crumbled and a man, Chris, was the sole survivor.

Cirie Fields (35) Nurse, Panama

Eliza Orlins (25) Law Student, Vanuatu

James Clement (30) Grave Digger and contestant of Survivor China.  He had two immunity idols and was still voted out.  I bet he won’t hesitate to use immunity this time around.

Jonathan Penner (35) A TV writer/producer who got plenty of material after his brief stay on Cook Islands.

Jonny Fairplay (33) Infamous Pearl Island villain whose career is now “Reality Show Contestant”.  He just became a new daddy (mommy is fellow Reality TV wanna be ….)  I wonder if we’ll see a sweeter side of this despicable dude.

Ozzy Lusth (26) Photographer and writer.  During Cook Islands’ challenges, he displayed impressive swimming and climbing skills. 

Parvati Shallow (25) Waitress and Model. She took flirting to win on Cook Islands to new heights, but flirting when you smell like a monkey can only take you so far

.Yau-Man Chan (55) IT geek who kept the car curse alive, even though  he didn’t keep the car. 

Amanda Kimmel (23) She played second fiddle to master mind Todd in China, but maybe this season she’ll finish first.

Reality Wrap Up - 25JAN08

Here is a recap of the reality shows I watched this week.  There is just so much TV, and so little time. 

The Amazing Race - Season 12 Finale. TK and Rachel made it to the finish line first and won a cool million.  I have to say this season was a little dull because there were no Jonathon’s, Rob’s, or Alison’s to despise.  All the teams were pretty decent, with occasional b**chy moments.  Ronald was too hard on Christina for most of the race, but he settled down by the end.  Jennifer was mean to Nate, but I think he liked it, so who am I to judge?  TK and Rachel were mellow through the game.  I think Rachel only had one break down when she had to milk a camel.  She lost it when she realized it was boy camel.  They definitely prove that you don’t have to freak out and become a raving lunatic attacking innocent taxi drivers to win.   Congrats you two - most excellent.

 

American Idol - San Diego Auditions.  The few notable auditions included Valerie Reyes, who is Mariah Carey’s biggest fan and thought she could do the songstress proud.  Uh, not so much.  I laughed out loud when realization set in for Valerie and she said “oh my God, now I’m going to be one of the bad auditions.” At least she still has one foot planted firmly in reality. A surprisingly good audition was given by David Archuleta.  He’s only 16, but has already experienced highs and lows in during his short career, including vocal paralysis.  He seems to have recovered though because he sounded great.

Biggest Loser – The house votes for a second team in the elimination room, Paul and Kelly.  Instead of going home, the yellow team must compete with the rest of the house. The other teams combine their weight lose and must have a higher percentage of weight lose to send Paul and Kelly home.  Or, Paul and Kelly can send one team packing. Before the weigh in, alliances are formed and the orange, blue and purple teams kept the team weight loss down.

American Idol – Charleston Auditions. Another Idol baby!  Oliver Highman was preparing to audition when his wife went into labor and they rushed off to find a hospital.  He made it back just in time to sing for the judges.  He didn’t make it through, but what a story to tell his baby girl.  Another couple will have an interesting story to tell their little ones.  Crystal Ortiz and Randy Stark met on the Idol web board and fell in love.  They auditioned together and while they didn’t make sweet music together, there may be a happy ending.    

Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency – Janice declares the agency is fur free and brings PeTA in to show gruesome videos. The models are motivated to join in a protest on Hollywood Blvd. They strip down to underwear and Brian Kehoe moons the cops.  Janice then goes in for a tummy tuck. 

Crowned – Questions and Answers.  The girls have to host a party and display their charms. The surprise guests are all the men in their lives so the women are more charming then usual.  They then have to charm the judges during an interview.  Hollis and Gina do really well because they’re so earnest and energetic.   

 Project Runway – The designers have to create a look using Levis.  Rami finally does a different dress using different fabrics.  Ricky finally impressed the judges but not his competition. Christian is annoyed the Ricky is still around but Kit was eliminated.  Christian just likes to talk a lot of smack.

Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency - Alexis Hutt

For those of you who remember Janice Dickinson when she was a judge for America’s Next Top Model, you know how brutal she can be.  She left Tyra’s shadow to open a modeling agency in LA and has all the drama filmed for the reality TV show, Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency.  Janice is still outspoken, uncensored and bitchy; but we also get to see a more vulnerable side.   

Janice is THE boss from hell, but she is also very maternal and protective of her models. It’s a strange mix, but I really do respect the way she spoke to Alexis Hutt. Alexis is a new model with the agency and from the first casting, she had scars, burns and bruises all over her body. Janice asked her on day one if she was a cutter, and Alexis denied it.  Her excuse for all the injuries was being a “Tom Boy” from the sticks. 

The issue came up again at a swimsuit shoot, and Alexis claimed to have been in a car accident. Until Janice got right in her face as told her to ask if she needed help.   Alexis confessed she did cut when was a young teenager, saying “Sometimes children don’t know how to handle the trauma that happened in their life.”  Janice said her own father was a bad guy, a pedophile who molested Janice’s sister. Janice got tough to deal with her past, and now Alexis needs to work her way through it. It’s so sad to see such a shy, pretty girl hurting herself, replacing the hurt she’s experienced all her life.    

According to Cool Nurse  “…self-injury seems to function as a coping mechanism. “Cutters” use self-harm to feel calm, “in control,” or just to “feel something.”  However, self-injury is not a healthy coping mechanism - it is a self-destructive behavior that probably reflects deeper, more complicated mental health or personal problems.”

 This may be one of the most personal and important revelations to be seen on a reality TV show.  Others girls, who have thought they’re alone will see Alexis and know they’re not. I hope Alexis is able to confront the issues that haunt her and maybe even speak about her struggles someday.   Here are few resources for those interested in learning more or seeking help: 

1-800 DON’T-CUT (800-366-828  

What is Self Injury site devoted to understanding Self Injury, causes and treatments.

Web Board to talk with others, share and seek help.

American Idol Season 7

A new season of American Idol  begins January 15, 2008. I can hardly wait; especially the first few weeks when we get to see the auditions.

I have to admit, I do feel bad for some of the contestants when they hear Simon Cowell’s scathing remarks. After six seasons, you would think they would know what to expect. I love how his new catch phrase is “Not to be rude, but…” and then he’ll say “….You look like a bush baby.” How exactly is that NOT rude?

According to Simon Cowell, “There’s more personality, better stories (and) it’s a better year.” Better than Season 6, which gave us Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, not to mention the walking hair do called Sanjaya? That’s hard to believe, but when I look back I see that I love each seasons’ contestants more than the ones before.

Speaking of previous seasons’ contestants, what ever happened to…?

Kelly Clarkson (Winner Season 1) – After a bitter battle with her recording company, everybody made nice and Miss Independent released a new album My December and has been nominated for a 2008 Grammy

Justin Guarini (Runner Up Season 1) – Released an album in 2006: Stranger Things Have Happened and has appeared in various television and movie projects. Amazing after the dismal performance in From Justin to Kelly

Ryan Starr (Season 1) – Even though she finished 7th, she’s been voted one of the sexiest reality TV stars and used what her mama gave her to extend her career, with calendar, TV guest shots and even appearing on Season 3 of the Surreal Life.

Ruben Studdard (Winner Season 2) – He had to share the spot light with his little buddy, and was left in the shadow with less than stellar albums sells. Now he’s Broadway bound, starring in Ain’t Misbehavin’ with fellow Season 2 contestant, Frenchie Davis.

Clay Aiken (2) – Continues to enjoy moderate success despite a controversial reign thanks to his fanatical following the Claymanics, or Claymations or Claymitrons…Whatever.

Kimberley Locke (2) - Clay’s BFF has released her own album in addition to appearing on Celebrity Fit Club with Screech, Eek! That could make anyone lose their appetite.

Fantasia Barrino (Winner Season 3) – Fantasia received 3 Grammy nominations and she had a successful run in The Color of Purple on Broadway. It is almost enough to forget the dismal autobiographical bomb, a Lifetime movie.

Diana Degarmo (Runner Up Season 3) Performing in Hairspray

Jennifer Hudson (Season 3) Dreamgirl who won numerous awards including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a SAG Award

Carrie Underwood (Winner Season 4) – Carrie’s album “Some Hearts” was chosen as the Favorite Country Album and she was chosen as the Favorite Female Country Artist at 2007 American Music Awards. She was also one of People Magazine’s Top 100 Most Beautiful People of 2007.

Bo Bice (Runner Up Season 4) Fizzled when his first album The Real Thing was released, but seems to have redeemed himself second attempt See the Light. If not, I don’t think we’ll see Bo on Broadway, unless it’s in The Hank Williams Story: A Musical.

Corey Clark (4) – Released a CD in 2005 about the same time he went to the press with Paulagate, followed by his tell all book: “They Told Me to Tell the Truth, So … (The Sex, Lies and Paulatics of One of America’s Idols).” the longest title of a book based on the shortest career in history.

Taylor Hicks (Winner Season 5) – Was recently dropped by his label, even though his self-titled album, released in December 2006, sold a respectable 699,000 copies. Maybe Hicks’ diva demands caught up to him.
Katherine McPhee (Runner Up Season 5) – Was also given the boot by her bosses as RCA Records. Who cares, she’s hot. She was voted one of People Magazine’s Top 100 Most Beautiful People of 2007 and Maxim’s Hot 100 Women of 2007.

Elliott Yamin (5) – Not so hot, but this boy can sing. Wait For You, from his debut album made Billboard’s Top 20

Chris Daughtry (5) – Probably the most successful contestant from Season 5. Coming in fourth was a shock for all his fans, but they rallied and bought his self titled debut CD, making him one of the top-selling artists of 2007

Jordin Sparks (Winner 6) – The youngest contestant to win American Idol, she’s jut released her first self titled album, including a duo w/ Chris Brown, No Air. With that kind of celebrity backing, she’s well on her way to being one of the popular kids.

Blake Lewis (Runner Up 6) Just released his debut album, Audio Day Dreams, so the jury’s still out on his singing career. He may end up with a weird hidden camera show, where he dresses up in costume to punk celebs. Who knows?

Sanjaya Malakar (6) Speaking of dressing up in costume…Last seen moon walking down Hollywood Blvd. Well, it was either him or Michael Jackson.

The Mole

The Mole is coming back this summer.  I am doing a happy dance, even while I type these words.  

Sure, the Celebrity Mole was cheesy and lame, and probably the inspiration behind The Surreal Life, Celebrity Fat Club and a dozen other cheesy and lame “Celebrity” reality shows.
 

But let’s not judge too soon. The original was great fun and the show kept me guessing about the Mole’s identity right up until the finale.  Even after the Mole was revealed, I had my doubts.
 

For those of you unfamiliar with the Mole (gasp! I can hardly consider the possibility); it is a cross between Amazing Race and a game of Clue. There is one saboteur to the group; their mission is to prevent the team from banking cash for successfully completed missions.  It should be easy to pick out the culprit, but every signal player makes a bone headed move at some point, so they are all suspect.  

Individuals then take a quiz with personal trivia questions, related to the Mole.  Whoever gets the lowest score is eliminated. Not only do the players have to compete in challenges; they have make note of what the other players are eating, wearing and doing.  

Sadly, Anderson Cooper won’t be back so maybe it won’t be as good as the original.  But I’ll watch nonetheless.

Reality World

Reality TV shows range from extreme competitions to career challenges. There are even more offerings for voyeuristic TV audiences, with cable and network channel offerings.   Here are just a few of our favorites:

American Idol – The Granddaddy of Talent Shows.  America’s aspiring singers vie for a recording contract and more importantly, a huge fan base. Previous winners have gone on to sell millions of albums, win awards and a few have cross over to acting.

Survivor - It just doesn’t get any more “real” then Survivor, where contestants live and compete for $1 Million.  The players are starved, abused and all but one eliminated by consensus vote.

Amazing Race – Pairs team up to travel the globe and complete challenges; eating exotic delicacies, crossing high wires or digging for clues.  The real drama occurs between team mates who are stressed, sleep deprived and desperate to stay in the game.

Big Brother – Who would imagine watching 14 houseguests living under constant surveillance could be so interesting?  During the week, contestants participate in games to win food; Head of Household or Power of Veto powers. 

The Real World – In its 19^th season, this show puts 7 strangers in a house and gives them all the booze they can drink. All you have to is sit back and watch the shockingly bad behavior unfold.

The Hills – Lauren Conrad is all grown up and working in LA for Teen Vogue.  Girl fights ensue when BFF Heidi chooses boy toy Spencer.  

Laguna Beach & Newport Beach – The most popular high school kids, party and play.  The must pay the school geeks to do their homework, because you’ll never see these kids doing homework.

 The Real Housewives of Orange County - Grown up version of MTVs Laguna Beach.  

America’s Next Top Model – Tyra mentors wanna’ be models and critiques their performance during outrageous photo shoots.

Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency– Janice was a former judge on ANTM and capitalized on the publicity by launching her own agency. She’s at times mother or monster, caring for her charges, building them up and then tearing them down.

Kid Nation - Someone finally asked “What if Lord of the Flies was made into Reality TV?”  The result is Kid Nation – no adults and kids (aged 9 -15)

The Biggest Loser – Overweight individual transform before our eyes. The results are amazing, but the biggest changes seem to happen on the inside.

Celebrity Fit Club – Overweight celebrities transform before our eyes. Or they just have major tantrums and call their agents.

I Love New York – Several men compete for New York’s affections.

Shot at Love with Tila Tequila – Men and women compete for Tila’s affections