Friday, January 06, 2006

Sucked in by reality television

As the middle of January looms on the horizon, the television studios are getting ready to unveil their mid-season shows. Not all shows are new, but instead some will be commencing the shows second or even third season. In the case of these returning shows, we are often treated to a "marathon" of the previous seasons shows. During this first week of January 2006, Scott and I were sucked into a "marathon." I am going to reveal the show that has become our nightly addiction in the spirit of full disclosure. However, you MUST not roll out of your chair laughing and not finishing this posting. The show that gets us in front of the television every night has been Beauty and the Geek. Shut up. Shut up!

What makes it doubly shameful is the fact that Ashton Kutcher, yes Demi Moore's man, is an executive producer. Oh, the humanity! Now hear me out, please. I have found that most reality television shows attempt to show the action in an objective way, however there is always an aura of contempt for the participants. We're watching them, but making fun of them at the same time.

But this show pairs seven beautiful (and superficial) woman with seven geeky men. They are put into seven pairs and given challenges in which the women must do tasks that they stereotypically are not expected to be able to do, such as change a tire. The men are given challenges like giving a massage. The reason why I find the show compelling is that each person in the pair is helping their partner and in the process breaking down stereotypes and feeling more confident about themselves. It is a bit hokey that "romances" develop, but it's kind of cute.

So Beauty and the Geek 2 begins its run next week. I encourage you all to give the show a chance. You know where Scott and I will be on the Thursday nights.

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