| By Maureen McGowan | July 2, 2009 |
When the current reality TV craze hit, I swore I’d never watch any, but over the years I’ve come to love a few of these series.
For example, I really admire the storytelling abilities of the producers and editors of shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race — the way they whittle down hours and hours of footage into a compelling, suspenseful hour of television each week. The storyteller in me is impressed by that.
I also enjoy experiencing the trials and tribulations and talents of the contestants on shows like SYTYCD, Project Runway and Top Chef. And when I stumble onto them, I also enjoy the odd episode of the cheesier shows — like Shot at Love, or Paris’s BFF — mostly because it’s like passing a car crash. Once I catch a glimpse, I can’t look away.
But the reality TV show that causes me the most personal angst is The Bachelor/Bachelorette. I avoided it the first few seasons, but after listening to others talk about it I caved, and once I saw a few episodes, got completely sucked in.
My angst arises because I despise the premise of this show. The mere idea of it. Never mind that it’s voyeuristic, emotional porn, but I find the idea that a couple might find lasting love in such a contrived, artificial, pressurized situation laughable.
And yet… I watch. It is amazingly entertaining to observe someone falling in love, even if I never believe it will last. Romance novels give that same experience, but do it so much better, because the good ones make readers believe it’ll last.
Anyway, back to The Bachelor. I swore I’d stop watching after the travesty that ended the last season. (Read my rant about it here.) But, as I suspected then, Jillian sucked me in, largely because she’s a fellow Canadian.
But watching this week’s episode got me thinking, what is it about bad boys? I know she doesn’t see everything Wes does or says that we do, nor do we see everything he says to her… but unless the producers are really manipulating what they’re showing us (strong possibility) he ALWAYS looks like he’s lying. Why is she getting sucked in?
On the other hand, I was happy to see Ed back. He’s my fav bachelor this year, (although Reid’s growing on me) and I almost stopped watching the night Ed left.
But I didn’t. Dang it.
Bachelorette: Why can’t I quit you???
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:24 am
LOL, Maureen! Great post!
Okay, I admit that I am a fan of some reality shows–I always tell my writer friends that they are a great character study. Watching people deal with stress–even if it manufactured–is watching the layers peel away until all that’s left is who they REALLY are.
I love the creative reality shows like Project Runway and Top Chef. It’s horrifying to imagine someone standing over you –”You have 30 minutes–now make something magical” But they do it! Fascinating.
My kids are big fans of Survivor. We’ve gotten some real life/character lessons from that! They also enjoy the Amazing Race.
But I’ve never given in to the Bachelor! LOL–and now you’ve convinced me not to start–I don’t need another addiction!
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:08 am
Fun post! Great blog – love the theme! I like to get a taste for reality shows when they first come on the air – so I was on board for The Bachelor/Bachelorette early on. Then I just got tired of the same ‘ol shenanigans. These shows are more about people wanting to get famous and kickstart their singing//acting/spokesperson careers. At least with shows like America’s Next Top Model, Survivor, Amazing Race – they’re upfront about wanting to win the money! LOL. http://popculturedivas.blogspot.com/
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 am
Reality TV is sickly addicting. Top Chef, America’s Next Top Model, Hell’s Kitchen–all of these have had me in their grasp at some point.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 am
Joanna, thanks for stopping by. I think you’re right. And I think that’s why she’s falling for this Wes character, too. Clearly, if she’s gone on the show, she likes the spotlight and the idea of fame, so she’s seduced by the idea of being with a potential country music star should Wes’s plan of going on the show to promote his music pay off like he hopes it will.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:31 am
I have to say, despite my crazy love for all things reality tv, the Bachelor/ette shows have never interested me. I might watch the first one where they introduce everybody, but that’s about it. I just can’t get past the stench of desperation.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:49 am
I love the Bachelor/Bachelorette. Got into it halfway through the Andrew Firestone season. The relationships never, well, maybe very rarely, survive, so why do I watch? Well, I watch it with my little sis, and it’s to call each during commercials and dish about it. The cast members are all younger than me, so I can use the excuse that watching is a good way to keep me up to date on lingo like “It was amazing!”
I really don’t like Wes. It might be the way they’re editing him – a huge possibility – but the way it LOOKS is like he has this smarmy type of charm that has never worked for me with men in real life, yet I’ve seen other women get sucked in. If I have to hear Jillian’s song one more time! But hearing him sing with his band – he is good.
I stopped watching Survivor after the first season. Don’t know why it couldn’t hook me again. I’ve watched about 3 seasons of The Amazing Race and really enjoy it. My son and I also watch Big Brother together. And then I adored So You Think You Can Dance, but I can write that one off as a talent competition, so it’s okay to watch it, LOL.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:51 am
I meant to say it’s FUN to call during commercials and dish about it.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 am
Oh, I hear yah. Maureen. I caught that last show, after not watching all season. ( But I did see the show where poor Melissa got dumped. Had to actually look away a few times.) Anyway, I was thinking the same thing about Wes. It was like watching a few of my past disasters, which may have been why I wanted to leap through the TV, grab Gillian by the shoulders, and shake her!
But you’re right, she probably isn’t seeing everything. But that guy is seriously greasy. I think, like most of us, she wants to believe him, because otherwise she feels like an idiot.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:32 am
“Emotional porn”?? OMG, love that.
I’m proud to say that I am one of the lucky ones NOT sucked into the voyeuristic hole that is the Bachelor/ette series. And after reading your post, I now know to avoid watching even a single episode at all costs if I want to keep it that way.
I AM, however, a big fan of SYTYCD. The talent of those dancers is absolutely astounding. As a former dancer myself, I’m in awe. And could their costumes be any cooler? (the impregnating spiky alien excluded, of course)
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:49 am
LOL.Maureen, you are so funny about the Bachelor/ette.
I have yet to be sucked into this one but I know what you mean about a passing car accident. That is how I know the cultural reference to “suck balls” from the Pick Up Artist. I tend to revisit the creative ones, too. I love project runway.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
I don’t get how folks can call shows like The Bachelor “reality” TV. It’s not real! It’s contrived entertainment with a gazillion fantasy elements. I watched part of one episode and the whole thing felt too manipulative. But like others, I love So You Think You Can Dance. It’s fresh and raw and real.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I know, I know. It is like reading a romance novel, isn’t it? But the premise is ridiculous! And I think it’s easier for me to watch once I let go of those HEA expectations. She does seem to be making a fool out of herself with Wes. Why do the bachelors/bachelorettes seem so much brighter when they’re the one dumped and once they get their chance, they seem to make the same mistakes as the ones who came before them?
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
LOL Maureen, you could be addicted to alot worse things than reality TV anyway.
I watched a bit of the bachelor eons ago but felt it was scripted–as most reality shows outside of the dancing slash talent ones. But I’m certainly not in the majority cuz reality TV is still hot.
So I was telling a friend about all the drama myself and fellow band wives go through with our hubby’s who are all in rock bands. There are so many egos and fights it’s often like dealing with a bunch of bitchy junior high girls. Us wives are like “now you guys play nice.” She told me I should start a reality show. “Band Wives.” Ha! As much I don’t like reality TV I’m wondering if that show would be a hit…
Enjoy the Bachelorette Maureen!
Beth
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Thank you for the warning. My only TV addiction is Dancing with the Stars, and the world comes to a halt for it, but that’s because I adore ballroom dancing and so want to take lessons. DH’s back precludes it at this point, however. Maybe next year—if MY back holds out.
Seeing Melissa Rycroft step in just two days before the show aired and do made me curious about Bachelor, but I never followed up. Good thing, it seems.
Fun post, Maureen.
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
That was supposed to be “and do such a fabulous job.” Too many docs on the phone about the next surgery. Grrrr.
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Okay, Maureen, I MAY check out this reality show, although I’ve sworn not to…I love So you think you can dance, the great race, Hell’s Kitchen, America’s Got Talent shows that demonstrate a competitive spirit. But as you say sucked in to emotional porn… great phrase…any show that is a bigger more drawn out version of Jerry Springer…it’s like thriving on people’s pain… Compelling post, and I bet you learn a ton of characterization from it.
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I haven’t seen this…for all the reasons you listed no wanting to watch. Do you remember WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE–the one hour show that ended with a wedding between two strangers? I watched that and literally felt sick to my stomach. Didn’t they get divorced like the next week?
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I have SO gotten hooked into the Bachelor/ette more times than I want to admit. Pure crazy-business this summer is, truly, the ONLY reason I haven’t been watching over the past month or so. I know it’s not “real” and, yet, like you said, I just can’t look away. Even though I know I’m being manipulated by the producers. Even though Chris and his tired old lines (“It’s the most dramatic show in Bachelorette history…”) drive me nuts. And even though I think the participants are just shy of INSANE to do this–and, also, fame-hungry movie-star wannabes… Still, if I make the mistake of turning it on, it hooks me.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Oh my gosh, Maureen, you and I are like total twins. Everything you said – exactly!!
I hated hearing about the show when it first began because just sounded so wrong. But then, I was away at work and one of my roomies had it on and I started asking questions–it was over a two-week period. Don’t watch two weeks if you don’t want to get hooked.
I really like Ed too. I really loved Michael, but not really for Jillian. Wes has gotta go—but you know, I think he will be one of the last two standing. I think it will be him and Ed.
One thing I don’t like about the show are the overnight stays. The show is not that bad really, except for that being a bad example for young girls. I’m old fashion in case you haven’t noticed…..LOL Think about it–singles go on dating computer sites to find people with matching likes and dislikes. This show does the same—it’s just so much fun watching.
Thanks Maureen for making me smile. Only four more days!!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:04 pm
try not to get sucked into reality TV. Kicked the survivor habit ages ago but I’m still a sucker for America’s Next Top Model and Masterchef. The Bachelor/Bachelorette is always on at very weird random times here in Australia so I’ve escaped its clutches lol
For writers, I think the story/human behaviour aspect is hard to not get sucked into. I like the dance based shows a lot too.
My one real hate on most of the reality shows is the way they do the endless recapping of what happened five minutes ago every time you get back from an ad break!
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Emotional Porn! I laughed out loud with that one, Maureen–you are so correct!
I got involved with The Bachelor this season only via articles, after he made his choice and then decided “whoops, I made a mistake!” and hooked up with the other girl, dissing his first choice in front of the whole world! Aigh! But I of course then went and caught the vids of the episode, and felt that horrific sucking noise as I desperately tried to avoid getting pulled in. I made it, but it was a close thing.
American Idol, however, completely yanked me into its maelstrom this year. I not only watched the show, I watched video recaps, kept up with live blogs, clicked on any yahoo! related story on any of the finalists and even engaged my 9 year old niece in heated debates about who would win. It’s really kind of frightening, when you think about it. Thank goodness it’s over for another 6 months or so!
GREAT blog, Maureen, thank you for making my day!
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Maureen,
I’m proud to say after having complete aaddictions to American Idol, Amazing Race, SYTYCD, America’s NTM, and countless other reality shows, I gave up on the Bachelor several seasons ago.
And am trying to quit others. And replace with more scripted stuff.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Thanks for stopping by everyone. Sorry I was AWOL today. I went to see West Side Story at the Stratford Festival. Couldn’t turn that down, even if it coincided with my debut day on the blog.
I forgot about America’s Next Top Model that many mentioned. LOVE that one, too, even though Tyra makes me crazy. I like the Canadian one better with Jay Manuel as the host.
One I refuse to get sucked in to is Dancing with the Stars. Would much rather watch the truly talented dancers on So You Think You Can Dance than the c-list celebs on DWTS. Although everyone tells me I’d like it… I really don’t want to find out if they’re right.
I loved Rock Star the two seasons it was on, too… Amazing performances, fun personalities. LOVED that show.
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:45 am
Oh, Maureen, I loved Rock Star too! So much talent!