It seems that everyone is trying to cash in or the national obsession with reality TV. There are reality show about strange hobbies, dangerous occupations and fascinating social groups. Some of the more unusual shows are surprisingly engaging, but others are frankly a waste of air time. Here are a few to avoid.
Hillbilly Hand Fishin’
Remember the days before cable when cartoons ended at noon and the only thing on TV on a Saturday afternoon was professional bowling and bass fishing? Both of these were more entertaining than Hillbilly Hand Fishin’.
The main problem with this show is that all the action happens under water. Hand fishing, or noodling, involves trapping a fish in an underwater hole, and then – well – catching it with your hands. The show relies heavily on a narrator who explains what is going on, because otherwise you would have no clue. No matter how facially expressive the participants are, it can’t take the place of live action.
Whisker Wars
This show is about facial hair competitions, seriously. The competitors are judged on several criteria including the length of their beards, and – in the whimsical “freestyle” category – the creative styling of their beard and mustache. Admittedly the freestyle entries are fun, but once they have paraded across the stage once, you have exhausted this show’s entertainment quotient.
Russian Dolls
Who would have thought a show about sexy Russian immigrants looking for love and fame in Brighton Beach would be so boring. The accents alone are worth a couple million viewers, right? The thing is, when you’re pampered and spoiled, and your future is dictated by your close knit ultra traditional family, there’s really no need to develop a distinctive personality.
Marina’s big dilemma is how to tell her 56 year old mother-in-law, Eva, that her participation in the local “granny pageant” is an embarrassment. The scene where Eva shows Marina her belly dancing outfit for the pageant is ripe with comedic potential, but these too are so deathly dull, it just falls flat.
My Strange Addiction
Perhaps for some watching another person obsessively picking scabs or wearing a diaper while pretending to be a baby is the height of entertainment. As revolting as it is to watch someone eat toilet paper, glass or even a couch, the most nauseating consumption award goes to the woman who carries her husband’s ashes around so she can slip her finger into the urn and sneak a taste.
Honestly, who could make it through an entire episode without changing the channel in disgust? If you want to know how truly aberrant human behavior can be, just visit the web site, and read the list of participants and their obsessions.