Reality Clack – Survivor, American Idol, The Amazing Race, Hell’s Kitchen

by Jackie Schnoop

Candace votes on Survivor Tocantins I think this is my favorite time of the year for television. I have new scripted shows I enjoy like Lost and Heroes, but I have my reality television fix in, too. I need my reality fix. While I enjoy fiction, I’m also a people-watcher. And, what better medium is there to observe people than reality TV shows? Sure, I could just go sit in Washington Square Park and people watch. But it’s winter. My living room is much warmer.

Before you tell me that reality television isn’t really real, need I remind you that the way different people react in different scenarios is quite real indeed. With scripted shows, I can’t really find people I love to hate as I know it’s all the writers’ doing anyhow. Ah, it’s much different with reality shows! We see warts and all. I love it.

That is the week it was

American Idol had the first group of twelve snipped down to three for the final twelve this week. I’m SO with fellow Clacker Cate Cropp’s recent entry about Michael Sarver. Of course, we must remember that the voters kept in Sanjaya Malakar as long as they did. What a shame … both Anoop Desai and Ricky Braddy sing so much better. I thought this was a singing and talent competition not “what person does hard physical labor and needs a singing career.” Early fan favorite Danny Gokey and Alexis Grace filled in the other two slots. I can only hope that Anoop is picked up as a wild card. Even though Braddy has a fantastic voice, I fear he’s out of the running.

On Hell’s Kitchen, the gals won and, despite promos, no one had a heart attack. All of the promos trepidation and they just encountered sides of hanging beef. Rats. I thought they’d be going to a real abattoir. I felt cheated, yes I did. Charlie was sent home, but I wouldn’t have minded if Seth went (he was the other “nominee”). I still don’t have anyone I’m cheering on for the win this season.

I enjoyed this week’s episode of Survivor much more than I did the season premiere. But, why, oh why, did Candace feel she had to go after creepy “Coach” and put a target on her own back? No, I don’t like him. However, the others obviously fall for his creepy alpha male dorky mullet with a ponytail self. A better blindside would have been if they unanimously voted him out. But it was Candace and it was all her own dang fault.

I’m thrilled with The Amazing Race once again. With the exception of the year they tried the family edition, this show is one which can get my adrenalin pumping as I vicariously travel the world peeking in on other cultures. This week’s Philiminated team was a bit predictable but the fun was getting to that point. Mmm … pie! Bye-bye Linda and Steve. I hope you had the adventure of your life, but you were really not in shape (nor in mind) for the show.

On The Bachelor, Jason is down to Molly and Melissa. Yeah, true love. Yes, you did see me rolling my eyes.

Until the next time, it’s been real if not necessarily reality.