Biggest Loser – Farookin’ Sad.
I saw an advertisement last night pitching NBC’s premier of yet another “reality†series. This one is called the “Biggest Loser.†I looked it up on the web to see whether the description of the show there sounded as appalling as it did in the advertisement.
The idea of the show is to find 24 overweight contestants (some are way, way overweight) and split them into two teams of 12 and then to have the teams compete in various “challenges.†I don’t know what the winners “winâ€. Perhaps a whiff of a protein bar. And, in a display of concept non-originality that only can be accomplished by network television, the roles of the show provide that each week the team will vote one of their members off the island team. The series will end with the person losing the most weight (I am assuming that it is percentage of body weight) winning $250,000.
What good fun it will be to watch the fatties compete in a stair climbing challenge and to watch them jiggle, gasp and sweat during their fitness-trainer led exercises. The trailer on the web even promises some crying fatties and some arguing and angry fatties. Fatty alliances are also in the offing.
Apparently there will even be systematic exposure of some of the super corpulent to “temptations,†which appear to consist of several tables brimming over with desserts. A real laugh riot, I tell you. We can all howl hysterically while one or more of the ample contestants mentally and emotionally struggles with the seductive power of an éclair or a big piece of chocolate cake.
I figure this to be a surefire hit among those people who would buy a ticket to a dwarf tossing contest or those who find it entertaining to watch people eat maggots on “Fear Factor.â€
I’ll be taking a pass on this one. Oh, and I think I’ll also take a pass on the potato chips.
Hmmmm….maybe I should sue.
Whaddaya think? Do we have a case? Heh.
Comment by Craig — October 19, 2004 @ 7:39 pm
I’m not so much surprised that the networks are in a race to the bottom as I am at those who willingly participate. There is something pitiable in those that expose themselves for transient celebrity.
Comment by aelfheld — October 19, 2004 @ 7:50 pm
One of those fatties is a friend of mine from college.
Comment by Geoffrey — October 19, 2004 @ 7:54 pm
Geoff,
Well, I hope he wins.
Comment by Jim - Parkway Rest Stop — October 19, 2004 @ 7:59 pm
Or loses. Right, Jim? LOL!
Eh. Me, I’m sick to DEATH of freakin’ reality shows. At first, watching people eat maggots had a “train-wreck” sort of fascination to it; now, it’s just another night on TV.
What I wouldn’t give for a well-directed miniseries! This is why I watch a LOT of AMC.
P.S. Caught your picture over at Geoff’s — GREAT FAROOKIN’ HAIR!
Comment by Margi — October 19, 2004 @ 8:56 pm
You and me, both, Jim. I don’t watch but about 6-8 hours of TV a week, and half of that is the various ‘news’ programs on Sunday mornings.
Personally, I think broadcast TV has not only hit bottom, but is starting to dig…
Comment by DMerriman — October 19, 2004 @ 8:58 pm
Reality shows…
Isn’t real life wierd enough?!?!?!
Comment by Mike — October 19, 2004 @ 11:03 pm
I agree. lousy tv. what I wouldn’t give for just a good comedy like the old days. I have enough reality in my life. I just want to laugh a little before retiring for the night.
Comment by Adie — October 20, 2004 @ 6:24 am
SHE!
Comment by Geoffrey — October 20, 2004 @ 9:34 am
If it wasn’t for baseball and college football, I wouldn’t own a TV. I never understood the appeal of “reality” TV, since it’s obviously scripted. It’s as fake as wrasslin’. I agree with Adie, bring back the good old comedy.
“…gee, our old LaSalle ran great…….those were the days”
Comment by tybee mike — October 20, 2004 @ 10:04 am
Geoff,
Well then, I hope she wins. Those must have been some auditions.
Comment by Jim - Parkway Rest Stop — October 20, 2004 @ 10:46 am
Yet another reason to sell my TV. Tybee Mike – you really on Tybee? LOVE that place.
Comment by Shamrock — October 20, 2004 @ 11:31 am
I hope she wins too. Damn, she’s a fat ass now.
Comment by Geoffrey — October 21, 2004 @ 10:06 am