Thursday, February 24, 2005

Feel bad TV

Quick comments on the Idol results show...

I was surprised to see Melinda and Judd get cut and disappointed to see Sarah leave so early.

But what's really frustrating is how the producers seem to be increasing the cruelty factor this season. Every reality show (except possibly Extreme Home Makeover) has an element of cruelty and the Idol producers have always been cynical bastards who encourage smarmy host Ryan Seacrest to console the contestants one minute and mock them with cheap jokes the next. But this season, more than I can ever remember, seems determined to focus on shock and pain. Each new "twist" they've added to the elimination process is designed for maximum humiliation. It seems to me that's exactly what the contestants don't need when they're already performing in a high pressure competition.

Extreme close ups on people crying their eyes out is not good TV. But the ratings are better than ever, and unfortunately I won't (can't) stop watching.

No comments: