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2010 in Reality TV

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:00:41 +0000

Well, it’s that time of year again: the month-long storm known as the holiday season is winding down, and a new year stands before us. However, before we move on into 2011, I think it’s important that we reflect upon the past year. Once you’re done thinking about all of those sentimental things, you can start focusing on the more trivial things of the year, like reality television. And, as my late holiday gift to you, I’ve compiled some of the most memorable achievements in reality television of 2010.

The Bachelor/ette
2010 was a big year for ABC’s The Bachelor/ette franchise. Early in the year, we followed bachelor Jake Pavelka search for his true love. Jake, who was a fan favorite from the previous Bachelorette season, was perceived as a good, upstanding guy. That is, until he appeared on the ‘Break-Up’ special, which he proceeded to scream at, insult, and generally demote his ex-fiancé, Vienna Girardi. However, all hope for reality love was not gone. In the following season of The Bachelorette, starring a fan favorite from Jake’s season, Ali Fedotowsky, love was in the air. Despite having to deal with an attention-crazy Canadian wrestler, a contestant in love with his ex, and a taxidermist, Ali found true love with Roberto Martinez. As of the end of 2010, Ali and Roberto are still happily together.

American Idol
This year held the distinct honor of having what may possibly be the lowest rated season of Fox’s American Idol ever. This was the first season of Idol without Paula Abdul, and subsequently the first season of Idol with Ellen DeGeneres. Yes, Ellen, who was brought on because she would “express the opinions of what average fans would want to hear” and to bring the supposed “humor” that Paula took with her when she left with her innate wackiness. The season produced winner Lee Dewyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox; neither of which have released successful singles to date.

Survivor
Yeah, Survivor’s still on. Who would have thought?

Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars had a huge season in 2010. Dirty Dancing’s Jennifer Grey took home the trophy after conquering thyroid cancer and neck surgery. She beat various other fierce competitors, ranging from Bristol Palin to David Hasselhoff.

The Amazing Race
Once again, yes, The Amazing Race is still on as well. Surprise!

Here’s to TV in ’11. Happy New Year!

The Amazing Race Season Finale

Wed, 12 May 2010 14:42:29 +0000

And so it’s come down to this. After 9 countries and 11 teams, The Amazing Race has crowned another winner: brothers Dan and Jordan. They outplayed cowboys Jet and Cord and dating models Brent and Caite to win one million dollars and The Amazing Race.

Route Info

Brent and Caite were the first to receive their clue at 2:37 am and went to the Shanghai Airport to catch a plane to San Francisco, California. But when they got there, the ticket counter was still closed and wouldn’t open until 10:45 am, way past the time the last team would arrive. When they arrived in San Francisco, they rushed towards the Presidio and Battery Godfrey to get their next clue.

Roadblock

They needed to solve a riddle with their clue and find out that they had to make their way to Coit Tower. At Coit Tower, they encountered a Roadblock. One team member must climb the 120-feet majestic tower with a rope and pulley to the nearest opening to get their next clue.

Route Info

They needed to make their way to the Yoda Fountain outside the office of Industrial Light and Magic. There they must chose amongst the two of them who the searcher and director will be. The searcher strapped on a motion-capture suit and would be directed by the director to reach a goal that would reveal their next clue.

Route Info

They needed to make their way to Tonga Room on Nob Hill and retrieve a big chest with the words “Great American Music Hall San Francisco” on the top. They had to walk to the music venue, with the chest. There they would find their next clue.

Route Info

Their next clue included arranging all the eliminated teams in chronological order as well as the non-elimination legs. Once they finished, they needed to race to Candlestick Park for the finish line.

Results

1st place – Dan and Jordan

2nd place – Jet and Cord

3rd place – Brent and Caite

Tune in again this fall for the next season of The Amazing Race!

The Perils of Reality TV

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:15:12 +0000

I avoided watching reality TV like the plague. I couldn’t imagine the appeal and I was vocal in my opinions. So, I was careful not to watch because I knew if I didn’t watch them, there was no possible chance I’d get sucked into them and end up looking like a fool. Also, I’d tune out conversations on the shows and their contestants for the very same reasons. With firm resolve, I managed to steer clear of Survivor, sidestep Amazing Race, and keep away from American Idol — even when William Hung was sweeping the nation.

And I was right. Sadly, I now know if I end up watching an episode, it’s all over — I’m addicted. My downfall: my mother, Bravo TV, Project Runway, and Top Chef. She blind-sided me when she turned Project Runway on one evening while I was at her house visiting. Before I knew it, I was spellbound.

My addiction started harmless enough with the scanning of the television waves for repeats of the episodes I’d missed while I’d sit on pins and needles waiting for the next week’s episode to air — desperate to see if the contestants I liked were going to make it to the next level or be eliminated. Before I knew it, I was deep in the thralls of reality TV and sat for hours talking about Project Runway and Top Chef with my mom — fighting over who were our favorites and who we wanted to get the ax — on which we could never agree.

As I watched the last episode of Project Runway’s last season, I vowed this was it — no more reality TV for me. But I was thwarted by the evil genius that is Bravo TV’s advertising. How dare they show trailers of the upcoming season’s Top Chef!