Reality
TV is, by far, the worst innovation of television programing in our time. These shows, usually centering around a
competition, are slow, boring, and uninspired waists of time. Viewers will watch thirty minutes, to an hour
of show just to find out who will advance and who will leave. The melodrama centered on these high stake
moments seem to be the only reason anyone cares to tune in; or so I
thought. The “Jersey Shore” on MTV is a
reality TV show unique in that, it does not center on any kind of competition. Somehow, this show has become so insanely
main-stream without relying on the “high stakes” drama involved with a
competition.
The “Jersey
Shore” is a story about eight “guidos,” as they call themselves, that live
together in a house. They’re only
obligation is to work part-time at a T-shirt store. That is it…
That is the summery of the entire show.
Each episode is like a recap of what has been going on in their lives.
The
editing for this show is enough to make me sick. When you watch “Jersey Shore,” you watch a
constant flow of different camera filters, lenses, and camera movement. The soundtrack is constantly changing depending
on the mood of the next five seconds.
Many shots are repeated over and over again as if the creators of the
show are particularly proud of getting a shot of this guy turn his head. The majority of an episode is watching
recaps, and previews. Then, when we are
introduced to new content, the pacing is so fast, I can hardly tell what just
happened, but don’t worry, they will show it again, and again.
The
actual content of the “Jersey Shore” can be summed up in two words, “Bad
Acting.” After watching several
episodes, I have realized that the cast is probably not as dumb as they
seem. Rather, I think they are just
really poor actors that react awkwardly around each other. For example, with a healthy mix of girls and
guys, much of the show centers on the relationships they try to develop with
each other. The weakness comes from the
way they handle conflicts within these relationships. We are mostly treated to awkward staring
followed by a voiceover/interview style where the actor spells out his or her
feelings rather than; um… I don’t know, ACTING!
It
is, however, interesting to see the “Jersey Shore” for what it is. The show does ask a very interesting
question: “What would you do, if you
didn’t have to do anything?” I think
much of the show’s success comes from asking this question because it is
something that many people long for. We
get a glimpse into the lives of a group of young adults that have no
obligations, and I can see how this idea can be interesting.
The
problem I still have with this show is that it is not entertaining. Like every other reality TV show, the viewers
are just wasting their time rather than enjoying a complex story. The “Jersey Shore’s” audience is mesmerized
by the hypnotic editing and promises of
promiscuity to come.
I really liked this review, and I also share your dislike for the show. The only question I have is what do you think the show could do to be entertaining to viewers like us? If the show is based off of what to do when there is nothing to do, do you think they should go off on adventures or something? I'd like to see that idea explored, but I know we only have 500 words so even though you didn't explore this I don't think the review suffered.
ReplyDeleteI found myself laughing out loud at the review you've written. There is something really baffling about the way this show is put together, between the writing and the editing and the concept (or lack thereof). I applaud your analysis of the show from a black and white perspective. You even took a look into a positive element of the production, which was its originality in the fact that it is the "Seinfeld" of reality television. From a designer's standpoint, I know that there's a huge rule that it's nearly impossible to read white text on a black background, so you should consider modifying that. The letters tend to jumble in front of your eyes. Otherwise, neat job.
ReplyDeleteI, like Jason- found myself laughing through the review. I thought I liked this show but you really made me think about how bad of a show it really is. However, I think it's this mindlessness that adds to it's appeal as I only find myself watching it when there is nothing else on. Also, I agree- they are a bunch of bad actors at this point... though I do think the show started with them being "real." Er, as real as you can get given their circumstances.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely an enjoyable review to read! I loved the voice you put in, especially in the summary portion of the review. Nice job trying to take a neutral stance on the show, I can see how hard it was to try and keep it that way.
ReplyDeleteI also really liked the bad acting section, but I think this brings on an interesting point that I would have liked to see you critique some more: when does a reality show become a really bad drama? Is it the acting or the lack of a competition or something else entirely?
To be honest, I could have written a 5000 word review of this show. I wanted to explore the psychology and the idologys/social constructs that are present. I think that I may have still been too fuled by rage while writing this. There is a lot more to say but I fear my brain has melted a bit after suffering through the first season...
ReplyDeleteVery powerful opening, but you spelled “wastes” wrong. Overall the writing in this review was spot on and not only did I understand everything, but it was communicated in a way that illustrated concepts of the show I hadn’t even thought of; such as the lack of competition. However I wonder if this is the first of its kind to enchant the masses. I could be wrong, but was there a competition to “The Real World”? You also successfully pointed out or hypothesized why people dig it so much. After your “unveiling”, if you will, of why it’s so popular, I’m kinda like “well duh”, but I also had never thought of it—it’s like you illuminated the blatant truth that was so in your/our face that we didn’t even see it. So kudos, sir!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great review, mid-way through I thought that this was going to be a rant more than an analysis but you really bring it well a well rounded dissection when you acknowledge what the show offers. "The show does ask a very interesting question: “What would you do, if you didn’t have to do anything?” I feel as if this is such a cogent statement and really makes me trust that you truly gave an objective analysis, although you also offered your own subjective opinions. I think the reality tv bashing you revert to in many points could be omitted though. You are stating that reality shows have nothing to offer, as opposed to narrative tv shows. Aren't all television shows made for some level of escapist 'time wasting'. You are also negating that there are "educational" reality shows, they're just not on MTV. I'm mostly just nit picking because this is a very strong review.
ReplyDeleteTerry,
ReplyDeleteFantastic review, besides going only on story content, you also criticize the editing which is something I wish I had done for my review (I did "Keeping Up With The Kardashians"). And I know exactly what you mean when you were talking about the aimless and meaningless objective of the show (oh, wait. There is no objective!). I can't really find any small things to point out and you brought a new idea to me when you mention the terrible acting the castmates do. It's terrible! Overall, good job!
Terry, for a Jersey Shore review I thought this was pretty decent. You did a good job at describing what you didn't like about the show; The things that 'urk' you, the stupidity in editing, etc. You also did a good job of exploring what the interest in the show for other viewers might be. The idea of, "What would you do, if you didn't have to do anything?" was a great point since these people, or bad actors, seriously don't have to do anything. They're only real obligation is to get so drunk that they do something idiotic on camera.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jaclyn. I think that her idea is a really one and it should be an idea explored in a reality type format. I also dislike the show and hear from my friends that it is a waste of time to watch. But that can be said about any show really just it is kind of subjective. I know I have a couple reality shows that I watch that people might think are a waste of time to watch, so I should respect of peoples likes as well.
ReplyDeleteNice review, yea, I’m also not a fan of the show, I personally saw a couple episodes to see what the heck was this show all about, and saw nothing appealing. I absolutely loved that you pointed out the editing of the show; it is ridiculous how many different camera filters they can add on. Another thing about this piece that I liked was that you injected yourself and personality in this. Other than a few spelling errors I out this to be a great read.
ReplyDeleteLots of great advice here, Terry. Here's one thing I'm left wondering. How do people who actually like Jersey Shore (they must exist, though it's funny how lots of people apparently watch this show but nobody ever says they do) tell a good episode from a bad one? Because presumably they do, you know?
ReplyDelete