You know, last week the judges talked about how they were worried that the finale couldn't live up to last week's show. And after tonight, I can see why they were worried. Tonight's finale was good, but not nearly as good as last week. Yes, there were some high points. But it seemed like they didn't save the best for last.
First, the dancers choose their styles by random draw. So while I think that if Sabra loses, it's because of the styles she chose, it wasn't anyone's fault - it's random. But why producers chose the styles they did is beyond me. Yes, there should have been a hip hop and a ballroom routine. I would have thought that everyone would have the opportunity to dance in a style that they know well. I also didn't understand some of the choreography. A good example was the fox routine that Lacey & Sabra did. I liked it, but I couldn't agree more with Nigel's statement that the finale isn't the place to experiment. And why didn't a producer step in and say that early in the week, when something could have been changed? A lot of the problems that the judges had with the dancing were really problems with the choreography.
Last week there weren't really any problems with the dancing. But tonight just seemed to lack that same spark. Perhaps it's because of the dancers that were eliminated. But something was missing. It's clear that the judges/producers want Danny or Lacey to win. From their comments at the start of the show that they were looking for "America's favorite dancer, not America's best dancer," to the way they critiqued , they clearly have an agenda. There's no question that Sabra is a better dancer than Lacey, but Lacey has a much better chance of winning it all.
So who do I think will win? That's a tough call. Based on the entire season, Sabra SHOULD win. Week after week, she has been nothing but phenomenal. Based on tonight, well...I think it should be Danny. Danny really has been good all season as well. But who WILL win? I think it's a close vote, but Lacey will come out on top. She has a lot of fans, has the name recognition with her brother, and is riding the praise from tonight's show.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Fat March
I watched Fat March again this week, even though it's becoming more and more difficult. That's right, after only two episodes, I'm starting to lose interest. That just can't be good. Keep in mind I'm the same person who spent an entire summer watching Paradise Hotel (no, I'm not proud).
I think that the problem with the show is how little there is to it. When it comes down to it, we're really just watching fat people walking. Of course, this week we were also watching fat people bickering. But still - bickering and walking don't make for Emmy-winning television.
I also don't understand how the producers are portraying some of the contestants. First, there are the "labels" they give each player. Some are listed by their professions. But poor Loralie just gets the label of "trying to get pregnant." And they are doing a lot of "selective editing" to craft their storyline. Don't get me wrong, this happens on every reality show. (yes, EVERY reality show) But this one seems pretty bad.
The other concern I have is how the contestants are losing so much weight. The show is marketed as a simple way to lose weight - eat less and walk more. And this is really the heart of weight loss, and what everyone should be preaching. But when they started talking about having the contestants eat 2,000 calories a day? With all that walking, it's no wonder that they're hungry (and having the high number of contestants making a trip to the hospital). For a normal sized person, eating 2,000 calories a day and walking 10 miles would be a drastic diet. But for a 500 pound person? That's getting close to the un-healthy range. And when the trainer offered one contestant a banana, and the other told him no because it was his third banana of the day? It just made no sense. You don't get to be 500 pounds from eating too many bananas.
Anyways, I think I'll watch again next week, but we'll see beyond that. Of course, the option might not even be there - the ratings were abysmal.
I think that the problem with the show is how little there is to it. When it comes down to it, we're really just watching fat people walking. Of course, this week we were also watching fat people bickering. But still - bickering and walking don't make for Emmy-winning television.
I also don't understand how the producers are portraying some of the contestants. First, there are the "labels" they give each player. Some are listed by their professions. But poor Loralie just gets the label of "trying to get pregnant." And they are doing a lot of "selective editing" to craft their storyline. Don't get me wrong, this happens on every reality show. (yes, EVERY reality show) But this one seems pretty bad.
The other concern I have is how the contestants are losing so much weight. The show is marketed as a simple way to lose weight - eat less and walk more. And this is really the heart of weight loss, and what everyone should be preaching. But when they started talking about having the contestants eat 2,000 calories a day? With all that walking, it's no wonder that they're hungry (and having the high number of contestants making a trip to the hospital). For a normal sized person, eating 2,000 calories a day and walking 10 miles would be a drastic diet. But for a 500 pound person? That's getting close to the un-healthy range. And when the trainer offered one contestant a banana, and the other told him no because it was his third banana of the day? It just made no sense. You don't get to be 500 pounds from eating too many bananas.
Anyways, I think I'll watch again next week, but we'll see beyond that. Of course, the option might not even be there - the ratings were abysmal.
Evel Dick
That's right, this week on Big Brother really has been all about Evel Dick. He is imploding before our eyes. There's no question that he is the most entertaining of all the houseguests. But I'm done with him. I understand that he was purposefully trying to be obnoxious, but he has crossed so many lines that I think he will have problems when he gets out of the house. That's what I never understand on all reality shows...do people really not believe that what they do on a reality show won't affect their "real life"? I take real offense to some of the things he
has said - game play or not, you should never attack someone's sexuality, mothering skills, or religion. (yes, I know that a lot of it is probably just to get a rise out of people, but still, some
things should just never be said)
I also found Danielle interesting last night. I think that her outburst about her dad in the HoH room was real, but I also think that she is one of the craftiest players ever. Under all that blonde there is a lot of game play going on. If they are smart they will boot her next week.
Speaking of voting, I am nervous about Dustin being up. I understand why they did it - it really is a slap in the face to Dick to be beaten so soundly by Dustin (and is a show of confidence to Jen). BUT, with that America's Player twist, there is the distinct possibility that
Dustin will go home. If Jen & Zach stay true to Danielle, they will vote to evict Dustin. So will Danielle. That's 3-3, with Jessica breaking the tie. But if "America" votes to have Eric keep Dick, the vote will be 4-3, and Dustin will be the first in the sequester house. I'm surprised that Eric didn't do the math on this in his head and realize that it could backfire for him personally.
I'm torn about who I think will actually go home tomorrow. I really don't know who I even want to go. If they think things through (and that's highly unlikely...), they will evict Dick. I think that a lot is in the editing, and the past few weeks, whoever we thought was going home
stayed. A lot can happen between now and the votes tomorrow night. To me, the key vote is Jen. She's playing dumb, but she's got a few brains up there. She reminds me a lot of Janelle in that way - that she plays the dumb girl, but she knows exactly what she's doing. I mean, we all thought she would be gone weeks ago. I think that however Jen votes, Zach will vote. And if it looks like the house will vote to evict Dick, it really is in her best interest to vote with the house.
Did you notice last night (or maybe it was Sunday) how careful Jen was to not promise Danielle anything? Very smart game play.
In any event, I think that they need to watch out for Jen & Danielle...they could easily be the final two.
has said - game play or not, you should never attack someone's sexuality, mothering skills, or religion. (yes, I know that a lot of it is probably just to get a rise out of people, but still, some
things should just never be said)
I also found Danielle interesting last night. I think that her outburst about her dad in the HoH room was real, but I also think that she is one of the craftiest players ever. Under all that blonde there is a lot of game play going on. If they are smart they will boot her next week.
Speaking of voting, I am nervous about Dustin being up. I understand why they did it - it really is a slap in the face to Dick to be beaten so soundly by Dustin (and is a show of confidence to Jen). BUT, with that America's Player twist, there is the distinct possibility that
Dustin will go home. If Jen & Zach stay true to Danielle, they will vote to evict Dustin. So will Danielle. That's 3-3, with Jessica breaking the tie. But if "America" votes to have Eric keep Dick, the vote will be 4-3, and Dustin will be the first in the sequester house. I'm surprised that Eric didn't do the math on this in his head and realize that it could backfire for him personally.
I'm torn about who I think will actually go home tomorrow. I really don't know who I even want to go. If they think things through (and that's highly unlikely...), they will evict Dick. I think that a lot is in the editing, and the past few weeks, whoever we thought was going home
stayed. A lot can happen between now and the votes tomorrow night. To me, the key vote is Jen. She's playing dumb, but she's got a few brains up there. She reminds me a lot of Janelle in that way - that she plays the dumb girl, but she knows exactly what she's doing. I mean, we all thought she would be gone weeks ago. I think that however Jen votes, Zach will vote. And if it looks like the house will vote to evict Dick, it really is in her best interest to vote with the house.
Did you notice last night (or maybe it was Sunday) how careful Jen was to not promise Danielle anything? Very smart game play.
In any event, I think that they need to watch out for Jen & Danielle...they could easily be the final two.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Kail is Voted Out on Big Brother
What an episode! First, I am glad that Kail was evicted. I am watching her right now on the web show, and she said that she was so homesick, and that because sequester starts next week, she was hoping she would go home. She didn't want to be sequestered - she wants to go home. (I guess then, that they know when sequester starts...last season they started sequester early, so it was a bit of a surprise) That being said, I am shocked at some of what has happened. First, have you seen any of the articles about Amber? One of them is here at tvsquad.com. It's shocking. I'm clearly appalled, and am ready for her to go home.
I don't understand her tirade on last night's episode. Yes, it was wrong of Eric to use her secret against her. But what is she thinking sharing her deepest darkest secrets on a reality show? Doesn't she realize that even if it's never shared (which, of course it will be) it will be seen on tv? It's crazy. And I don't know how she is not walking around constantly dehydrated from all the crying.
I also don't understand Eric's reaction after Kail was voted out. After the vote, Dick was interrogating people again about the mystery vote. He should have right then and there stood up to Dick and said something about how clearly these mystery votes aren't coming from him since he didn't vote this week, and maybe he should take his witch hunt elsewhere.
I was glad to see Jessica win HoH, and figure that she'll likely put up both Dick & Danielle this week. And what was all the commotion after the HoH competition. I hope CBS shows us some of that on Sunday's show!
I don't understand her tirade on last night's episode. Yes, it was wrong of Eric to use her secret against her. But what is she thinking sharing her deepest darkest secrets on a reality show? Doesn't she realize that even if it's never shared (which, of course it will be) it will be seen on tv? It's crazy. And I don't know how she is not walking around constantly dehydrated from all the crying.
I also don't understand Eric's reaction after Kail was voted out. After the vote, Dick was interrogating people again about the mystery vote. He should have right then and there stood up to Dick and said something about how clearly these mystery votes aren't coming from him since he didn't vote this week, and maybe he should take his witch hunt elsewhere.
I was glad to see Jessica win HoH, and figure that she'll likely put up both Dick & Danielle this week. And what was all the commotion after the HoH competition. I hope CBS shows us some of that on Sunday's show!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The Final Six Dance
The final six danced tonight on So You Think You Can Dance?, and I agree with Nigel - it's going to be tough to top this week's dancing on next week's finale! Tonight's show was amazing. Simply amazing.
It's hard to critique when there was such good dancing all around. Lacey & Pasha were amazing dancing together. Their hip hop routine was one of my favorites of the season. Pasha's solo wasn't great, but the other two were so good that hopefully no one will remember him dancing with an empty dress (and how strange was that?).
Lauren & Danny were also phenomenal. I loved the choreography for both of their routines tonight - I think they won the choreography lottery! Both of their solos were good as well.
Sabra & Neil were my favorites of the night. Their jazz routine, well, WOW. It was so different than anything we've seen on the show, and they danced it so well. I liked their paso & solos as well.
Before tonight, I would have picked Sabra to win. But I have no idea after tonight's dancing. Every way I look at it I can't choose. Sabra has been so good all season, and was phenomenal again tonight. But Lacey and Lauren were phenomenal as well. And the guys? Geez lousie, I have no idea. How can you choose?
It's hard to critique when there was such good dancing all around. Lacey & Pasha were amazing dancing together. Their hip hop routine was one of my favorites of the season. Pasha's solo wasn't great, but the other two were so good that hopefully no one will remember him dancing with an empty dress (and how strange was that?).
Lauren & Danny were also phenomenal. I loved the choreography for both of their routines tonight - I think they won the choreography lottery! Both of their solos were good as well.
Sabra & Neil were my favorites of the night. Their jazz routine, well, WOW. It was so different than anything we've seen on the show, and they danced it so well. I liked their paso & solos as well.
Before tonight, I would have picked Sabra to win. But I have no idea after tonight's dancing. Every way I look at it I can't choose. Sabra has been so good all season, and was phenomenal again tonight. But Lacey and Lauren were phenomenal as well. And the guys? Geez lousie, I have no idea. How can you choose?
I'm Back...Thoughts on the Last Week in Reality TV
After another short vacation (don't you just love summer?) I'm back. Of course, reality tv didn't take a break, and things were nuttier than ever. Some thoughts on the past few weeks...
Age of Love
Yes, I actually stuck with this until the end. What a horrible show, and it only got worse as it went on. And if you're shocked that he chose a 20-something instead of the 48 year old, please stop reading this blog now. Not to be rude, but come on - are you really that stupid? I mean, did JEN even think that she would be chosen over Amanda? And how creepy would it be to introduce your boyfriend to your son, and realize that they're closer in age than you are? Ugh.
Fat March
This one is a new one, and I loved it. I know, I love any show where fat people are on scales. And these aren't just fat people - these are 500 pound fat people. The premise of the show is so basic that it's interesting - fat people walking. And with the monetary twists (that they personally lose money when people drop out or are voted out, and they don't have to vote anyone out), it's a mind game as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how this one plays out.
Shaq's Big Challenge
I know, I haven't really written much about this yet, mostly because I sat and watched the entire season in two days. I don't know why - it was on my tivo, and, once again, I like watching fat people on scales (even fat kids, I suppose). Parts of it were really interesting to me, especially the parts in the school. As a teacher, I am appalled by what is served in most school cafeterias, especially considering that it is the one hot meal that many of our students get each day. Frozen foods that are just reheated are the easiest way to go, but certainly not the healthiest. And even in schools where fresh, healthy foods are a choice, so is ice cream and cookies, so can you guess what most students buy? I applaud Shaq, Tyler Florence, and the school for being so willing to make the changes. I also am shocked at the lack of physical education in most schools. It's not that hard to work PE into the schedule - it's just a matter of doing it. As for the show itself, well, it made me realize why I don't teach middle school anymore. Let's just leave it at that. :)
Big Brother
What a few weeks it has been on Big Brother. So much has been going on...I was bummed beyond belief to see Nick get voted off, especially in the way he was. He didn't deserve to be back-doored like that. I also really feel for Eric. He's playing a rough game by voting the way that America tells him to. I thought that he would always have the option to do what America said - that in the end, he could decide how to vote. That would have been a good choice with the Nick vote - if he had voted off Nick, then it would be very easy to pin the vote from the week before on Nick. Sigh...
I thought that the plane thing added a very interesting wrinkle. I saw an interview with Nick last week, and he said that the planes fly over all the time. Usually they lock them all inside until the plane is gone (Nick actually asked people to stop sending planes because it stinks to be on lockdown inside!). But with the HoH, I guess they just had to let them see it. It could completely alter the outcome of the game. Even if Eric pulls out the vote, it has changed his alliance and has cast a shadow of doubt over his game play. I do, though, wonder what CBS will do if he gets voted out. Here's hoping that he figures out a way to pull it off.
So You Think You Can Dance?
The dancing was SO good again last week. I was shocked the week before that Kameron went home, and totally bummed last week to lose Dominic and Sara. Sara lost the dance lottery. Her hip hop routine was good but completely overshadowed by the horrible costumes (and did you love how Adam Shankman asked if they had been Punk'd by wardrobe?). And Lacey's first routine wasn't very good, but she (by the luck of the draw) got to dance Mia's routine about her dad. There's no way anyone was going home after dancing that. So we had to say goodbye to Sara and Dominic. This week is the last episode before the finale, so they'll be dancing to get in the final four. And my pick for the final four (being written before tonight's episode airs...)...Lacey, Sabra, Pasha, and Danny.
Oh yeah - I don't normally comment on the "game show"-type reality shows. I like both of the singing shows, but only because I know all the lyrics (they're actually both pretty bad, but I like to play along). But last night I tried to watch Power of 10. I say tried, because I could only make it through 10 minutes. What a horrible show. I can't believe that Drew Carey got the Price is Right gig after that.
Age of Love
Yes, I actually stuck with this until the end. What a horrible show, and it only got worse as it went on. And if you're shocked that he chose a 20-something instead of the 48 year old, please stop reading this blog now. Not to be rude, but come on - are you really that stupid? I mean, did JEN even think that she would be chosen over Amanda? And how creepy would it be to introduce your boyfriend to your son, and realize that they're closer in age than you are? Ugh.
Fat March
This one is a new one, and I loved it. I know, I love any show where fat people are on scales. And these aren't just fat people - these are 500 pound fat people. The premise of the show is so basic that it's interesting - fat people walking. And with the monetary twists (that they personally lose money when people drop out or are voted out, and they don't have to vote anyone out), it's a mind game as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how this one plays out.
Shaq's Big Challenge
I know, I haven't really written much about this yet, mostly because I sat and watched the entire season in two days. I don't know why - it was on my tivo, and, once again, I like watching fat people on scales (even fat kids, I suppose). Parts of it were really interesting to me, especially the parts in the school. As a teacher, I am appalled by what is served in most school cafeterias, especially considering that it is the one hot meal that many of our students get each day. Frozen foods that are just reheated are the easiest way to go, but certainly not the healthiest. And even in schools where fresh, healthy foods are a choice, so is ice cream and cookies, so can you guess what most students buy? I applaud Shaq, Tyler Florence, and the school for being so willing to make the changes. I also am shocked at the lack of physical education in most schools. It's not that hard to work PE into the schedule - it's just a matter of doing it. As for the show itself, well, it made me realize why I don't teach middle school anymore. Let's just leave it at that. :)
Big Brother
What a few weeks it has been on Big Brother. So much has been going on...I was bummed beyond belief to see Nick get voted off, especially in the way he was. He didn't deserve to be back-doored like that. I also really feel for Eric. He's playing a rough game by voting the way that America tells him to. I thought that he would always have the option to do what America said - that in the end, he could decide how to vote. That would have been a good choice with the Nick vote - if he had voted off Nick, then it would be very easy to pin the vote from the week before on Nick. Sigh...
I thought that the plane thing added a very interesting wrinkle. I saw an interview with Nick last week, and he said that the planes fly over all the time. Usually they lock them all inside until the plane is gone (Nick actually asked people to stop sending planes because it stinks to be on lockdown inside!). But with the HoH, I guess they just had to let them see it. It could completely alter the outcome of the game. Even if Eric pulls out the vote, it has changed his alliance and has cast a shadow of doubt over his game play. I do, though, wonder what CBS will do if he gets voted out. Here's hoping that he figures out a way to pull it off.
So You Think You Can Dance?
The dancing was SO good again last week. I was shocked the week before that Kameron went home, and totally bummed last week to lose Dominic and Sara. Sara lost the dance lottery. Her hip hop routine was good but completely overshadowed by the horrible costumes (and did you love how Adam Shankman asked if they had been Punk'd by wardrobe?). And Lacey's first routine wasn't very good, but she (by the luck of the draw) got to dance Mia's routine about her dad. There's no way anyone was going home after dancing that. So we had to say goodbye to Sara and Dominic. This week is the last episode before the finale, so they'll be dancing to get in the final four. And my pick for the final four (being written before tonight's episode airs...)...Lacey, Sabra, Pasha, and Danny.
Oh yeah - I don't normally comment on the "game show"-type reality shows. I like both of the singing shows, but only because I know all the lyrics (they're actually both pretty bad, but I like to play along). But last night I tried to watch Power of 10. I say tried, because I could only make it through 10 minutes. What a horrible show. I can't believe that Drew Carey got the Price is Right gig after that.
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