July 8, 2012

Rules of Reality TV

I have a new post up at my Nick Redfern’s World of Whatever blog that demonstrates why I have a loathing for most paranormal, supernatural, cryptozoological, ufological and Fortean-driven shows of a “Reality TV” nature.

Here’s my opening words:

“Would it be possible – just once will be fine! – to see a supernatural, paranormal or Fortean-themed ‘Reality TV’ show that offers the viewer at least a bit of originality? It’s almost like there’s a book that all the writers, directors and producers consult before they lazily crank out the latest piece of tat. Perhaps there is…Here are, as I see them anyway, the Ten Commandments of supernatural on-screen ‘entertainment’ (in no particular order). There’s nothing positive about these commandments, however. Unless you view ‘predictable’ and ‘tedious’ as having merit – which I don’t.”

1. Thou shalt always have thy team comprised of more men than women. The former should generally sport some form of headwear (either a baseball cap or something befitting Indiana Jones). The latter should always be kept away from Manna from Heaven and the food of the gods. Anorexic-looking, in other words.

2. Ensure that thy cast doth drive a flashy all-terrain vehicle rather than a car. If that same vehicle can be filled with lots of cameras, weird-looking devices and advanced technologies – and bountiful shots of such items can be captured for the viewer – ye will reap rewards beyond thy imagination (that’s to say you will get your expenses paid a week early).

And here are the remainder of the commandments, as delivered from on high (the network, I mean)…

Filed under Cryptozoology, Lair of the Beasts, Pop Culture, Television, Videos