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)…

Nick Redfern About Nick Redfern
Punk music fan, Tennents Super and Carlsberg Special Brew beer fan, horror film fan, chocolate fan, like to wear black clothes, like to stay up late. Work as a writer.

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