Reality Fear Factor
Normally, NBC’s Fear Factor is a guilty pleasure that I successfully avoid; however, last night was the first of a two-part, “Reality TV” special edition of Fear Factor. So you know that I had to watch — especially after having read about the altercation between host Joe Rogan & Jonathan (of TAR:6’s Jonathan & Victoria fame)!
The first episode of Reality FF turned out to be much more entertaining than I feared it might be, and the reality tv stars were actually pretty good –
- Craig & Tana - The Apprentice 3
- Anthony & Carmen - American Idol (4 & 2, respectively)
- The Miz & Trishelle - The Real World
- Fairplay & Twila - Survivor (Marquesas & Vanuatu, respectively)
- Jonathan & Victoria - The Amazing Race 6
The first stunt, a demolition derby, was very entertaining, and served to lay the groundwork for a nice “gotcha” decision at the start of the second stunt, where the winners (Carmen & Anthony) could either choose to keep their African Safari prize or give it back & get a pass in the second (elimination) stunt. The “gotcha” was that, whichever choice they made, they then had to choose another team to receive that which they didn’t choose! So, if they chose to take the free pass, they had to give the African Safari to one of the other teams, and if they kept the safari, they had to give the free pass to another team. Interestingly enough, they kept the safari & gave the free pass to Craig & Tana.
That, then, left the other 4 teams to compete for 3 spots. Fortunately, and quite humorously, the other teams (especially Fairplay & Twila) were aware of the dysfunction-bordering-on-abusive type of relationship that Jonathan & Victoria have, and they took full advantage of that knowledge. Even on the best of days, from what we’ve seen during their stints on TAR:6, a primetime special with Dr. Phil, & Battle of the Reality TV Stars, Victoria is whiney & overly-dramatic, and Jonathan is an overbearing, over-competitive, & arrogant-bordering-on-delusional loudmouth jerk. And they played to type over the course of the two stunts.
The best part, though, was watching Fairplay & the others (but mainly Fairplay) manipulate & goad them to new levels of delusion & dysfunction. The absolute funniest part (even funnier & more entertaining that the “fight” between Rogan & Jonathan, IMO) was Victoria whining to Jonathan that all the other teams were “against them,” to which Jonathan replied, “They’re not against me — it’s you!” 
Words fail me. They simply fail me. Thankfully, laughter didn’t fail me…
After that gem, Victoria punching Fairplay, and Miz having to pull Joe & Jonathan apart (along with the accompanying dialog) were merely anti-anticlimactically engaging & entertaining. If you watched it, you’ll know what I mean, and if you didn’t, then you need to try and find a rerun or a copy of the episode online.
Funny, funny stuff…
-ghp
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