Do you ever watch those shows on HGTV, Bravo, TLC and the like that have professionals ply their skills in a reality show-type of contest? Every week they invent some kind of bizarre, time-limited scenario and the contestants have to work furiously to finish their work before the clock runs out. I confess that I’m absolutely hooked on some of these programs. If I remember correctly, the first one that I ever watched was Iron Chef. I used to watch the original Japanese version, and half the fun was listening to the laughable translations of the judges’ remarks. From there I eventually began to watch everything from Shear Genius, to Project Runway, to America’s Next Top Model (the latter being an out-and-out low point).
The most enjoyable for me have always been the clothing designer contests, of which there are several. I have a queue of them on Hulu, plus I try to catch them on the actual air date when doable. Last night I watched an episode where the combattants had to make formal evening wear out of shower curtains! The contestants were completely lost when the hostess brought them to a huge warehouse full of polyester bathroom decor. Naturally they figured out what was going on pretty quickly! I was particularly struck by a lovely, lacy number someone created out of something like these. Another contestant’s attempt at making menswear out of some tacky tropical shower curtains ended up getting him kicked off the show.
The one thing I wish they’d edit out is all the backbiting and petty fighting. I see that this is what earns the high ratings and keeps the programs on TV, but it really turns me off. Why is our society so entertained by other people’s petty quarrels? I’d never want to go on a show and have my character flaws displayed in living color for all to see. Some day I hope we can move past this particular fascination.