Too Much Reality...

Been watching my decent fill of TV shows back in Seattle in 2001-2002. Most of it attributed to Cable TV, basic package or otherwise. By around 2002, I started to notice something about some of the shows offered on the major channels. Its the slew of "reality" shows I have come across since the passing mention of it from reading my brother's zentertainment email though zentertainment is no more.

I have never yet watched the well-liked "The Truman Show" starring Jim Carrey, but it appears more prevalent now that most shows would follow such a format. Whether it be a date that clicks or not, an exploration and confrontation of one's fears and moreso which deserving talent stays or not by high-standard judges in the entertainment industry or by the number of votes phoned in, the truth has been apparent: The viewers of early 2000 TV are hooked on so-called Reality TV.

No aspect of everyday living is considered spared from the gaze of public fascination through the lens of the video camera. Whether they be mundane domestic concerns in any setting or in controlled enviroments the cameras takes in the interaction and scenery within reason of one's privacy allowed. Moreso that it harkens the sci-fi idea of a society under close surveillance 24-7/12-365 by an omnipresent government. Its kinda like Big Brother meets the Matrix in a way.

The US started churning these shows given that the viewers are out looking for the new thing since everything else is "been there, done that". It was just a unexpected stroke of success they have doing these shows that are like looking into a fish bowl, a hamster cage or an ant farm. Its like a more involving version of a documentary that's more dynamic than its clinical treatment done on the subject matter. People would see emotions, the snide remarks, the whole enchilada if possible within the standards of decency or not.

Such explorations with "reality tv" have been done to a lot of effect in sci-fi and other milieus in terms of parody or a social commentary.
I mean the stuff so far we have at present are pretty tame and safe currently but what about when shows later on show real suffering and violence like televising the hunt of a convict-contestant where his/her price is freedom and some other rewards. The catch is that the contestant is pursued by hunters of all stripes to indulge their skills and bloodlust. This premise was used in some sci-fi books, videogames and while back in the Arnold-starrer "Running Man".

I guess entertainment have gone through both range of the spectrums from "virtual" to now at "reality", though virtual shows are not fully realized yet but the leaps in technology would allow it happen soon. Reminds me much of Max Headroom and the many virtual idols made in Europe and Japan. Very much a reminder of Virtual Light, Idoru and All Tomorrow's Parties by William Gibson of Neuromancer fame.

I just hope that the state of entertainment doesn't spiral down on account of looking for the next big thing to catch the viewers' attention. *Turns off the TV in the doghouse.*