RAVE
A funnier “South Park“
Just when it seemed like Comedy Central’s series South Park may fade away into Beavis obscurity, the cable network unleashed a barrage of hilarious new episodes beginning in early June. And the show’s gotten funnier, with entire story lines dedicated to Timmy (“Timm-ah!”). What’s more, South Park‘s increased usage of profanity–exemplified by a recent episode in which the word “sh*t” was used 162 times without being bleeped by censors–has been met with little criticism. Kudos to series creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for pushing the envelope–and finally getting their way, even if it is only on cable.
RANT
“Sopranos” son’s bonehead arrest
After his July 4 arrest on charges of second-degree robbery and marijuana possession, “Sopranos” star Robert Iler said that he’d “never, ever rob anyone” in his life. Seems he forgot about that pesky drug charge in his statement. Iler’s mother later promised that her son would never get into trouble again. Sure, ma.
But who’s the true winner in this actor’s unfortunate debacle? Tie: Todd Bridges and Macaulay Culkin. You’re off the media’s chopping board for now, boys.
RAVE
“Fear Factor” holds strong
Congrats to NBC’s intense reality series Fear Factor, which scored the No. 11 spot in the rankings last week, according to Nielsen Media Research, and grabbed the No. 1 spot in viewers 18-49. The show–a fierce blend of obstacle-course running, insect-munching and nagging mental anguish–continues to remain fresh, witty and downright raw. It’s more compelling than Spy TV, more brutal than Survivor, and as for The Mole–well, Factor‘s contestants would most likely have to eat The Mole to win. Edgy and barbaric.
RANT
Wimbledon, sans HBO
There’s nothing like watching a grueling tennis match on Centre Court–a match that’s interrupted by Metamucil ads every two minutes. You can’t blame either NBC or TNT for such marketing practices, but you can scold HBO for dropping its decades-long, commercial-free coverage of the event after last year’s tourney. But the future of Wimbledon coverage appears to be Metamucil from here on out, like it or not.
RANT
“Big Brother 2” gets ruthless
Big Brother 2–it’s Survivor, indoors. Essentially, borrowing ideas from Survivor is what’s making Big Brother 2 worth watching. Voting off your brethren, competing for your share of the day’s food, more attractive contestants, increased chance for romance. Sure, it’s an idea that worked very well for CBS in the past, so it’s hard to criticize Brother‘s producers. But couldn’t some more creative changes have been made? And if Survivor indeed is the inspiration, will we see another contestant fall face first into a fire and pretend it was an accident for some publicity?
