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Reality Shows Out of Control

By Amber R. Perry
Black College Wire

When reality shows first hit the airwaves, I will be the first to admit I was hooked. "Real World," "The Surreal Life," "Laguna Beach," "5th and Ocean," "Survivor," "Being Bobby Brown," everything! I was a reality junkie and I needed another hit. But like all addicts, I came crashing down from my high.

By far, VH1 has outdone the competition with its "celebreality" —- taking former A-list stars and recording their everyday lives. Such is the premise for VH1's show "The Surreal Life."

It was hilarious to watch Da Brat deny she was a has-been while Verne Troyer (Mini-Me from "Austin Powers") got drunk and rode around in his scooter naked.

On most television shows, the reality shows rarely escalate beyond the occasional hot-tub scene, drunken catfights and buckets of tears. But on "Surreal Life 3," things got downright out of control.

Enter Flavor Flav of Public Enemy and Brigitte Nielsen of "Beverly Hills Cop II," two falling stars. At first, Flav and Nielsen do not get along. Nielsen makes remarks about Flav's gold fronts (I do not blame her) and Flav comments on her height.

While I was chomping on a bowl of popcorn, Flav and Nielsen kissed. Not once, but twice. I was not shocked that a hookup among the cast happened, I expected it, but not from two opposites like Nielsen and Flav. Like everyone else who watched "Surreal Life 3," I thought it a publicity stunt to boost ratings. When the show ended, I expected that would be the end of the Flavor Flav-Brigitte Nielsen love saga.

I could not have been more wrong. In less than a week, commercials were airing about part two: "Strange Love." What could this new show reveal about their love that we did not know on "Surreal Life 3?" From what the producers, creators and Flav and Nielsen have shown us, we did not know anything about the depths of their affection for each other.

As with watching a car accident, I could not pull myself away from the train wreck that was "Strange Love." But surprisingly enough, the show was on the mundane side. Other than Nielsen meeting Flav's family and vice-versa, I was not impressed.

Have you seen "Flavor of Love?"

Did you see when Pumpkin spit in New York's face?

Weren't you a little surprised when Hoopz won?

Do you think New York was sincere about her love for Flav?

Or just a little crazy?

I could dedicate an entire "I'm Just Askin'" to this show.

See, I have no problem with reality shows or women trying to land a man. But Flavor Flav?! Was Biz Markie too busy?

Amber R. Perry, a student at Southern University, writes for the Southern Digest.

Posted April 10, 2006