Television Greats 2005

Howdy Folks!

Thought I'd do a post on the reasons why I still watch some televison these days. It's unfortunate that there are a lot of uncreative, boring shows out there, but in my opinion there are a few that shine through and are really worth watching. Here are my top four shows to watch this season:

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4. The Apprentice
Gotta love Trump.



Debuted in: 2003
Currently: Season 3
Airs: Thursday at 9pm, CBS/Global

Synopsis: Billionaire Donald Trump puts 16-18 candidates through a rigorous job interview, which lasts several months, for a chance at a job running one of his companies. The applicants complete different tasks in order to show their merit, and one is fired each week.

The Hook: Like all reality shows, you gotta love watching idiots try to pull off different challenges, while hiding their intolerable personality traits. The Apprentice has potential because you get angry at people for screwing up, you get angry at Trump for being a dumbass, you just get angry. And although anger isn't always a good thing, it's a great thing when watching reality TV because it gets you to feel like you're on the show and you're experiencing it all for yourself.


3. Survivor
No long my fave, but a must-see.



Debuted in: 2000
Currently: Season 10
Airs: Thursday at 8pm, CBS/Global

Synopsis: 16-20 individuals are stranded on an island to compete for one million dollars. They have to survive the elements, as well as find food, build shelter, and compete in challenges for rewards and immunity from the weekly vote.

The Hook: The first reality show to really succeed in North America has millions hooked. Unlike the rest of reality TV, Survivor truly shows the foundation for human nature, and what people can really accomplish when a goal is put before them. Themes of determination, survival, and creation of civilization are prominent and a welcome presentation. The competition and deceipt attract viewers who love to say "I could do that."
**Season 10 starts tonight at 8 on Global!**


2. Desperate Housewives
Family Fun.



Debuted in: 2004
Currently: Season 1
Airs: Sunday at 9pm, ABC/CTV

Synopsis: A scripted show following the lives of many different housewives and their families. Sounds boring? The lives of these women are anything but boring, as secrets are revealed in every episode.

The Hook: DH is a great twist on the average drama, as the suspense of murder, deceipt, and stress, among other themes, create an entirely new kind of show. Since there are so many stories and sub-stories, the show, which is plotted very nicely with a narrator who is a character who was killed in the first episode, can lead you down any unexpected path. You want to watch the next episode simply because the last one left you with concerns, questions, and the desire to know what the women will do in their current situation, which never stays very current. An always changing, always dramatic masterpiece. Sure to be around for many more years!


1. Lost
The best show on television. Ever.



Debuted in: 2004
Currently: Season 1
Airs: Wednesday at 8pm, FOX/CTV

Synopsis: A plane crashes in the Pacific Ocean, via Australia, leaving over 60 people stranded. The people begin to build a small civilization, and in the meantime, begin to realize they may not be alone. The show focuses on human culture, each character's back story, as well as sci-fi elements of 'the monster', and an overlying theme of mystery.

The Hook: The show is written in a sense that each episode is a small movie, having a different main character each time. Unlike other dramas, it shows a back story which gets you involved with each character on a different level in their current situation on the island. The twists and turns this show takes leave you wanting to watch hours upon hours and you do wait for this show all week. The raw human emotion, the suspense, the eerie atmosphere, and the gasps you let out before each commercial leave you begging for more. It is simply the best show I have ever watched.

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I hope that if you had given up on television that you try watching any one of those four shows and allow a valid form of media into your lives. Television can be a bad thing, but it is also an art form, which many people unfortunately forget. Have fun!

Well, that's all for today. I'm heading back to Brantford for the weekend (fun times). I'll be back Monday for all your reading pleasure. In the meantime, take care, and don't feed the animals.

--Jam on TV