Ah, this week two of my favorite reality shows return — Survivor and The Amazing Race! But, just because they’re not on yet doesn’t mean the reality TV genre fan has nothing to watch. Nosirree, Bob! Right now The Bachelor is in full swing, American Idol has taken over the world once again, and Chef Gordon Ramsay is belittling and screaming at a new bunch of chef wannabes in Hell’s Kitchen. Life is good for a reality show fan.
Sure, the scripted TV shows have also picked up this month. That always leaves me with the dilemma of too much to watch and too little time. Right this moment I want to thank all of the networks who make full episodes of shows available online. You guys rock!
That was the week it was
In Hell’s Kitchen, Chef Ramsay is up to his usual evil ways. The man may know how to cook, but I don’t ever want him in my kitchen or helping me cook. Micro-manager mixed with psychotic reaction mixed with sharp utensils. It sounds to me like a recipe for catastrophe! The Blue Team won the shucking scallops competition and had their reward with Ramsay. Robert wasn’t allowed to ride in the helicopter due to his weight. How embarrassing is that? Then, by the time he arrived for the Catalina outing, it was time to go back. The Red Team also had to put up two of their mates for elimination. They decided Colleen and Tracey. But, in the end, the injured Ji (twisted ankle) volunteered to leave. Ramsay let her keep her chef’s jacket. Aw, he must have a heart, eh?
American Idol got hot and heavy into Hollywood Week. The first night was a one shot deal for each contestant. They sang one song. If they blew, they were gone. The second night was the group efforts and all of the underlying drama within the groups. We lost the Osmond, the cute girl Rose, and (thankfully) Bikini Girl. Nancy Wilson was out of the running as she “sabotaged” her group according to the judges. Drama, drama, drama and only a bit of good singing. I’m still liking the male teacher who recently lost his wife. I won’t miss Bikini Girl, nor Kara’s reaction to said Bikini Girl.
Over on The Bachelor, Jason headed to his hometown of Seattle accompanied by the five remaining bachelorettes. We’re talking one group date and two one-on-one dates, but no roses. Jason was reunited with his son Ty after being apart for two weeks. Jason claims that he wants to find the woman who’s not only right for him, but for Ty, too. I’d suggest not finding one on a television show. But that’s just me. Stephanie was cut this week even though Jason went on about how special she is. Gag me with a spoon, please. Now.
Alas, local crew Ringmasters was eliminated on Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew. Sniffle.
Coming soon
Survivor Tocantins premieres Thursday, February 12 at 8 PM ET/PT. From the promos, two castaways will be voted out before they’re even castawayed! Yowser! As I studied the content on the official website, there’s a few I wouldn’t mind not watching for the season. I’m sorry. Any castaway who’s a fan of Johnny Fairplay just makes my stomach hurt. He can go.
The Amazing Race starts its run on Sunday, February 15, also at 8 PM ET/PT. Be there or be square.
Clacked by Jackie Schnoop 
on Feb 09, 2009 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
Finally Survivor and TAR are back. To be honest I don’t feel so good about the jungle setting for I think the worst season ever was set in the jungle (was it nine? I think so).
Anyway, can’t wait :-)
Survivor fans, if you are happy it’s BAAACK! then get your questions ready for the first player booted off Survivor: Tocantins – there’s a live chat with them on Friday, 2/13. This season Fancast.com will be hosting live chats with the contestant voted off Survivor the day after the episode is broadcast on CBS. The first chat for Survivor: Tocantins is Friday, Feb. 13 at 12 noon (ET)/9 am (PT).
The chat is at https://www.fancast.com/blogs/live-chat/live-chat-with-the-first-booted-survivor-tocantins-castaway/
It should be lively so ask away about what happened to them, their take on the other contestants, etc.
Cheers,
Jim (for Fancast)