Reality is remembering to pay the rent on time to avoid a late fee. Reality is being half way to the subway station and wondering if the front door is locked. Reality is having to check your online banking account because the ATM at the Eagle is acting fritzy. There is enough reality in reality.
Reality television, at one time a novel concept, has taken the typical route of anything owned by a corporate entity. Basic formulas are repeated again and again with 'twists' that run from mildly surprising to rather mundane. Increased product placements have further dulled the concept. Even the beloved Project Runway has had its jump the shark moment with designer Bradley Baumkirchner proclaiming that TRESemmé® hair gel has improved his appearance.
Worse still is the increasingly mean spirit that pervades the shows. As full personalities are whittled into "relatable characterizations" the humanity of the participants is ignored. All in the pursuit of dreams that are likely to not be realized. After six seasons American Idol has produced just one star. With regular frequency Tyra Banks forces tears from young women with no chance of ever even being America's Next Sears Catalog Model.
To really escape reality this fall, look for drama and comedy, written by writers and acted by actors. Top on the list are the first English-language telenovela-style shows debuting on MyNetwork. Fashion House in particular looks to serve up camp drama not seen on the screen since Marcia Cross pulled off the wig as crazy Kimberly on Melrose Place.
Airing Monday through Friday with a Saturday recap, Fashion House stars Morgan Fairchild, Bo Derek, Tippi Hedren, and Nicole Pulliam. (Admission time: Nicole is a friend of a friend whom I've met and adore.) Clips of the show promise multiple cat-fights (including one in a swimming pool) which have been direly missed on television. Also served up is the high-fashion jet-setters wallowing in deception and lust. And from the clips seen thus far, Nicole's character Nikki Clark sports a plethora of wigs. Cat-fights, deception, lust and wigs. Color me sold.
