Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

COLUMN: Trivial network TV not lost on intellectuals
By Matthew Plotnik
Daily Trojan (USC)
02/22/2007

(U-WIRE) LOS ANGELES — Remember the days when intellectual television flooded the airwaves? When stations weren't filled with reality shows or mindless game shows?

I hear it from teachers, read about it and listen to complaints from some of my more intelligent friends. The media has been polluted by pitiful attempts at entertainment. These people believe the days of enriching content are numbered.

They are right, but I'm not complaining.

This attempt at dumbing down the masses thrills me. I'm a Dean's List student in the Annenberg School, and I watch several hours of television a day.

To be honest, one of my favorite shows right now is "Deal or No Deal." It's embarrassing because most people can't believe I'm interested in such a menial show. I love every breathtaking moment, from when host Howie Mandel tells one of the beautiful women to open her case, to when he utters those great words: "Deal or No Deal?"

Contestants don't go through the type of testing and screening Jeopardy contestants must go through. There are no IQ tests or studying for this game show. I think that's what makes this game show appealing - anyone can play it.

The contestants are all exciting characters. It's easy to root for or boo each one. My friends and I religiously watch the show. We scream every time family members convince the contestant to say "no deal," even though he knows he is about to lose everything, and we cheer at the same time because it makes for exciting television.

It's fun to get excited over other people's fortune or misfortune. Sometimes - and this is a critique of these shows - it's more fun when a person wins nothing.

People enjoy watching other people in vulnerable situations. Look at the countless articles about "American Idol" and the positive ratings the show gets when Simon Cowell and the other self-proclaimed singing experts pick apart a person's dreams for entertainment purposes. I'm not a big fan of this show, but I understand its entertainment value.

In many ways, "Deal or No Deal" mirrors a soap opera: There is happiness, sadness, excitement and fear. All the components of a serial drama come alive in this game show.

Other reality shows are also exciting. I told myself I would never watch shows such as "The Amazing Race" or "The Apprentice," but when I watch them with friends, we all get into it. It's fun to engage in commentary about a specific episode. I watch "The Apprentice" not because it's quality television programming - which it isn't - but because there is great entertainment value. It's so absurd that it's entertaining. I am not a fan of Donald Trump, and I see no credibility in his kids as business critics, but it's great seeing him fire someone. I especially like when the potential employees cry and plead for him to reconsider.

This type of mindless entertainment keeps me going. I like a balance. Watching "The Sopranos," "Entourage" or even a new favorite of mine - "Heroes" - is great, but it's also nice to watch a show where I don't need to think a lot or concentrate.

My mom got me hooked on "Project Runway." I'm not afraid to admit that, either; it's one of my favorites.

In season two, Santino was the best, not because he knew how to make a dress, but because he was so animated.

Reality television is crap, but it's enjoyable crap. Maybe I'm getting stupider watching these shows; if that's the case, goodbye, high IQ and dean's list.

It's entertainment. Get over it.

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