Media Darling: VH1 loves its trash reality
by Dane Secor
Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: Mosaic
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I didn't want to like the show. In fact, I have a history of condemning similar trash-based programs that seem to be ever-present on television today. But one unforgettable afternoon, I happened to give it a try. It happened to be a marathon day. I lost one evening of a life that would never be the same.
This past Sunday saw the conclusion of the first season (come on, like there won't be a season two?) with the airing of the "Flavor of Love" spin-off's reunion show. Viewers were treated to the usual mix of bizarre antics, near-fights, tilted hats and deleted expletives that fans of the show have come to love.
The season finale continued the show's tradition, playing like a modern-day sideshow with a cast that seems more like caricatures than real people. Comparing the show to a car accident is an outrageous understatement. "I Love New York" is a 10-car pile up being consumed by a raging inferno while blood-soaked, disemboweled bodies litter the street.
The gruesome spectacle works. In its season opener, the show drew 4.4 million viewers - a number that remained consistent throughout its run. It seems that today, success is guaranteed if a show can feature an epic search for a "butt-naked perpetrating ho," (according to suitor Chance) has characters so outlandish they refer to dolphins as water dogs and lizards as dragons and a self-proclaimed HBIC (Head Bitch in Charge) who never ceases to provide a good head-shaking laugh.
While everyone may have their favorite character, it's no secret that New York and Chance steal the show. Obviously all fans of the show don't have love for New York, whose attitude can easily polarize viewers. Whether they do or not, they should concede at least one thing - she's damn entertaining.
Although New York eventually surprised most viewers by choosing Ninja Turtle Tango (her "Rock") over Chance (her "Fire"), the outcome didn't have any effect on what many view as the guiltiest of pleasures. Fans with this outlook can't wait for a new season. Others may feel like they are bearing witness to the decline of Western civilization.
The producers at VH1 discovered a gold mine when they chose Flava Flav for "The Surreal Life." The premiere of "Charm School" last Sunday is a testament to the fact that there is no end in sight for the inevitable succession of spin-offs shows. With any luck, it will turn out to be as much of a gluttonous, brain-cell devouring beast as its predecessors.
As long as VH1 keeps finding hilariously out-of-control people for their shows, they will continue to pull in ratings as high as "I Love New York." Besides renewing the show for another season, VH1 should do one more thing - give Chance his own show. And put Mr. Boston in it.
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