reality show

So You Think You Can Doubt

/ Alex Doriot / Leave a comment

Time to come clean and reveal a dirty little secret. My favorite guilty pleasure of the summer is a show called “So You Think You Can Dance.”

I’m a fan of reality shows which track and reward a contestant’s growth over the course of the series. “Survivor”, older seasons of “American Idol”, even “Celebrity Apprentice”. I love seeing real people face down seemingly insurmountable challenges and overcome them, learning more about themselves and life along the way.

(Also I have an unhealthy crush on host Cat Deeley.)

But what I love most about “So You Think You Can Dance” is the moment of doubt. Continue reading →

The Hollow Treasures Of Storage Wars

/ Alex Doriot / Leave a comment

Why is “Storage Wars” one of the most popular shows on television? A&E’s megahit has turned the relatively obscure practice of bidding on expired storage units into the most popular game show on television.

Each episode builds up the anticipation of not only finding out the contents of each unit, but then learning just how much each unit is worth (though my biggest problem with the show is the values are often dubious in their interpretation).

Secretly everyone watching considers becoming a storage unit bidder. You think to yourself, “Is it really that easy? Spend a hundred bucks on a storage unit and turn a couple thousand dollars profit?

I thought about “Storage Wars” quite a bit as I prepared for our church’s yard sale this past weekend. At one point I even met a church member at her storage unit to pick up some items.

She had not been to the unit in years. When she unlocked the door the mountainous contents were overwhelming. Continue reading →

How To Find A Hidden Immunity Idol

/ Alex Doriot / Leave a comment

malcolm-freberg-survivor-caramoanThe immunity idol.

The only way to secure yourself another day in the game of Survivor.

Win an immunity challenge and you hold the idol until the next Tribal Council.

You cannot be voted out. You are safe.

A few seasons ago, Survivor producers tweaked the game by throwing in the wrench of the Hidden Immunity Idol.

Now players could use clues and search around camps for secret idols buried in the sand which could grant them safety.

The hidden immunity idols have grown in importance (and frequency) in recent seasons, creating unmatched excitement as players scramble for the extra edge it provides. The idols have dramatically altered this season in Caramoan, giving us some of the best moments as Malcolm both saved and cursed himself with his idol behavior.

What makes Survivor the greatest reality show of all time is that it reflects and reveals truths in our own lives. We’re all searching for immunity idols. We all look for ways to stay alive a little longer. Continue reading →