Last night I got a full double dose of self loathing. In truth, its night’s like last that led me to create the blog. Watching TV the likes of which I viewed last night leaves me excited, satisfied, titillated, disgusted, and somewhat morose. What caused all this? The season premieres of The Hills and its parent show The Real Orange County on MTV.
Let’s start with the elder show first, which has dropped the original locale of Laguna Beach and instead moved up the coast a few miles to Newport Harbor. After watching the first ep, there’s no discernable difference. After the sagging ratings that last season’s Laguna folks brought to the table it was no surprise the producers ditched Tessa and company for a bunch of newbies, although I do miss Cammy and her ginormous…linguistic skills. The problem with The Real OC is that after a first season that had legit teenage drama they’ve just tried to repeat the same formula…good girl has crush on cute boy who considers her friend but lusts for blonder bad girl who just wants to toy with him. Last night we met the Chrissy whose strict parents could end up being one of the more enjoyable aspects of the show. We also met Clay her good friend and neighbor whom she wants in the most pure and Christian way. Finally we met Allie the wild girl who wants all the guys and isn’t afraid to step on anyone’s toes to do it. Problem is we don’t know these kids (and by know I mean observe them in contrived situations for 30 minutes a week) and it will take a few weeks to see if the producers have struck gold again…or should I say fool’s gold. Of course I’ll take the ride I’m just not sure if it will end well.
Meanwhile the same producers are sticking to the formula on The Hills. Following the migration of Lauren “LC” Conrad from Laguna to LA, The Hills has exceeded its predecessor in drama and stamina. While these still aren’t people I can identify with, as I’m not a girl, rich, or on TV, I have enjoyed watching some of them grow and change. Last season you actually saw some signs of maturity emerge from Lauren as she not only worked like an adult but also handled some of her problems like an adult. Of course the real fun in watching is to see the drama and to fall in love with the lifestyle LC and her ex best friend Heidi live. The show just sucks you in and the more you fight it the more you find yourself purchasing Fergie songs on iTunes 10 minutes after the show is done. The first two episodes last night picked up more or less where last season left off. Heidi has ditched her friendship with Lauren and moved in with Satan spawn Spencer. In Spencer’s latest embarrassment to men moment, he took it upon himself to paint the couples new living room and paint it he did by commissioning a graffiti painting of the word Hollywood. Spencer then makes it up by proposing without actually proposing to Heidi. Lauren meanwhile is dealing with the rumored sex tape of her and original Satan spawn, Jason coming out. Of course this all ties together at a lavish birthday party for some rich douche at a trendy club when Lauren and Heidi face off. Lauren accuses Heidi of spreading the rumors while Heidi “acts” clueless. Meanwhile Audrina and Whitney pop up from time to time to remind us the show is about them too…in theory. The show is pure escapism from its locales to the so called problems of its stars and it’s completely engrossing but I’m guessing this will be the end of the show. While the estrangement of Heidi and LC makes for good drama it does make for a logistical nightmare for producers. I also hear Spencer and Heidi want out but not necessarily off of TV, anyone for Spencer and Heidi: Newlyweds in Hell?
Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County, Wednesdays 9:30 CST, MTV
The Hills, Mondays 9:00 CST, MTV
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