Mad Mad House

[mmu1]

I didn't really think that. Guess I just kept the whole context (people, competing for money, on a "reality" show) in mind--and I think the Alts are playing a game, too. After all, they were hired to make an interesting t.v. show. No conflict = no drama = boring. And they really show that they're playing a game when they say things like Don did. They were talking about how the regulars were going to get their mind messed with--and Don put on his patented evil grin and said something like "Oh, definitely."

Oh, I feel no pity for anyone dumb enough to go on one of these shows It's just the attitude the writers of the show (and some of the people around here) seem to have toward the less-enlightened "normals" (whatever the hell that's supposed to mean) in general that gets on my nerves.

If you're an "alt" sticking to your beliefs means you're a brave iconoclast, fighting against the mundane and celebrating diversity.

If you're a "normal", sticking to your beliefs means you're a close-minded bigot. :\

 

[reiella]

Oh, I feel no pity for anyone dumb enough to go on one of these shows It's just the attitude the writers of the show (and some of the people around here) seem to have toward the less-enlightened "normals" (whatever the hell that's supposed to mean) in general that gets on my nerves.

If you're an "alt" sticking to your beliefs means you're a brave iconoclast, fighting against the mundane and celebrating diversity.

If you're a "normal", sticking to your beliefs means you're a close-minded bigot. :\

Not necessarily, they accept each other's "different beliefs" and will participate in some of the trials as well.

Of course, it's also a matter of them being the hosts and it "being their house", and we are not quite likly to see more mainstream ideals being 'pushed' towards the alts.

I just haven't seen any of the idea that their "beliefs" are somehow better, just that they want the others to be exposed to the different beliefs.

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

BS. The alts talk a good game, but they've done nothing to prove they're open-minded - do you seriously believe they'd be as open minded about each other's lifestyles as they expect the "normals" to be? Can you imagine the naturist drinking blood, or the "vampire" running around naked in the middle of the day? Maybe the witch could try hanging by hooks from the ceiling (if they can find a place to stick them that wouldn't leak silicone).

There's an implication inherent in the show that the beliefs of the "alts" are somehow valuable for being so extreme, but that whatever the "normals" believe is just a sign of being close-minded, and that those people have a void inside them waiting to be filled, which, frankly, is incredibly insulting...

I'll definatly agree that there seems to be a tilt that more 'mainstream' beliefs are closed minded...and while that is definatly not a good thing, it seems kind of unavoidable with how the show it set up. Besides, its not for the Alts to prove themselves...its for the Guests to prove themselves to WIN money.

 

[Barendd Nobeard]

So, anyone still watching this show?

I don't believe in guilt, so I won't call it my "guilty pleasure." But it's the only t.v. show I make a point to watch. (Well, this and South Park.)

Spoiler

I was sad to see Bonnie go last week. And this week was a no-brainer. I could not believe what a yutz Tim was; he would have been gone last week if he hadn't won immunity.

Not as good as the first few weeks, but Art's "suspension ritual" showed just how uncomfortable his alternative lifestyle can make people. And when he picked up Nichole--yowza! I think if people really knew about "modern primitives" (try reading the RE/Search book on it--there are some disturbing pictures in that book), it would quickly gain just as much stigma as the voodoo, witch, and vampire "lifestyles."

 

[reiella]

Still watching.

Don is coming off more and more as a poseur as it progresses to me, so I don't know what to think.

Next week should be interesting for that at least.

It's entertaining to see some of the 'plotting' going on amongst the guests at least.

 

[Barendd Nobeard]

Still watching.

Don is coming off more and more as a poseur as it progresses to me, so I don't know what to think.

Next week should be interesting for that at least.

It's entertaining to see some of the 'plotting' going on amongst the guests at least.

With only 5 guests left, I think the plotting will get more intense. But, it seems like the alts have never seen "Survivor" (which doesn't surprise me). I get the feeling that Fiona will be royally pissed when she find out how those two guys are playing her. Which is kind of funny, since she is so un-subtle about playing people herself. She isn't half the master player she probably thinks she is.

I don't really remember much of Don recently. I think they've been focusing on the whole Fiona angle (probably since that's where the guests are doing the most plotting).

 

[Brown Jenkin]

I'm still watching but it is not great. My opinion of the hosts has developed and changed somewhat.

Art and Avacado: I was not sure about them when this started but they seem to be the most interesting and reliable of the lot. I would trust both of them to make the right decisions in most cases. Both seem the most spiritualy stable of the lot.

Shia whatever (Voodoo Preistess): I have not seen enough of her to fully develop an opinion. She seems nice and is definitely serious about her religion.

Fiona: Boy has she gone down. Her religious belief seem to be whatever is most convienient to her and boy is she stupid in the way she is being played. Avacado this last episode said that he saw through their act, now if Fiona would just listen.

Don: Never took vampires seriously before, and still don't. He seems more of a freak than someone who can teach personal spirituality like the others. His temper seems to be coming through and I question his powers of human observation since he seems to be falling for the conspiracy as well.

 

[Creamsteak]

I watched the last half hour of one episode. I agree with the person that stated that some of the "Alts" seem very closed in around their belief structures. Art hanging from the ceiling was a little bit disturbing to me, but other than that, I don't know if any of it would really bother me. Vampire boy is damn-lame though.

 

[Villano]

I don't watch, but I've still seen bits and pieces of it. From what I've seen, I like Art and Avacado. Art seems like a cool guy and Avacado is just happy.

I'm glad other people are not liking Don the Trekkie, er, Vampire. BTW, I caught a glimpse of the episode of Art waking Don up early. Don was pissed and sounded like he was calling Art out. Is that what happened? If so, Don's taking the vampire stuff way too seriously. Does he think he has superstrength? Art looks like he could fold him up and stuff him through a mail slot.

 

[DMScott]

So, anyone still watching this show?

I caught most of last night's episode because the Apprentice was mostly bad. MMH wasn't bad, but it really needs a more skilled production team. The show could be much improved with more interaction (and competition) among the alts, since that's where the voting power lies. Maybe something like have each alt pick a secret protegee in the first or second episode, and if a protegee wins the alt gets a prize as well. That would create an interesting subtext to the voting. There was a little of that last night - Art clearly wanted Nicole to stay while Fiona clearly wanted her gone - and more intrigue would make things interesting.

As it is, it was interesting to see the two guys working on playing the game, where most of the others didn't seem to realize there was a game on. They were almost painfully bad at manipulation, though, but that should make for some fun TV when it all blows up in their faces.

Among the alts:

Art - the one I respect the most - it's not like he can walk away from his chosen lifestyle. He also seems to be pretty level-headed.

Avocado - the least 'alt' of them, so far as I can tell. He's a normal guy who eats a lot of salad and likes to run around naked - maybe I'm jaded, but so what? I guess he could pose a challenge for people with strong nudity taboos, but usually people who sign up as reality show contestants aren't exactly level-headed.

Don - I wonder if White Wolf will sign him as an official spokesman? I can't say I've ever had much respect for the "vampires" I've known, and Don hasn't changed that so far. Well, I guess I have a grudging respect for somebody who sleeps all day and goes to clubs a lot, and gets that portrayed as an "alternative lifestyle".

Fiona - nice looking, appears to have a huge chip on her shoulder. Not shy about saying whatever comes to mind, either. That would be annoying in the real world, but on a show it just makes her good TV. If this show has another season in it, she and Art will have to give everyone else some pointers on how to play the cameras.

Iya - she seems to be "most likely to be faking an alt lifestyle", which is an impressive accomplishment considering Don's in the mix. That "dive into the sacred voodoo goop and find the trinkets I bought at Wal-Mart" challenge was a hoot. She needs to be more vocal, rather than just trying to brood and look evil, to make better TV.

All in all, the show has some potential if the producers are willing to make a few changes. Maybe Mark Burnett will buy 'em out .