Battle Camp

Not enough development and far too much terrible music. Like ear bleeding bad music. I don't want to put in the effort in typing 500 more characters because this show isn't worth it. The show was already enough effort to watch because it was so boring. Every time something interesting started to happen, the show cut to two minutes of nauseating alt-rock-pop noise and panned around to scenery or "hot" body shots of the competitors. These shots of shrubs accompanied by "edgy" tween bops of the early 2010s encompassed about half the shows screen time. I can enjoy mind-numbing, petty "reality" TV, but this was just not good.

I like the concept of the show: the games, the structure, and the overall idea are engaging. While some might find the use of the wheel unfair, I personally don't mind it; in fact, it adds an unpredictable twist that keeps things interesting.

However, as the series progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that much of the show is scripted. The contestants, while seemingly spontaneous, can come across as "good" actors playing assigned roles to stir up drama and specific dynamics. While this might be entertaining to some, certain moments feel overly produced and, frankly, quite fake, making it hard to suspend disbelief.

The blend of reality and performance doesn't always land well, and for viewers hoping for more authentic reactions and competition, it might be disappointing...

Ok so Battle Camp on Netflix is seriously my new fave show. Like no joke it's miles ahead of any other comp show on there, even The Circle which I used to be obsessed with. It gives Survivor meets The Challenge vibes but with way better energy and a more chill, fun atmosphere. The music slaps, the guys on the cast are hot af, and it actually feels real like the producers aren't constantly trying to stir stuff up. It's refreshing. The cast has chemistry, the challenges are fun to watch, and I legit can't stop binging it. I really hope they do a season 2 cause I'm hooked. Honestly I didn't expect to love it this much but now I'm telling all my friends to watch. It's that good.

Love competition shows but the spinning of the wheel took most of the competition aspect away as it all came down to luck for each episode and even the final. The challenges were uncreative - for example critter food challenge, fire challenge, walk the plank and even a spelling bee which made me sad for our youth that they even had to think about those easy words let alone miss some if them. One shining light of the show was Trey who made the show fun, always smiling, upbeat, talented, and positive despite how badly others treated him. Even though he strategized, which is necessary to win, he still always had a smile. Some of the others had bitter looks on their faces and schemed negatively. One male contestant even left the show like a child when he wasn't winning. The most fun contestants left before the final so it could have been better. Even after all that would like to see another season to see how the show might develop.

Netflix reality shows have been a mixed bag. This cast somewhat represents that being that they're all from Netflix reality shows, but from a wide variety granted. It was boring to see certain individuals on the show crumble under the pressure of a competition show but the ones from more competitive shows managed to keep it interesting. The host is a bit generic but isn't annoying or grating in anyway and that's honestly hard to do these days. He even manages to be fairly sensitive and personable at times. Just wish he would be a bit more firm when some people chicken out or make dumb moves.

This shows major characteristic is however the wheel of misfortune/ the final wheel of fortune. It makes it unique yes, but it makes it a gamble for taking out great players who just happen to be on the board once. Not the worst flaw, it adds drama, but at the expense of having players the audience might want to see win.

Ultimately I do think this more wide variety skills based competition is a good choice for Netflix reality, even if it's very similar to *cough* The Challenge *cough*. If they can bring in cast members as interesting as Trey, Lorenzo, Shuby, and Avori again I'll watch another season.