Na Real

Whenever I think about this show "Real World", I always think about the locations of the show: Boston, Chicago, Hawaii, Las Vegas, London, LA, Miami, New Orleans, NYC, Paris, San Francisco, Seattle. All of these cities are very exciting cities, but there is a problem here.

All of the mentioned places are regarded as high-profile cities, world class cities, international cities, EXPENSIVE cities. These are the cities which are shown in "bold print" on world maps. These are the cities where "nightlife" is booming. These are the cities where tourists flock for vacations. These are the cities that are shown on television all the time. These are the cities which are fast-paced. These are the cities where the "action" is. These are cities which will never be classified as "boring".

However, there is more to geography, and more to life, than that. If this show is supposed to be called the "Real World", give people just that. What about having the "Real World" take place in these types of places:

¨ Cheyenne, WY ¨ Binghamton, NY ¨ Savannah, GA ¨ Columbia, MO ¨ Dayton, OH

Or, if you want to take the international route, how about these places:

¨ Sussex, England ¨ Nice, France ¨ London, Ontario (as opposed to London, England) ¨ Cork, Ireland ¨ Perth, Australia

The idea here, is that all of these places are not regarded as the "world class" places like NYC or Paris. These places are slower-paced. These places don't have the "nightlife" that Chicago or Hawaii has. Tourists do not flock to these places like they do to San Francisco or Vegas. However, these "other" cities are special in their own way. They give you a look into what life is "really" like, without all the hussle and bussle.

Why has the "Real World" NOT taken place in lesser-profile places? It's on MTV. MTV appeals to Generation X'ers with short attention spans who want excitement and action-packed locales. They will not get action in Little Rock, Arkansas, nor will it keep their attention.

Also, how can early twenty-somethings who are just getting started in life afford to live like royalty in these high-priced places?

Perhaps I'm too critical. Perhaps I'm not. MTV is not exactly intelligent television like PBS or the Discovery Channel. The "Real World" is not going to appeal to people in their 30's and beyond. Even though others have discussed the other putrid aspects of this show, I felt that the location issue should have been addressed.

I used to like this show, it was something to watch when nothing else was on. Unfortunately, MTV USA have really shot themselves in the foot by regularly showing nothing but Real World reruns for hours on end. When will MTV's scheduling team get a clue? Real World re-runs get very very old, very quickly. Every time I see this show now I flip channels!

I am a "Real World" addict. I have watched practically every episode of every season a dozen times each. When the MTV casting call came her to UNC-CH, I was one of the first people in line to audition for the show (though I didn't make it). What is it that has made this show such a cultural phenomenon? It is simply that society craves the act of seeing real people put into strange situations. It is like a car crash beside the side of the road--you don't mean to look as you pass by, but you just have to. But there is nothing wrong with loving this show. It is like any other tv show. It is a way to live out your fantasies through other people. You might never get to live in a phat pad with a bunch of beautiful people, but at least you can appreciate the fact that people like Amaya (my all time favorite cast member) are able to do just that.

Like previous posters, I too am curious. What on earth happened to the show this used to be? What happened to putting together seven strangers of all different shapes and sizes, from all different walks of life, the good, the bad, and yes... even the ugly, just to see how things turn out? What happened to letting them fend for themselves instead of giving them money, jobs, and projects to keep them occupied? Where did the individualism, the goals and the character go?

Is it just me, or does anyone else miss the med students, business entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, race car drivers... heck, even a cop! Was it fair to replace them with a bunch of "pretty people" with six pack abs, and teeny waists who's only goal appears to be who can "hook up" with who first? Some may say that the former doesn't fairly represent most of today's youth, but the latter certainly doesn't either!

I think it's just run it's course. When a show has run it's course, the creators resort to pathetic tactics in an effort to pull ratings and hold interest. What they end up doing is creating a machine that churns out the same trash year after year. A winning streak can only last for so long. You have to know when to fold the cards.

*The Real World*

I didn't start watching the Real World until Real World: Hawaii. I instantly became addicted to a show I thought was just another lame trashy Jerry Springer wannabe. It was actually very different and almost classy. Almost. I'll talk about what I remember form past seasons and the last season.

The Real World:Hawaii. I don't remember much except they had an awesome house and a guy named Teck jumped into a pool naked.

The Real World:New Orleans. This season holds a special place in my heart. Probably my favorite Real World house so far. The cast was great, I liked Julie the most. The last episode was really sad. And in the end you liked all the cast.

The Real World:Back To New York. This season I didn't watch very much... did they even have a finale episode? It was very boring. I think it may have been canceled do the the attack on the WTC.

The Real World: Chicago. Hmm... the last season. There were some great memories. And who could forget Tonya? The girl everyone loved to hate. And I've yet to meet a single person who can stand her. My favorite moment was when Theo made Tonya cry... no, just joking. My favorite moment was the lat episode in the hot tub. In the end I liked all the cast members... except Tonya.

So, I guess when you like a season of The Real World, you really like it. And you can't help but find yourself there every Tuesday night, TV turned to MTV. I know I can't.

*9/10*