Making the Band

Making the Band is the creme of the crop of lame television shows. As much as I hate that sleazy Pearlman (who is largely responsible for burdening the planet with pretty boy no talents), the guy knew how to turn music into a commodity (although, Malcom Maclaren knew how to do that, too, but Pearlman does it in ways antithetical to what the Sex Pistols did).

Needing a new face for the boy band mania, Lou Perlman held a contest and, whoever was selected to fill the five stereotypical roles of male singers, got to be in this boy band, O-Town. And, without any effort on their part, were handed a record contract and were ready to start working hard to fill the clich¨¦--singing songs that other people wrote and dancing to moves choreographed by others as well. The point is, they are just filling an image that is part of music as a commodity.

They all shared a house, Real World style, in the boy band capital of the world, Orlando, Florida (which makes since, because they're being sponsored by Disney). But, a "reality-tv" show would not be complete without the sensationalized nonsense dramas, including bickering among the group (and with Pearlman) and crisis in lover's lane (although, I think Ashley Parke's "gilfriend" was brought on the show more than anyone else's because they wanted so hard to convince you that he's not gay--or at least, they didn't want you too convinced that he is or was). The whole thing was ridiculous, but then again, it has to be if it is going to wet the panties of a couple of screaming pre-teen girls.

The show eventually got dropped from ABC (which explains the desperate attempts towards the end to fake the reality in order to fill a plot), and wound up for an extremely brief time on MTV. I personally found the show to be terribly trite, much less moronic (so why did I watch it, of course?)...but got a kick out the website, Mocking the Band, inspired by the insipid group now known as O-Town. Making the Band 2, which follows aspiring rap artists (complete with all stereotypical garb, lyrics, and slang) and airs on MTV.

How sad.

I think I should firstly tell you that I'm only 15 and I'm not a teeny bopper! I first began to watch this series when a friend introduced it to me. I loved it so much that I have become a huge fan of O-Town and their songs! Even though the producers edit most of the good bits out, it's still fascinating to watch 5 guys from different backgrounds form into a popular boy band. Not all of O-Town' songs are Pop and R'n'B, songs such as 'Love Should Be A Crime' are quite rock orientated and even my Grandparents hum along to the tune! I recommend anyone with a good sense of humor and who are interested in all sorts of music to watch this! P.S.....I LOVE O-TOWN!

Maybe it's 'cause I don't have MTV (we Canadians are much too frail and sensitive for it), but this show is like nothing I've ever seen before. All the guys are really interesting and funny, as is their situation in general. I hope they continue the series on the road with the final group. My only qualms: they should have had ten guys and narrowed it to five ('cause taking 3 off is just cruel). Also, while I haven't seen the final episode, I don't think they chose my favourite guys (Mike and Paul). Probably wanted the submissive ones so they wouldn't have to sue again (BSB, 'Nsync). Ah well...

It is such a fabulous and interesting show. I love how they show all these peoples dreams of singing come to a miraculous reality! It allows people with the same fantasy to meet each other. It's a wonderful show, simple as that.

Great show following the ups and downs of a "manufactured" band. The show really gives you a behind-the-scenes insight into what it takes to put together a band.

The show does great in focusing on each member of the "final eight" - allowing them to give their view of the current situation.

I think the programme clearly shows that "the road to fame" is far from easy and takes a lot of ambition, drive and hard work.

Its amazing just how much time the cameras spent following the band members! We see them going to sleep, waking up, shaving, having a shower, talking in their van, eating, arguing, crying, at home with their families and we even get to listen to their telephone conversations.

As interesting as it is to watch, I can't help feel sorry for the band over the amount of privacy that they had invaded.