2 reviews
When I first heard about this show, I thought it sounded pretty promising and original. Taking a quiz to save your vehicle from being repossessed sounded interesting, and giving people a chance to get full ownership of their vehicle sounded more noble that what's usually done in a game show.
However, after watching several episodes of this show, my opinion of it has significantly changed. For one thing, while I can't say with 100% confidence that the show is completely faked, large chunks of the show look suspiciously staged, with clues like multiple camera angles. Also, the show sometimes seems like it's exploiting its participants. Every contestant seems to be living in a lower class lifestyle, and also apparently not given the best education. Seeing contestants give answers like naming "Africa" as a country is kind of embarrassing instead of amusing. With so many better game shows out there, it's easy to skip this one.
However, after watching several episodes of this show, my opinion of it has significantly changed. For one thing, while I can't say with 100% confidence that the show is completely faked, large chunks of the show look suspiciously staged, with clues like multiple camera angles. Also, the show sometimes seems like it's exploiting its participants. Every contestant seems to be living in a lower class lifestyle, and also apparently not given the best education. Seeing contestants give answers like naming "Africa" as a country is kind of embarrassing instead of amusing. With so many better game shows out there, it's easy to skip this one.
The thing about writing a review of this show is you have to admit to watching it. I am a big fan of Cash Cab and other man in the street themed shows so I thought, why not? Here are the reasons:
1. Production and direction of the crew and host is dismal. As if the people involved are not ambushed enough, the questioner tries to trip contestants up if he can possibly do so. They should perhaps present a professionally printed document or flyer, on-camera, if necessary while explaining the rules of the game and get them to sign a release. This would have the effect of calming the irate and surprised car(owner) down and lead to a more rational encounter. But I forget, this show is irrational, at best!
2. I realize the producers of the show are not seeking out "Jeopardy" screened contenders but the class victimized by this show are at their lowest strata. Some of these people have been betrayed, some are criminals, some don't even want to be bothered with trying to win their vehicle free and clear. The whole show is on the razor's edge of laughter and tears with a lot of expletives and ire for spice. Good drama? Perhaps. Good television? Don't think so!
3. I have long suspected that tow truck operators have a sadistic pleasure at repossession of a person's ability to travel to their job, school or anywhere that might improve their lot in life. Now I know it's true. As one moderator said, "I like Linda, but I'm still gonna take her truck." People in this profession should be forced to take a nine-week to six-month course in public relations (Or at the very least, in prep for the show). A little more grace and less glee in depriving someone of their independence, please! Unless you enjoy reality at it's worst, I cannot recommend this, even the most sadistic sociopath.
In the words of Clint Eastwood in Unforgiven: "You kill a man, you take all that he has and all that he ever is gonna have" but you don't stand over him and say "Hook 'er up! We're taking the truck, too!"
1. Production and direction of the crew and host is dismal. As if the people involved are not ambushed enough, the questioner tries to trip contestants up if he can possibly do so. They should perhaps present a professionally printed document or flyer, on-camera, if necessary while explaining the rules of the game and get them to sign a release. This would have the effect of calming the irate and surprised car(owner) down and lead to a more rational encounter. But I forget, this show is irrational, at best!
2. I realize the producers of the show are not seeking out "Jeopardy" screened contenders but the class victimized by this show are at their lowest strata. Some of these people have been betrayed, some are criminals, some don't even want to be bothered with trying to win their vehicle free and clear. The whole show is on the razor's edge of laughter and tears with a lot of expletives and ire for spice. Good drama? Perhaps. Good television? Don't think so!
3. I have long suspected that tow truck operators have a sadistic pleasure at repossession of a person's ability to travel to their job, school or anywhere that might improve their lot in life. Now I know it's true. As one moderator said, "I like Linda, but I'm still gonna take her truck." People in this profession should be forced to take a nine-week to six-month course in public relations (Or at the very least, in prep for the show). A little more grace and less glee in depriving someone of their independence, please! Unless you enjoy reality at it's worst, I cannot recommend this, even the most sadistic sociopath.
In the words of Clint Eastwood in Unforgiven: "You kill a man, you take all that he has and all that he ever is gonna have" but you don't stand over him and say "Hook 'er up! We're taking the truck, too!"