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bamabbwsub -> RE: RIP Captain Phil (7/15/2010 8:27:43 PM)
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I find certain reality shows disgusting as well, but for a different reason.
The shows that seem to encourage bad behavior, foul language, and just out-and-out insanity (a la Jerry Springer) are a blight. These so-called "reality" shows like truTV's "Operation Repo" and "All Worked Up" are almost as fake as wrestling, and are a major turn-off. Same with shows like "Survivor" and its multitude of copycats.
I found "The Deadliest Catch" to be of a different ilk than the reality shows above. If I'm not mistaken, crab fishing on the Bering Sea is the world's #1 most dangerous profession, and to me, the series just showcased the real difficulties by which these fisherman catch crab. It is real, unlike the shows mentioned above, and it's just natural that viewers became engrossed in the lives of the crew.
As far as the Discovery Channel's making a profit on the death of Phil Harris goes, I don't think there's anything wrong with it -- because it was incidental to the show. It wasn't as if they deliberately caused his stroke or went looking for someone to die just so they could jack up the ratings and make a quick buck. He was undoubtedly very well-liked and well-respected by the camera crew, and I think the special episode made that very clear. I thought it was handled very well. And if Phil Harris wanted his illness and subsequent death filmed and aired, then so be it.
In regards to other shows like "Intervention" and "Hoarders" that were mentioned, I would guess that the family must also provide consent to be on the show, and if they thought it might be detrimental to their loved one, they could always refuse to be filmed. On the other hand, it's possible that the very show that highlights these mental illnesses and "makes a profit" may also be the only way for some of the families to receive help. By being on the show, they are probably provided free counseling and therapy. I don't know for sure, but that's certainly a possibility. Also, if these shows are able to turn on a light bulb to an addict or to a hoarder, then where is the harm?
There's a lot that I object to on television, but watching a respectful tribute to a man that I have been spending time with one night a week for the past few years isn't one of them.
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