With the Survivor finale probably about to start by the time I finish typing this (7:43 right now), I just thought I'd mention something that's been bugging me about this new trend of show.

Survivor has been dubbed a 'Reality' TV show, somewhat inspired by previous shows and spawning bunches of new shows in its wake. But, arguably, Survivor has outdone them all.

My theory, however, is that Survivor is successful because everyone else is going for 'too much reality'. People have watched TV for ages to escape reality, not live someone else's experience of it. Survivor has done that extra degree of fantasy that pushes it enough out of reality to be more entertaining. The whole dramatization with the tribes, the legends, the atmosphere, the torches, and simple sappy phrases like "The Tribe has spoken" are that extra degree of fantasy. The other shows, like Big Brother, for example, are straight reality. No snazzing up, just people in a house.

I can think of a simple example of this, but the scope might be limited. I personally do not like watching cooking shows, but I love watching Iron Chef. Why? The drama! If you've ever watched an episode you'd know what I'm talking about. An over-the-wall host, epic movie score music, a sheer overdramatization, they all make the show entertainment. The part I find the least interesting? The actual cooking.

In Big Brother, we have people in a house. In Survivor, we have competing tribe members on a deserted island. Sounds more innovative, doesn't it? Of course, it doesn't make all the difference, but that's just what I think. Comments?

--Pliff"Woo! Still 10 minutes left."ilif