There's a lot of talk of The Amazing Race being the product of Jerry Bruckheimer, but really, other than a brain-hurting, overly-editted intro bit, this doesn't feel like anything associated with Mr. Bruckheimer. For a better idea, take a look at the other producer. Yes, that's right: Bertam Van Munster.

In addition to having what may be the SINGLE BEST NAME IN THE WORLD, Mr. Van Munster (I love writing that name) is the creator of Cops. (Editor's Note: Bertram Van Muster is not the creator of cops. John Langley is.) If you're going to talk about modern reality TV, it's Cops, The Real World, and Survivor. Clearly Van Munster has been surveying the competition and has come up with the perfect fusion.

Follow around couples under unbelievable amounts of stress as they try to follow clues and go to amazingly impressive (but not overexposed) location around the world. You get the backstabbing of Survivor, plus you get to watch existing relationships crumble before your eyes. You get to see the absolute worst of people as they do what everyone does on a trip (i.e., try to get cabs, directions, tickets from people whose language you do not speak) This past week, the couple that arrived at the destination last (and therefore got eliminated) did so because they couldn't change money. Who can't relate to that?

Really, I think this is about as good as reality TV can get. Whoever did the selection of couples did an amazing job. The incredibly smarmy and arrogant life partners. The utterly insanely aggressive personal trainer and his enabling ex-wife. The bald NYC fraternity brothers who are, without a doubt, the most caring couple on the show, despite occasional "Swing you fat bastard" comments and a tendency to use the word "Jackass" when addressing each other. (Let me take a moment here to reveal that, in our household, we have taken to appending "Jackass" to as many statments as possible. We love Kevin and Drew. I want a sitcom with them in it. It would have no script, just like Curb Your Enthusiasm. Just Kevin and Drew doing their NYC thing calling each other Jackass. Actually, you could combine it with Curb Your Enthusiasm. They could get internships at Larry David's company and the three of them could just wander around doing their thing. I'd watch it.)

So, great choice of contestants. Beautiful locations. The joy of watching ugly Americans incapable of changing money or dealing with cab drivers. Thank you, Bertram Van Munster!

Rating: A (Perfect Reality Programming. Jackass.)

Topics: television

Let me start off by saying that I am, in general, a vehement proponent of sex and violence in the media. I have been known to publicly lament the decline in blood, gore, and breasts in horror films and will generally give my business to anything that is blatantly and resolutely immoral. Anything I can do to combat the ongoing family friendlification of America is worthwhile.

That having been said, even I was floored by the new ad campaign for the Treasure Island casino in Las Vegas. For those of you who haven't seen this (I have no idea if Vegas casinos run TV ads outside of Los Angeles), allow me to summarize.

Scene 1: A handsome male plays cards while a toothy brunette clings to him.

Handsome Man: Am I a player tonight? Definitely.

Woman smiles.

All right, so far so good. Come to our casino, play cards, and women will fall all over you. I'm with you so far.

Scene 2: Two women stand at the bar being chatted up by a guy. Conversation ends and guy disappears. The blonde turns to the brunette, bites her lip, and sensually runs her finger around the rim of her wine glass.

Blonde: Sure, I've got rules. I left 'em at home.

Whoa! Come to Vegas and fool around with members of the same sex! That's new. Did the MGM/Mirage execs sit around and say "You know, the bi-curious female market is huge. We should tap into that."? Maybe they know something I don't.

Or maybe this is supposed to be saying "Hey guys, come to Vegas and maybe you'll be able to watch some hot girl-on-girl action." That certainly seems like a much larger demographic to be tapping into with your ads. And yet, the guy who was talking to the two girls disappears pretty quickly, so the message seems to be "Hey guys, come to Vegas and get snubbed by women who are bored with heterosexuality." Not a great selling point.

Maybe I'm overthinking this. This is a very short spot, so I guess the idea is just to get everyone all worked up what with the lip biting and glass fondling and such. And, if you're curious, it ends with lots of cannons firing. Just in case the ad wasn't sexual enough.

If you're curious (or just want to see some implied girl-on-girl action) can view the movie here.

Rating: B (Muddled message, but implied girl-on-girl action has to be worth a few points)

Topics: advertisements