Death at a Television (Originally posted on 9/13/2010)

Back for round 4 and a lot has taken place in the past few days: We honored the memory of those lost on 9/11 ten short years ago, we kicked off another season of football (with my Skins taking down the Boys on NATIONAL TELEVISION), and celebrated the best in the music industry at the MTV Video Music Awards. I was tuned in to the Skins, so I missed the VMAs, but I was asked to watch the Drake performance and give my opinion. I’m not one to be real ignorant or overcritical in a field other my own. BUT…whatever move that was, that you did down the steps, don’t do that anymore. It looked like you were counting dance moves: “and 1, 2, 3…1, 2, 3…trying to look cool…1, 2, 3”. In situations like that Drizzy, just get a swag coach. Maybe you could find a swag double or something; I don’t know. Just don’t ever force my sugar mama Mary J. Blige to watch that malarkey EVER AGAIN.

Now back to this blog thing: Family, I must say I’m UPSET. Not over anything serious; God is good (ALL THE TIME) and all the time…go to church, man, go to church. Anyway, I’m upset over the little things.  People say don’t sweat the small stuff, but Rakim says don’t sweat the technique and cats do that all the time. So here’s what’s on my heart: Who’s the next big star, the next Will Smith? Will the success of Seinfeld ever be matched, or better yet, will anyone try to? If not, when is Chris Tucker coming back? Family, let’s be real: Television and Film is taking us for suckers. Tired of it, man; I can’t take it anymore. If you want me to watch some tomfoolery, at least get a professional to do it. I want to see someone who is passionate about making me laugh, and is actually trained in being foolish, not this reality stuff that every channel is force feeding us.

I’ve figured out why they’re so successful and it SICKENS me lol. Two reasons: 1.) A television producer (who will remain nameless) told me it takes about $1 million dollars to make a reality show. PENNIES. No name talent (i.e. the girls bidding for love) plus a struggling and/or money hungry celebrity= MAD PAPUH (revenue lol), and the networks just keep recycling. 2.) The reality shows tap in to our emotions. We (yeah, they get me too) laugh at their stupidity or shake our heads at their lack of ethics and home training. Immediately we feel better about ourselves, and finish that hour show without one ounce of self-improvement.  No disrespect to them, but screw that. Give me a sitcom. At least I learned something those last 5 minutes. Urkel was annoying as hell, but he had and determination, and in the end he got Laura. That’s what I’m talking about.

One could say, “Sitcoms aren’t real man. Grow up!” Of course, they aren’t real. It’s SITUATIONAL. But how real is a reality show? Twenty women in their prime compete for the heart of a 50 year old hype man, not rapper, but hype man. A rapper makes more sense; that’s a night at the club. This is just an insult. Granted, we all watch reality shows (some more than others), but this is America; give me my options. The only sitcoms on are the same ones we watched when we were younger. I’ve seen every “Martin” episode they’ve made.  I get the point: It’s funny. Life, however, is about growth and progression, and it’s time to find the new breed; guys who would do that generation proud.  There is so much talent out here looking to show what they can bring to the table. A shot is all they need. It’s all WE need. There are too many channels to have this poor of a selection.

Maybe they do not trust us with choices. Maybe television producers feel that we don’t know what quality television looks like. Well I have an idea or two, and I’m not the only one. The good thing is that, through these social outlets, I have a few resources to express myself. Please stop feeding me garbage. If you need some examples, act like Jodeci and, “Come and Talk to Me”.  That, my friends, is real.