Who on earth invented the term "reality show"? There's nothing "real" about them: they're game shows--manipulated, artificial situations in which people usually compete for monetary rewards. The worst of the breed are the "dating" series, which verge on prostitution, and surely the nadir of that bunch is cable network Bravo's Boy Meets Boy. Positioned as a "groundbreaking" exploration of gay and straight stereotypes, it's nothing more than an exercise in organized humiliation, and anyone who honestly believes that 32-year-old James--an "exceptional" gay man who's "smart," "romantic," and "has wonderful values"--really thinks he will find the "connection" he pretends to be seeking amongst 15 pretty boys vying for a large financial prize needs to have his or her head examined. But, wait, there's more: as the snide, unpleasant hostess constantly and gleefully reminds us, James and his gal pal Andra have "no idea!" that some of the "suitors" are straights there to fool everyone--one of them will receive $25,000 if James falls for him unaware of the joke. As if the ongoing degradation of all involved weren't well enough documented over the course of six 45-minute episodes, three hours of extra footage cut from the televised episodes is included in this three-disc boxed set that takes Newton Minow's famed "vast wasteland" assessment of TV programming to an embarrassing new low. Not recommended. (M. Johanson)
Boy Meets Boy: Complete Season One
New Video, 3 discs, 276 min., not rated, DVD: $39.95 Volume 19, Issue 4
Boy Meets Boy: Complete Season One
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