Did you ever watch something on TV and, after it was over, you still weren't sure if it was intended to be funny or serious? Craft Corner Deathmatch, Style Channel's new game show, is like that.
It's Martha Stewart Living meets Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome when amateur crafters compete against each other, against the clock—and against the imposing Craft Lady of Steel.The first clue, of course, is the title, which makes it sound like a no-holds-barred brawl with scissors and glue-guns. You visualize a cage erected around the participants, who appear from opposite corners clad in tights and sequined capes.
Then there's the announcer (or "host"), Jason Jones, who seems to be channeling Adam Sandler as Little Nicky. He introduces the contestants: dowdy Dari and half-pint Heather, and gives us their credentials for the competition. Heather does "decoupage;" Dari does... well, I forget what Dari does, because now Jason's talking about the prize for the winner, a scrapbook cruise. Doesn't sound safe—you wonder if the boat is pieced together by artisans of Dari's and Heather's caliber.
Style Channel's Craft Lady of SteelNext, Jason introduces the judges, who have equally impressive credentials. Ereka Vetrini was on Apprentice (whoa!), Melanie Fallick is a knitting expert (awesome!), and Stacy Blume hosts blumegirl.com. No kidding, the judge sells her underwear online—and the needle's way over on the satire side of the gauge now.
So the contestants square off in the first battle, to build a trivet out of two sheets of glass and some trash from Spanish Harlem. The trash is provided by Amber, a seriously seedy assistant with ratted hair. (I expected some of the livestock for this "wild-life" themed composition to crawl out of her 'do.) The ladies have ten minutes to complete their trivets, after which they are judged Olympic-score-style by the three arbiters. Dari actually finishes her trivet, and she wins for style as well.
Article comments
1 - temp-tress
I thought the show was really funny. I loved the clip about the history of rhinestones. It was great. Jason is a fine host, I am sure the ladies didn't mind having their hands down his pants.
2 - Eric Berlin
Nice Spinal Tap link, DrPat...
I think a lot of shows nowadays are in that shadow area of satire/straight because everything is so overloaded with hipster-irony hype-blast.
To paraphrase The Simpsons:
"Are you being ironic?"
"I don't even know anymore."
3 - DrPat
Durnit! I can't believe I left out the "History of Rhinestones"! Even though, as they pointed out, since the death of Liberace the industry has been in decline, and rhinestones had little to do with the craft challenges in this episode, the skit was a witty filler to pad out the half-hour.
4 - rocknyc
DrPat. I reread your post a few times and keep missing any suggestions on your part regarding how this show SHOULD have done things differently.
My friends absolutely loved this show. It's campiness was exactly what we expected and clearly - it is designed as "funny," not "serious." Did they really need to make that clearer for you?
I think the girls were cute - and clearly represent the target for a show like this - young, fun, craft-loving, etc. Dowdy? Half-pint? I'm wondering who you would have cast for this show. Please expand... quite curious.
Not sure what you were expecting from a show entitled "craft corner deathmatch" on the stylenetwork (repeat: clear target here), but your overly negative review DID amuse me. IT'S JUST TV :)
5 - DrPat
Rocky, I think you made my point for me - remember, I said I couldn't tell if the show was intentionally satirical or not? Well, obviously, you had the same reaction to my review.
The adjectives for Dari and Heather were chosen for alliteration's sake. There here others I might have chosen if my desire was to be negative. Amber is a spoof of game-show assistant all by herself, and Jason Jones seemed to be trying for tongue-in-cheek the whole way through. (Evident in his throw-off closing line denigrating the whole idea of craft creations!)
But I enjoyed watching the show; it was fun precisely because it didn't take its topic or contestants or talent too seriously. I did the Deathmatch the courtesy to play along.
Your serve, Rocky...
6 - rocknyc
I agree - Amber was lifeless and Jason compared to Little Nicky - definitely accurate. I just think that the contestants were good sports and not dowdy or a half-pint... ANYWAY... do you think that this show has legs. Might the style network take on another season?
7 - DrPat
Look, if I was a craft-creating woman, I'd look more like Dari than Heather. And Heather was decidedly short.
I think the satirical tone of the program is no predictor of "legs"; neither is the tacky take on game-show hosts by Jason and Amber"think of Monster Garage on the Discovery Channel, where iconoclast Jesse James holds sway. Even Jason's snide cutout line could not be a detriment to a viewing public that swoons over American Idol's Simon.
Obviously, the superficial nature of the challenges is no bar to long life"consider the long-running The Price is Right. And "ordinary people" doing design has pulled plenty of viewers to TLC's Trading Places, so that's not an automatic drawback.
Bottom line, then? I can't tell if this show will last. It won't make my own list of "must-see TV." Fortunately for Jason et al, I'm not the average viewer!
8 - tronic
As far as the tag line for this show goes, I think it's just part of the tongue-in-cheek theme. I don't think they're trying to make fun of crafting. The overriding joke is that "crafting" and "deathmatch" don't really go together but to play with what might happen when they're forced together. Just imagine if the show took itself too seriously ... or if someone like Carson Daly hosted it. I think the show will succeed when it can produce interesting crafts in a funny environment.
9 - Ace's Nanna
I just watched this thing...I didn't find it funny...I think the announcer would be fun at a drowning....if he would consent to be guest of honor....
He is rude, distrespectful and borders on sexual harrassment...They ought to trash this thing....
Good day...
Ace's Nanna
10 - Sharon
Just watched the first time. Enjoyed the crafts. That was fun, watching the contestants come up with ideas but Jason????? I really had a headache from the host Jason!! What is with all the stupid body language and
screaming? And what is with the deliver girl whatever her name was.Erin?? No smiling. What is the idea, to have a soured Vanna White! You need to change her too. This show got really stupid as it went on. I couldnt stand watching Jason anymore. You need to get rid of him and get someone on that is not screaming and yelling and acting like a real jerk. What is with the comments, Brain sugery and diamonds?? What a blow to the people who are suffering with cancer. So awful an insensitive with some of the comments. Who writes this stuff ???Anyway!! Too bad, concept was good idea for reality show but this was too much! Don't think I will watch again.