Since the dawn of history, stories of courageous warriors combating the devious exploits of the bad guys have thrilled nearly every faction of the human race. Whether it’s a fable from the Brothers Grimm, one of the three-million morality tales featured in that Bible book, or just a good ol’ cops and robbers flick from the ‘70s, the whole “good vs. evil” thing fascinates us to no end. In 1989, a television series entitled COPS came to pass — and with it came about a new era of exploitation: that of the “reality crime” show.
The series, which depicted law enforcement officers pursuing and apprehending some of the scuzziest denizens of America, became a big hit with its viewers — many of whom fell into the same category as the real-life criminals depicted onscreen. And, while there is probably some question as to whether or not COPS was the first program of its kind, it definitely succeeded in breaking the mold of traditional crime series. In fact, the mold was subsequently reshaped in its image. From that point in television history on, it seemed that a good 99% of “reality crime” series focused on nothing but chasing crack-heads and drunk folk.
Twenty-years later, things haven’t changed much. Take, for example, Steven Seagal: Lawman and Dog The Bounty Hunter, two of the more popular shows out there today. Both series have just started up a new season on A&E, and basically present viewers with more crack-heads and drunk folk.
So, what makes them so popular if it’s just the same ol’ shit? Well, for starters, each series features a celebrity (or at least a reasonable facsimile thereof) who sticks his neck out in the name of justice.
Steven Seagal: Lawman (which has just started its Second Season) brings us the adventures of its titular cinematic action icon. In the late ’80s, Seagal became a fully commissioned deputy of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana after being asked to train deputies in the fine arts of self-defense and marksmanship. In 2009, someone had the bright idea to follow Señor Esteban around while he was on patrol and make a TV series out of it. The result was a surprisingly successful show; one that replaced the usual “random police officer” sitting in the front seat with a face that they could identify with (and, as such, relate to).
Article comments
1 - Hendrik
You really just don't get it do you? Not everyone is this squeaky clean nerdy Northern Cal, better-than-you blogger. Dog fasciates the hordes, of which you are not. But that hardly makes you superior, does it?
2 - El Bicho
I'd pay to see Dog fasciate someone just so I could learn what the word meant.
3 - Luigi Bastardo
I second that, El Bicho.
4 - Karen Eloise
Hey, I am a highly educated and absolutely not white trash and I totall adore Dog, Beth and family. Look where they have come from and they are doing great and good too. Keep your white-trash opinions to yourself or attend the Jerry Springer show where you can vent them out loud.