By David Zurawik | david.zurawik at baltsun.com
Sun TV critic
February 7, 2010
The most successful reality TV shows are those that connect to larger societal trends.
As more and more Americans started to focus on healthy eating, along came NBC's "The Biggest Loser." As the concept of globalization took hold of American thinking, " The Amazing Race," with its international treks and challenges, took off on CBS.
"The economy is going through tough times," viewers are told in voice-over at the beginning of tonight's pilot. "And many working Americans blame wealthy CEOs who are out of touch with their own companies."
As the words are spoken, viewers see a quick-cut montage of Wall Street, ticker tape, home foreclosure signs, empty storefronts and a plush boardroom. There is also a fleeting image of well-dressed men drinking brandy and smoking cigars.
In a matter of seconds, all the hot buttons of the economic meltdown and continuing financial jitters are being pushed: loss of homes, layoffs, business closings, anti-corporate resentment, executive bonuses, fear and anger.
But then, the narrative suddenly shifts to an upbeat tone with the words, "But some bosses are willing to take extreme actions to make their businesses better. Each week, we'll follow the boss of a major corporation as they go undercover in their own companies."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/tv/bal-ae.zontv07feb07,0,6448053.story