Hmmm, is reality television poised to burn itself out in the blacksmith’s workshop?
Reality television has been around for quite some time now. It seemed like a fad when it all began a couple of decades ago. Little did we know how big it would become.
Survivor, now in its 15th season, is generally credited as ushering in the era of reality shows. But the roots of the genre dates back as far as 1992 with a show entitled Real World in which 7 or 8 young adults were picked to temporarily live in a new city together in one residence while being filmed non-stop. Can you say Big Brother?
The History Channel has jumped into the fray with the ostentatiously name Forged in Fire which features master blacksmiths. In each episode, four blacksmiths compete in a three round competition to forge bladed weapons. The winner receives the princely sum of $10,000 and, more importantly, bragging rights as the day’s champion.
It seems the channel has a lot riding on it as it is being promoted relentlessly. An annoying ticker ad runs across the bottom of the screen when I watch a movie on The History Channel.
I cannot resist speculating on the discussion that took place around the boardroom table when the series was first proposed. I envision Wonder Kid Junior Executive matched against Grizzled Veteran Senior Executive as the debate took place.
Grizzled Veteran Senior Executive: A reality show? Really? That doesn’t seem to fit our programming model.
Wonder Kid Junior Executive: Oh yes it does! We’re going to do a reality series about… wait for it… blacksmiths! What says history more than a blacksmith?
Grizzled Veteran Senior Executive: Blacksmiths? You can’t be serious, kid. What in the hell would the competition be about? Who can make the best horseshoe?
Wonder Kid Junior Executive: You’re such a skeptic. We have to get with the times. Picture this: Forged in Fire – The battle to create the best blade. It will be epic!
Grizzled Veteran Senior Executive: Yeah right, epic. Not the word I would choose. Can they at least sing while they’re working? Maybe we could get Simon Cowell to host it.
Wonder Kid Junior Executive: You have to picture it. A shower of sparks. Flashing metal. The classic blacksmith’s forge. It’s got it all. It can’t miss!
Grizzled Veteran Senior Executive: I need a drink. Who has the keys to the liquor cabinet?
I will concede that Forged in Fire has the ring of metaphor to it. Brawny, rough-around-the-edges men, and perhaps women to broaden the appeal, testing their mettle (pun intended) against fire and iron. Only the most skilled and fearless will survive…
Unless, of course, the ratings suck in which case Wonder Kid Junior Executive gets the axe, or should I say the anvil, and the Blacksmith’s fire burns no more.
~ Michael Robert Dyet is the author of “Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel” – double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’s website at www.mdyetmetaphor.com or the novel online companion at www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog.
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Tags: Big Brother · blacksmith · forge · forged in fire · metaphor · Michael Robert Dyet · reality television · SurvivorNo Comments