Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Honey Boo Boo means no harm.

     Normally I don't succumb to peer pressure and especially when it comes to television shows.  I've backed away from shows like Game of Thrones and fought off numerous advances to fall into the world of True Blood.  Not that there is anything wrong with those shows but I prefer to sort of fall naturally in love with a show or shall I say become downright obsessed with them (Breaking Bad, Lost, Arrested Development).   Then came Honey Boo Boo Child which I'll quickly give the acronym HBBC.

    The aforementioned HBBC is one of those shows that is entertaining but for the wrong reasons. For those that don't know which included me, the show is a spin off of the show "Toddlers and Tiaras".  Apparently, Alana nicknamed Honey BooBoo (HBB) gained attention on that show for her antics and behavior which prompted the TLC network (which oh by the way is an acronym for The Learning Channel) to throw Alana and her wacky family an offer they couldn't refuse.  Her family includes her mother June, dad "Sugar Bear" who could easily be an uncle of mine and her sisters Lauryn, Jessica and Anna.   The obvious star of the show is the spunky and obnoxious Alana who's adventures through beauty pageant land are a riot.  I would say Alana does the beauty pageants and after the curtain goes down, Honey BooBoo is alive and kicking.  Her BooBooisms are basically her opinions on things happening around her and the show does an excellent job of catching those moments.  Like all reality shows,  you find yourself asking "Is this for rizzle?"   At least I do. For whatever reason, sometimes my mind speaks in shizzle fo' rizzle.   Blame Snoop Lion.  Anyway, here's an example.     When asked about her sister's newborn baby being born with a hand that has six fingers, HBB said "I wish I had an extra finger so I could eat more cheese balls."     .

     Yes, it's mindless television.   Yes, it's on the Learning Channel and you will learn nothing.   And yes it's very possible Alana and her family's future in television is fleeting and they will become fodder for TMZ at some point down the road.  The bottom line though is that they are on television and are currently PAID reality TV stars and guess what?   It's one of TLC's highest rated shows.   It's watched by millions and although I only watched two shows, it was curiosity that drove me to keep watching and the fact that I really did think Sugar Bear was my long lost uncle.  Say what you will about reality television but it gives normal people like you and me a chance to "shine" if even for one season.  I can't blame HBB and her family for taking the chance to exploit themselves to the world and have no shame in doing so.   It's a show about an American family that is.......different and might make you question your own family or if Social Services should be called on the HBB clan.  It did make me ponder a few things about life and the biggest question I asked myself?   What would I do if I had an extra finger?   Naturally, I'd make a show about it.    


P.S.  At least watch one episode and I recommend the "Sketti" episode.  HBB at her best.