Gawker
When I read about the upcoming season of Fox's reality show "Solitary," I was amazed people would put themselves through the stress of living in solitary confinement, choking on ball gags, hearing screaming babies and being woken every 19 minutes by alarms, just for reality show fame and $50k. Then I realized this show already ran for a full season on the little-known Fox Reality Channel. Not only did nine people go through this torture, they did it on a network where they couldn't even get as famous as a Blind Date contestant. Watching the following nine minutes (the winner spent twelve days in the torture room) drove me crazy:
Mother Jones interviewed winner Phu Pham, who got less money and fame than someone who stood next to Howie Mandel for an hour picking suitcases.
Comments
OMG, it would be SO. AMAZING. if the girls from the hills were on this show. THAT I would watch.
True, but sleeping through the alarms is still less annoying than standing next to Howie Mandel.
i can't believe i just watched that entire clip. my dog ran to the bathroom to hide at 3:46
I get paid minimum wage to endure pretty much the same thing. But I do get a lunch break (unpaid, of course). I call it a job.
You're right, these people are degrading themselves for neither money nor fame, since they're achieving neither (see also The Moment of Truth). So are these reality shows a new outlet for masochists?
These people are less famous than the folks who are actually in solitary confinement. You know, sociopathic killers, etc. That's gotta be pretty harsh.
I'd watch if Julia Allison was a contestant. Or Silda Spitzer.
i will be attending anna wintour's weekly viewing parties.
I would totally ace this show after living in the hood and sleeping through car alarms and drunk screaming.
When are they finally going to make Tiny House a reality? If ABC can get a sitcom out of Geico commercials, surely some network can use this totally awesome reality show premise.
Some people are so stupid. #8, hello?
@J DTZR:
I think Silda might be willing to trade with one of these guys right about now.
Holy crap, #9!! People like this should never be given any responsibility. What this program needs is a more Malthusian angle.
I'm trying to imagine how you could get a leave of absence to go on a show like this... Gee, Employer, I need a few weeks off so I can live in a polyhedron and get taunted by a down market prepubescent HAL.
@vulturesquadron: don't let dismal science hear you using that Malthusian speak.
This actually seems like it would be a really fun challenge. I just wouldn't want to be filmed doing it...
The guy's reaction at the end when he loses is amazing, though.
@FracturedAcetabulum: C'mon it's Fox Reality Network. No one will notice if the losers are incinerated.
BTW, I love how the Asian guy (winner?) approached the food tray as if it was going to bite him. He clearly understands what he's up against.
Other than 9 minutes of my life I'll never get back...
Sounds like Howie huffing helium and Lost stole that idea for their stupid press the button trick! I'd sue I'd sue.
@vulturesquadron: I meant A Dismal Science on this site.
@FracturedAcetabulum: Yeah, got that.
Portal, anyone?
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