Saturday, August 04, 2012

LTTP: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

I don't like reality television. There is little creativity, hardly any substantial writing and let's face it, real people are boring. This being said, I must admit that I have one dirty little obsession when it comes to reality TV....... Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
As if it wasn't already clear....these are the Queers.
 The show has everything I hate about reality makeover shows. The hosts are mean to the 'Straight Guy' and they are loud and obnoxious. The hosts make stupid and inane jokes, most are obvious gay jokes at the straight guy's expense. The editing/cuts are similar to that of an episode of Speed Racer causing a feeling of nausea at times.
However, after the initial 'Meet and Greet' at the beginning of each episode, the 'Fab 5' get down to business and this is where the show hooks me. The five hosts are 'experts' in a certain field; Grooming, Culture, Fashion, Interior Design and Food/Wine. These guys know their stuff too. Each queer gets some time with the straight guy and helps him in that respective field. Example: The straight guy has a neck beard and shoulder length hair so the Grooming Guru gives him a shave and a hair-cut and a line of facial care products. Culture is the only field that deviates show to show, but often it involves the straight guy learning to do something for his girlfriend (ie. Dance).

My favorite part of the show is the Interior Design makeover. Unlike most makeover shows, where the interior designer tears out every wall and replaces everything, Queer Eye works with the space the guy has already attempted to decorate himself. This approach is much more interesting. It shows that with a few good pieces of furniture and a decent paint job, any space can be stylish and comfortable.
The fashion is the only segment I roll my eyes at. First off, I think the idea of 'You can never accessorize too much!' is pretty much terrible advice. Secondly, the early part of the series is from 2003 so the fashion tips are outdated. Lastly, ties should never be used as belts.
I could lie and say 'Yes, you should watch this show!' but I can't do that because it is just reality TV trash that somehow has me addicted to its formula. The entire series is on Netflix, so give it a watch and see what you think.

Also, its also obvious that, though the queers have magical insight and are always stylish, it's nice to remember that they too are only human. Example, Jai, the culture expert went from...

...this, into......
...this. Ugh.

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