WITHOUT PREJUDICE

For the ultimate game/reality/pop psychology show -- BBC America presents, oxymoron: Without Prejudice.

A panel consisting of a cross-section of the UK population, chooses one person from a group of quite ordinary contestants, and, by process of elimination, awards a cash prize equal to approx. $40,000 USD).

On the surface this is merely a popularity contest, but without typical American partiality. The hodgepodge Brit panel doesn't necessarily choose the best looking, most physically appealing contestant as the winner. During the first few rounds, eliminations take place after taped biographical responses are scrutinized along with contestant's reactions to an awkward set-up situation(one scenario elicited candid comments after brief interaction with a dwarf.)

The panel members then tell the eliminated contestant why he/she is being eliminated, while often revealing their own bias and opinions, (very tacky and perversely entertaining). Host Lisa Tarbuck manages to subtly stir the pot of panelist barbs throughout, until the last round, when the panelists can question the final two contestants face to face. The only taboo is asking how the winnings will be spent.

By process of elimination, based solely on which contestant the panelists liked the most,(or disliked the least) the winner is chosen. Then the disclosure is made on how the money will be spent, sometimes to the chagrin of the panelists. For example, one winner opted for breast reduction surgery, not covered under the national health program, to which only a transexual panelist voiced acceptance and approval. By the end of the program, viewers may also develop negative opinions towards at least one or two of the capricious panelists as well. Ah, to judge is to be judged!

Inevitably, some American TV programming 'suit' will get hold of this show and try to convert it into an American offering, totally divesting the show's subtle premise and interest in the process. The difference between the cultural prejudices of the UK and the American mindset is what makes this show so appealing. America - leave this one alone. Your conversion of "THE OFFICE" is sacrilegious enough! When will we Yanks get an original concept on our own?

Without Prejudice -- Check it out on Sundays - 8 p.m., BBC America.


- posted by rosemary @ 5:40 AM