Mmmmm... Fresh Meat 2

My most guilty of pleasures returned last week with the 19th (amazing I know) iteration of the Real World/Road Rules Challenge. Quick aside, shouldn't the name be updated? There hasn't been a new season of the Road Rules since 2007. This season, entitled Fresh Meat 2, brings back a premise they introduced 4 years ago where veterans are teamed up with the new recruits who have never been part of the MTV reality circuit.

The show predictably contains the same elements that have made the proceeding shows so wildly entertaining; libidinous co-eds + asinine competitions + a plush dwelling + endless amounts of alcohol = riveting television. This season will undoubtedly have loads of inflated drama between the hardcore veterans (namely, Wes & Kenny) along with less compelling story lines from all the veteran girls (sorry, the lot this year is exceptionally dull). Random hookups and endless alliances will be formed. Who makes it to the end? Who cares! It's disposable television viewing at it's finest. I am not afraid to admit that I am a sucker and will be watching every week and waiting with baited breath for the first fist fight.

Rescue Me, Season 1 - Part 3

Finished up season 1 of Rescue Me and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will briefly describe my thoughts without giving away any spoilers.

Dennis Leary's performance continues to be the glue for the entire show. While several other intriguing story lines have cropped up throughout the season involving other characters, plots with Leary hold much more weight. Without him, the show would struggle mightily.

The season as a whole was above average, but season 1 definitely does not enter that upper echelon of amazing television seasons. The cliff hangers as the season ended were mild and nothing left me truly wondering what the outcome would be. My hope is that season 1 was the building block for even better character development and story lines. They left much to be desired, but at no point did I hate what I was watching. Fingers crossed for a better season 2.

Season 1 in the book!

Izzy's rating after season 1: 7 out of 10