Thursday, September 27, 2012

Character is all that Matters


I think that these Reality Shows that are so pervasive on the television these days are the ultimate illustration that character is all that matters.

Some time ago someone told me that it's not the story that matters, it not the plot or the setting or anything else, all that matters is character. Make the reader care about the characters and they'll keep reading.
Look at these new Reality Shows on television. Flipping Out, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Dancing with the Stars, it's all about promoting the characters. Those that don't are now defunct. Why am I thinking about this? Cause among the shows about Duck Hunting, Critter Wrangling, and all the others is a new reality show that focuses on farmers.

Farmers? Yep, farmers. It's not a stretch really if you consider that it's all about character. I bet there are plenty of colorful, characterful, farmers out there. If a producer can run into a compelling enough farmer character, it doesn't matter what the subject matter is.

5 comments:

Kay Kauffman said...

I live in the midst of a farm community that is surrounded by other farm communities. I can assure you, there are plenty of characters among farmers. My grandpa was one of them and I can think of several others off the top of my head. A reality show about farmers is one I'd like to see. What's it called?

DH said...

Kay,

Thanks for the comment. I agree, there are probably a ton of colorful farmers out there. The show I was referencing is Farm Kings (http://www.thesocialsilo.com/2012/06/06/farm-kings-a-reality-series-in-the-making/)
I don't think it has debuted yet. I hope you'll comment again soon.

Kay Kauffman said...

Thanks for the link! My husband grew up on a dairy farm; I think he might enjoy watching this, too. I checked GAC's website and it premiered last night. Unfortunately, our cable provider doesn't offer that channel. *sigh* At least I can watch it online.

Anonymous said...

You forgot Honey Boo Boo -- I have not watched it -- but from what I hear is disgusting.

The Farmer Idea -- if they can find a farmer with a colorful personality -- it might work. A weed farmer might be an interesting segment for sure -- and did you know there is actually a college where you can go and stay for a week to learn how to grow weed.

The guy from Shreveport Louisiana (The Pest Control Guy) -- he has a colorful personality and what he does for a living is interesting -- but for the show to survive -- it takes someone with a unique colorful personality to keep it going. They would have to find a funny farmer.



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