Winners and Gainers

Last night was the announcement of the "Design Star" winner. Of course, they didn't get to the winner right away. First, they had a reunion of all the contestants (except Mikey V.) and showed clips from the season. I have to admit, they weren't at much fun as reunions for shows like "Project Runway" and "Top Chef" have been. Perhaps it was because the interior designers weren't together for as long as most of the fashion designers and chefs were. There weren't the big clashes or the shocking events.

The announcement of the winner was drawn out excessively. Was it really all that suspenseful? I'm sick of shows that drag out such announcements. Finally, though, Jennifer won and will have her own show. I liked both of them, and yet I find myself a little sad that Matt didn't also get a show. Maybe the network will be smart and pick him up, too. I can't remember anything like that actually happening on a show. The closest was the year Donald Trump suggested to the winner of "The Apprentice" that perhaps the runner up should also get a job. Why he left that decision to the winner baffled me. Isn't Trump the guy in charge?

So, from one of the classiest competition shows to the silliest. This week's "Reality Bites Back" had the remaining contestants trying to put on weight. LaVell Crawford, known for his appearance in last season's "Las Comic Standing", was one of the trainers. It was a little scary watching people being forced to eat enormous amounts of unhealthy foods, but it wasn't as nauseating as scenes of eating disgusting things on shows ranging from "Survivor" to Tila Tequila's show. I guess some things are easier to swallow than others.

Their elimination process was a little different, and not particularly fair. The winner, the person who gained the most, was Mo Mandel who then selected someone to stay. That person then selected the next person to stay. Finally, when there were two contestants left, the last person given immunity was the one to decide who would stay and who would go home. That unenvyable job went to Red Grant. He was left to choose between Tiffany Haddish and Bert Kreischer. He chose Bert who had been his teammate for this week's competition. Tiffany was not a gracious loser. The only thing I was happy about was that Amy Schumer, who had gained the least, will still be on the show. Also still remaining are Theo Von and Chris Fairbanks.

I realize that "Reality Bites Back" is poking fun, not only at reality shows, but also at people like me who watch them. Should I be offended? Probably. But I'm having fun, so who cares?