Joost Blog

Every now and then a reality TV show comes along and reminds you why you started reality TV shows in the first place.

Premiering now on Joost (in the U.S., before it hits TV) is Redemption Song, which combines the best aspects of reality shows into one hour of goodness.

1. The singing component. Yes, this is a contest to get a recording contract, a la American Idol. And like American Idol, some of the performances are truly awful.

2. The “live in a house…with strangers” component. All 11 competitors live in the same house, a la The Real World – but in a special Goldilocks twist, there aren’t enough beds for everyone.

3. The all-girl component. A la America’s Next Top Model, all the contestants are female

4. The famous host component. In this case, it'sWWE star Chris Jericho.

5. The elimination component. Each week, one contestant is eliminated in what is the most brutal elimination ritual in reality TV history.

But there are a bunch of twists that make this show truly BRILLIANT (and this show, which is new today, is already become a staff favorite). Rather than being young and naïve, most of the contestants are in varying stages of down on their luck. Because I love the show so much, I watched it twice today, and I highly recommend it because I missed a bunch the first time around. Like Elisa – who mentioned that she was kicked out of Cobra Starship for dating the lead singer, until it’s uncovered, during a game of truth or dare, that she started STALKING said “boyfriend.”

Yes, I did say truth or dare – and it seems like the producers might have suggested that they play this game (some of the game might be too hot for TV, but we’re online, so watch the edited clips). Indeed, it seems like the producers are determined to throw as many obstacles, also known as copious amounts of alcohol, at these women. These ladies have a full bar (staffed, I might add, by a hot bartender) in the house. It’s a pretty good strategy: I’m sure Geffen Records doesn’t want to sign someone who’s headed straight for rehab (which, incidentally, happens to be one of the songs the ladies have to sing in their surprise elimination round) AND it provides plenty of fights and drunken ridiculousness. Keep in mind there are women in this house who have extremely hot tempers – like, Jazmin, who threw another woman through a window – and women like Mixi who was loaded when she auditioned for the show and resolves one fight by saying, "So, shots?"

Intentional and unintentional comedy aside, the show is also quite poignant. Some of these women have real talent but have faced tough challenges, made bad choices or just been plain unlucky. Redemption Song is probably the first time anyone has given them a chance, and they last chance they’ll have to make it.

* This is, in fact, the show's tagline.