The good news, I guess, is that even if the people who appear on these shows are creepy exhibitionists, at least the people watching these shows have some discretion. They’ll watch ordinary people answer questions for money, or eat insects by campfire, but they won’t watch them just. . . being. Just sort of hanging out.
One of the greatest episodes of one of the greatest television shows, The Honeymooners, had the hapless Ralph Kramden (the great Jackie Gleason, playing “ordinary”) convinced that a new invention, a kitchen tool dubbed the “Handy Housewife Helper,” would make him rich. All he needed to do was advertise, he bellowed pridefully to his companion, Norton. And what better on-camera spokesman than Ralph himself? Of course, the moment the camera light goes on, he freezes and makes a fool of himself. It’s funny, naturally, but it also teaches a valuable lesson: Being on television is harder than it looks. (As a wise man once said to me, everything is harder than it looks.) Actually being natural and free may be a boring and appalling task, but at least it’s easy to do. Appearing natural and free, on the other hand, is a much trickier challenge. As they used to warn us on adventure-stunt shows: These people are professionals. Do not try this at home. NR
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