Dead ringer for Springer (Trisha)

Member Name: Sue Ellen

Product:	Trisha
Date:	30/06/00 (65 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can't think of any

Disadvantages: Desensitises us to conflict, the answer to peoples’ problems will not be found here

I actually think that Trisha is an intelligent woman who could do a lot better for herself than present a show like this. Basically, the programme is a UK version of the Jerry Springer show, although toned down a bit. There’s no fighting that I’ve seen– although I did see a man with SECURITY emblazoned across the back of his T-shirt come on to ‘have a word’ with one of the guests the other day, I couldn’t believe it. And I don’t think you get much swearing either, whereas on Jerry Springer what little dialogue there is is almost impossible to follow anyway, what with all the beeps. Still, give it a few years and I’m sure we’ll reach the same standard.

Briefly, it’s a show that centres around conflicts in relationships. Usually someone persuades their partner/friend/parent/child to come on the show to be confronted about something, such as being taunted about being fat, not communicating enough within the relationship, taking drugs, not taking responsibility for their children, etc.

I cannot understand why anyone would come on this programme. If you’ve got a problem, whatever that may be, surely the answer is not to go and air it in front of the nation? And Trisha may seem very sympathetic, but the fact is that the guests aren’t on there out of any sense of concern from the programme-makers, but because it makes entertaining viewing (for some) and money (for them).

Not too long ago, there was a show in which a man brought his mother on to confront her about her gambling problem. Trisha seemed to be quite harsh on her, and the audience, ever judgmental, all sided with her son. The poor woman eventually ran off the set crying. I wonder if that helped her gambling addiction in any way.

I certainly don’t see any entertainment in watching other people upset each other. Too much of this kind of thing desensitises us to conflict and strong emotion, which I don
’t think is a good thing. I can vaguely recall the first reality show of this kind, I think it was where married couples came on and received ‘counselling’. I remember how funny it was to see them arguing and shouting at each other on television. Nowadays, it would be mundane and tame in comparison.

No, I don’t watch this programme regularly, but I confess that I do switch on occasionally just to see if there’s been any improvement. I’m sad to say that so far, the answer is no, and I don’t hold out much hope for the future.

Summary: