More Top Reality TV Moments
2006's Best Includes Dog, Tyra and Hell's Kitchen too!
In the second installment of the top reality moments of 2006, we give big ups to families, models and chefs. Yippee!
In the first installment of this article, we paid homage to our American Idol, a diva called New York and an evil doctor. We get a bit more wholesome in this second installment. (Okay, maybe not!) Without further ado, here are the rest of our favorite reality TV moments from 2006.
Dog’s Family Speaks
When Duane “Dog” Chapman was arrested in September and sent to a Mexican prison with son, Leland, and his associate, Tim Chapman (not a blood relation), his wife Beth got on the horn. She alerted the media. The family and many fans - myself included – didn’t think it was right that Dog was being punished for capturing convicted rapist and cosmetics fortune heir, Andrew Luster. Her actions and our reactions helped Dog plead his case.
In fact, the family talked about their situation in a real, raw and very honest special called Dog: The Family Speaks which aired on A&E in September. It was one of the best and brightest moments in reality TV history. Absolutely amazing!
Marcel Fights with Everyone on Top Chef 2
I like cocky cooks. Marcel, the young man with the Jimmy Neutron meets James Dean hair, has really brought the heat to the second season of Bravo’s Top Chef. Sure, he may not be the best of the best, but he thinks he is. He’s selfish, self-serving and a bit of a suck-up. None of the contestants buy his act and call him on his cocksure swagger each episode. He almost got beaten up by Frank and Betty gave him a major dressing-down. Oh man! We can’t wait to see who will spar with him next.
Talent beats Palate on Hell's Kitchen
I told you I liked cocky cooks. Who’s cockier than Chef Gordon Ramsay? The man peppers his language with more curse words than a Boston-area truck driver (That’s a wicked lot…let me tell you). Ramsay and the runner-up this season, Virginia, turned up the heat with a flirtation of sorts that caused many of the contestants to cry fowl. (Bad pun, I know.)
In the end, Heather, the talented girl who rocked the dinner services, beat out Virginia, whose taste in décor and menu on the final challenge had Ramsay doubting both her palate and her talent. Heather proved that it’s not always the flirty girl who gets the prize.
Tyra Gives Miss and Mr Jay More Face Time on Top Model
I love me some America’s Next Top Model. What I love the most about this show is Mr. and Miss Jay. They’re fab-u-lous! Over the cycles of the series, Tyra has given more responsibility and more face time to her cronies. They deserve it. They bring sheer joy, humor and such fun to the show. Kudos to Miss Tyra for not being greedy. She really takes care of her friends and let’s them shine in their own right.
Gene Simmons Proves He’s a Real Family Man
I used to think of Gene Simmons as a real cad. The man’s bedded more women than I care to count. He’s made a living out of having a long tongue and being a bit on the sleazy side. It’s good to see that he and Shannon Tweed have such a normal, loving and fun family life. Their children, Nick and Sophie Tweed-Simmons are well-behaved. They are working towards their goals. They’re not your typical celebrity spawned brats. Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels was such a sweet surprise. It was wholesome – despite some of Gene’s business ideas, funny and a lot of fun to watch. I can’t wait for its return. (Hint, hint, A&E!)
