Summer TV here in the US isn't known for being particularly good. Until now. Two shows, reality shows none-the-less have caught my eye. They are the Takeshi's Castle (aka MXC in the US) knockoff WIPEOUT and I Survived a Japanese Gameshow both on ABC.

Wipeout, the MXC clone is hilarious. One of the hosts is the John Henson. You remember, the old host of Talk Soup! Now that was a great show on E! back in the day. He's still funny and he looks to be as out of shape as me. Bet he gets all kinds of tail though...but anyway... The great thing about this show, without a doubt, are the crashes. And there are plenty of those. Those giant red bounce balls on the first obstacle course are murder! The sweeping red pole in the second round is also good for plenty of lulz.

When I first saw the promo for I Survived a Japanese Gameshow I was a little skeptical about how good it would be. I mean come on, it's dumb Americans going to my Japan and acting like typical first timers to Japan. Well, that's exactly what it is and I don't know why/how but I LOVE IT! For one, it provides me with a chance to practice my rapidly dwindling (yikes!) Japanese listening skills. And for two, three, four, and five it's actually pretty funny! I love seeing the bad Americans act like total retards! I mean that's pretty much how I acted for four years in Kyobashi, Osaka so I guess the show hits home in a good way. Can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the season.

I guess summer TV ain't all bad after all. These will hold me over until LOST, BSG, and Reaper return.