Considering that MTV has decided to forego its namesake – namely, music television – I humbly offer my more accurate amelioration: Misleading Their Viewers. See, MTV specializes in a particular type of programming that I like to call “augmented reality.” Through the likes of Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, My Super Sweet Sixteen, and countless others, MTV has misled an entire generation into thinking the real life can be glamorous and consequence-free as long as you act like a pathetically apathetic, entitled ass.
Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory helps counterbalance the female portion of the preteen populace tuning in to see someone getting and doing whatever they want without repercussion. Though not as physically tolling (stupid) as the stunts attempted on its predecessor, Jackass, Dyrdek takes many of his cues from the same sense of thrill that drove the likes of Johnny Knoxville, one of the many surprises bound to excite fans of the show.
Catapulted by his skateboarding career, Dyrdek never seems to have any problem acquiring the always outlandish and sometimes awesome accessories that he chooses to pass his time with. And while a guy who shares the spoils of his success with his friends can’t be the worst role model, I question the motives of anyone with “alter-agos.” I will admit, his “Corkscrew Kickflip” in a car is definitely a sight to behold, but copycats are bound to earn their own special mention in the next Darwin Awards.
MTV will begin airing back-to-back episodes of Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory on Monday, March 19 at 10:00 and 10:30 pm.
