My thoughts on…the return of American Gladiators
Ever since I got the Internet, I rarely watch TV, save for news. Not even the epic Heroes can hold my interest. My sister and I used to fight over the remote. Now we fight over the mouse. But the return of a television classic may change that, if even for a while. American Gladiators is set to return on Sunday, January 6th, 2008 on NBC, and I could not be happier. I spent untold hours of my youth watching that show, and it holds a particularly special place in my heart. (Yes. I actually have one of those.)
To me it was like a real life Power Rangers. Grown-ups dressed like Captain America wannabes engaged in pointless battles with each other and scurrying through colourful, elaborate mazes like rats for our amusement. I still remember names like Nitro, Tower, Thunder and Bronco. Sure, the women were a bit masculine, the guys were meatheads and the tights looked kinda gay on them. Plus the game mechanics weren’t the most intricate, but I liked the action, and I would often imagine myself in the show, especially in the Hamster Ball.
Now that I’ve entered adulthood, looking back on the series, I must say it was a bit immature. But I’d be a hypocrite if I scoffed at it, as I like similar shows such as MXC and Ninja Warrior. (Here’s a little fun fact for you Naruto fans. Ninja Warrior is called “Sasuke” in Japan.) And sometimes you gotta throw your brain out the window and enjoy the show. Heck, I do that for half the crap Hollywood spits out anyway. The new American Gladiators promises to have new obstacles and of course, new gladiators. The hosts will be Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali, daughter of “The Greatest” and who I just noticed is super fine. The rest is pretty much a mystery. You can watch the video here, and yes Taylor, it does look 300-ish. I’m definately gonna watch. Hey. If that crappy Cavemen could get a decent shot on the airwaves, then why not this?
